“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17, ESV).
Do you have many friends in your life? Is there someone you trust completely; someone willing to stand by your side through ups and downs? It is common, especially during adolescence, to cultivate friendships and companionship to share conversations and common experiences. In 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV), Paul mentions: “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or hatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” This also includes seeking friendships that glorify God. Today we will draw some valuable lessons from the beautiful story of the friendship between David and Jonathan.
“After Goliath’s death, Saul invited David to live in the royal palace and prevented him from returning to his father’s house. It was then that ‘Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself’ (1 Samuel 18:1). The two young men made a covenant of brotherhood, and Jonathan gave David his robe, his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt (1 Samuel 18:4). Despite this, David remained humble and earned the favor of the people and the royal family. It was clear that he was blessed by God.” – Adapted from Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 404.
In another episode of David’s life, we witness Saul’s jealousy and his attempt to kill David. Jonathan, as a loyal friend, “revealed his father’s plan to David and instructed him to hide, while he interceded with his father, Saul, to spare the life of Israel’s deliverer. Jonathan explained to the king David’s actions for the benefit of the nation, highlighting the terrible crime it would be to kill the one God had used to defeat Israel’s enemies. Saul’s conscience was touched, and his heart softened. ‘As surely as the Lord lives,’ Saul said, ‘David will not be put to death’ (1 Samuel 19:6). David was then brought back into Saul’s presence and served him as before.” – Adapted from Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 652.
David faced many adversities, and on one of these occasions, when he was hiding once again under the threat of death from Saul, he met Jonathan. At that moment, “Jonathan’s soul was deeply saddened when, as agreed, he met David to share his father’s evil intentions. They embraced and wept bitterly.” – Adapted from Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 655.
“The oppression by the king weighed heavily on them, and the pain was indescribable. As they parted, Jonathan said to David, ‘Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord, saying, “The Lord is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever”‘ (1 Samuel 20:42).” — Adapted from Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 408.
After this painful encounter, with little hope of seeing each other again, David left for Nob, where the Tabernacle was located. He fled from Saul for more than a decade. The last time he saw his beloved friend Jonathan was while hiding in Horesh, feeling great fear because Saul sought him daily to kill him, but “God did not give David into Saul’s hands” (1 Samuel 23:14).
“When David’s horizon was filled with uncertainty, he was glad at Jonathan’s unexpected visit, for he had found David’s hiding place. The precious moments they spent together strengthened their friendship. They shared experiences, and Jonathan encouraged David, saying, ‘Don’t be afraid, for my father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this’ (1 Samuel 23:17). As they discussed God’s wonderful deeds in David’s life, the exile felt greatly encouraged. ‘The two of them made a covenant before the Lord. Then Jonathan went home, but David remained at Horesh'” – Adapted from Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 660.
There was another battle between Israel and the Philistines, but this time Saul and nis three sons, including Jonathan, lost their lives.
“Then David and all the men with him took hold of their clothes and tore them. They mourned and wept and fasted till evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the army of the Lord and for the nation of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword” (2 Samuel 1:11-12).
Imagine the pain of losing such a dear friend. “I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women” (2 Samuel 1:26).
“David, in his covenant with Jonathan, had promised that when he had peace from his enemies, he would show kindness to Saul’s house. During his time of prosperity, he asked, ‘Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?’ (2 Samuel 9:1, adapted). He was informed about Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son, who had been crippled since childhood. The child’s nurse had dropped him while fleeing during Saul’s defeat by the Philistines in Jezreel, and he remained lame for the rest of his life. David then brought Mephibosheth to his court and treated him with great kindness. Saul’s property was restored to sustain his family, and Mephibosheth became a regular guest at the royal table. Though Mephibosheth had been influenced by rumors against David as a usurper, the king’s generosity and courtesy won his heart. He developed a strong affection for David and recognized that his interests aligned with those of the king chosen by God.” Adapted from Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 713.
What can we learn from this inspiring story of friendship? It teaches us about the importance of loyalty and trust between friends. True friendship is revealed in shared joy during happy times and constant presence during difficult moments, as we saw in the story of David and Jonathan. Whenever David needed support, Jonathan was there to help and renew his confidence in God during challenges. It is essential that we also strive to be this kind of friend for the people we relate to.
Another important lesson we can learn is that friendships should have God’s approval, as was the case with the relationship between David and Jonathan.
TRUE FRIENDSHIP IS REVEALED IN SHARED JOY DURING HAPPY TIMES AND CONSTANT PRESENCE DURING DIFFICULT MOMENTS…
“Jonathan’s friendship with David was a divine provision intended to preserve the the life of Israel’s future king. In all these events, God was fulfilling His purposes of grace, both for David and for the people of Israel.” – Adapted from Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 649.
Friendships have significant impact on our lives: “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” (Proverbs 13:20 NIV).
Every relationship we establish, no matter how limited, exerts some influence over us. How much we submit to these influences will be determined by the degree of intimacy, frequency of contact, as well as our love and respect for the person we relate to.
We should be discerning when choosing our friends: “The matter of choosing associates is one which students should learn to consider seriously. Among the youth who attend our schools there will always be found two classes, those who seek to please God and to obey their teachers, and those who are filled with a spirit of lawlessness. If the youth go with the multitude to do evil, their influence will be cast on side of the adversary of souls; they will mislead those who have not cherished principles of
unswerving fidelity” – Messages to Young People, p. 411.
Young friends, do not waste even an hour in the company of those who would lead you away from the pure and sacred service of God. Do not do in front of strangers what you would not do in front of your parents or what you would be ashamed to do before Christ and the holy angels.
God is in control of our lives and will always provide people in our circle of friends who will help us fulfill His purpose. Just as He did with the friendship between Jonathan and David, God works in all things “for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, NIV).
Lastly, it is important to emphasize that above all life circumstances, we have an incomparable friend, and His name is Jesus. He said: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
You are my friends if you do what | command. I no longer call you servants,… Instead, I have called you friends” (John 15:13-15, NIV).
THIS IS WONDERFUL NEWS! “NOTHING IN ALL CREATION WILL EVER BE ABLE TO SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD THAT IS REVEALED IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD.” (ROMANS 8:39, NLT). ARE YOU WILLING TO BE A FRIEND OF JESUS?
