An Unlikely, Profound Friendship

This is the third of seven posts highlighting lessons we can learn

from a variety of different Bible characters.

I’ve always been drawn to the story of the incredible bond of friendship between David and Jonathan. They were able to transcend differences in position and power, because their friendship was based on mutual trust and a mutual faith in God. 

When they first meet, Jonathan is a prince; the son of a King. David is a shepherd boy; the son of a farmer and sheep breeder. They are unequal socially and economically. They have nothing in common.

Yet a friendship springs up when David stands alone, without any support from the Israeli army, and single-handedly kills the giant Goliath. Jonathan witnesses this short, yet fateful battle and is amazed at David's skill. 

His bravery. 

And, most of all, David’s unwavering faith in God.

The Scripture tells us that Jonathan "became one in spirit with David and loved him as himself." In fact, Jonathan gives the young shepherd boy his own royal robe, and all of his armor and weapons. It is an unprecedented gift, which David graciously receives. And so, right on the spot, they make a lasting promise of mutual loyalty and friendship. 

It’s more than a promise; it’s a covenant. A holy commitment before God. 

This pledge is sorely tested by circumstances, because Jonathan’s father – King Saul – becomes increasingly jealous, as David proves himself in battle time and time again. Furthermore, God makes it clear that King Saul’s rule will come to end and David will be the next king…not Jonathan. David becomes the object of the King’s rage and Saul even tries to kill him. 

What a predicament between two friends. One the King’s son; one the King’s enemy. And only one – Jonathan – the logical heir to the throne. 

It would be so natural for Jonathan to take his father’s side. To assume that his father’s anger is justified. To stand with the King against a lowly shepherd. To view David as an interloper who will take the throne away. 

It would be so natural for David to resent the son of the man who opposes him. To assume that Jonathan would, in fact, support the King. To assume that Jonathan sees David as a rival for the throne, rather than as a brother in the faith. 

It’s a perfect recipe for the disintegration of a friendship. A perfect opportunity to disavow the covenant. 

Why doesn’t this happen? Because David and Jonathan refuse to make assumptions. Their decisions are not based on emotion, or personal preferences. Instead, they stand on the truth. 

The truth that flows from their mutual faith in God. 

Jonathan sees a deep faith in David; David sees a deep faith in Jonathan. So David refuses to redirect his anger at Saul toward Jonathan. He refuses to entertain any doubts about the depth of Jonathan’s friendship. 

And Jonathan? He is able to distinguish between his desire to love and respect his father…and any desire he might have to become the next king…and the vital importance of doing God’s will. Jonathan believes that God’s hand is on David, so he puts himself at risk, by making it his mission to protect David from the King’s rage. He willingly comes between his friend and his father. 

It’s an incredibly difficult stand to take, yet he does it anyway. Why? 

Because of truth. 

Because of faith. 

Because of the holy covenant of friendship. 

It’s the right thing to do; the godly thing to do. And yet the result is painful, as Jonathan then incurs Saul’s wrath. The King accuses him of treason and even tries to kill him. So Jonathan pays a huge price for his loyalty to David. It’s a tragic reminder that fulfilling a holy covenant may come at a cost.

Sometimes at great cost. 

He and David meet together one last time, they renew their covenant, and they make it binding on their descendants. Yet they never see each other again, as Jonathan is killed in battle, standing near the father who had denounced him. 

And David? Late in life, he finds Jonathan’s last remaining son, a crippled young man named Mephibosheth, and brings him to the palace. David treats him like royalty, as a son of the King.

He did not have to do this, because no one knew about Mephibosheth; no one knew about his pledge to Jonathan.

But David did. And David knew that God did. So he fulfills the holy covenant. The covenant based on truth, on faith, and on undying friendship. 

What would it take for me…for you…to be a godly friend like one of these two men of faith?

Let me pray for you. Heavenly Father, thank you for the friendship of Jonathan and David. I pray that those reading this blog can reflect a similar kind of love and devotion in their own friendships others. Most importantly, may they look beyond position, or power, or social standing…and offer friendship to those who display a deep and abiding faith in you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.