And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. I Samuel 18:3 (Chapters 18-20)
One of the Bible’s most beautiful stories is that of Jonathan and David’s noble friendship. Jonathan was Saul’s son, next in line to the throne. David would be the next king, because Saul’s house would not stand, but from the moment they met, these two men shared a very special bond. In their covenant making, Jonathan and David exchanged clothes and weapons. This is symbolic of becoming one. From afar, Jonathan would be taken for David and likewise, David for Jonathan. From that moment on, one’s actions effected the other because they were bound by covenant.
This passage of scripture is more than a narration of friendship, it is the continuing story of a dysfunctional Saul who was haunted by jealousy and engaged many efforts to rid the world of the young ‘upstart’ David. On each occasion Jonathan assisted in saving David’s life at extreme inconvenience to himself.
Instinct and chemistry are given much credit in man’s successful, interpersonal relationships, but with David and Jonathan it was the common faith, in a higher purpose, directed by an Almighty, One True God. The natural course of events would demand all of Saul’s family be annihilated to assure David an undisputed throne, but again, God had other plans for two men who gave each other an untainted allegiance. Watch for their continuing saga in God’s love story of Grace and Mercy.
Love,
Gretchen