A Friend in Need

In the relationship described between David and Jonathan in 1 Samuel chapters 19-20, we discover some essential aspects found in Biblical friendships. The friendship between these two kindred spirits is not based on sentimentality, but on a covenant relationship. Covenant language is utilized throughout the chapter, for example: faithful, devoted love (7-8), promises and oaths exchanged (12-17), Yahweh invoked as guardian (23), covenant commitment (24-34), and covenant peace (35-42). Amid king Saul's continued attempts on David's life, it is only based on covenant, that David would dare trust, of all people, Saul's son. The covenant established a safe haven in an otherwise treacherous environment.

Jonathan's commitment to David flouted every expedient political strategy for the heir apparent to the throne. David's trust in his enemy's son defied all reason. Common sense and political policy would dictate otherwise, but the power of a covenant overcame it all. Jonathan models the life of the disciple of Christ, as he puts Yahweh's kingdom first (Mt 6:33); he remains committed to David, even at the cost of his relationship with his father (Luke 14:26). His obligation would eventually cost him his very life (Mt 16:24-26). Jonathan's priorities demonstrate that life is not to be occupied with getting ahead, making a mark, or achieving a goal, but by living in covenant. It was a covenant bond between two men that would eventually establish peace (20:41-42); this was not a peace as the world knows peace (John 14:27), but a covenant bond – a relationship that holds fast even amid turbulent chaos.