Day 8 — David and Jonathan

“After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself… Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. And Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt.”

— 1 Samuel 18:1, 3–4 (BSB)

After David defeated Goliath, King Saul brought him to the palace. And there David met Saul’s son, Prince Jonathan.

The Bible says their souls were “knit together.” They became best friends. Jonathan made a covenant with David, a serious promise to always be loyal to him. Then he took off his royal robe, his sword, his bow and his belt, and gave them to David.

That was a big deal. Jonathan was the prince. Someday he was supposed to become king. But Jonathan knew God had chosen David to be the next king instead. And rather than being jealous, Jonathan gave David his royal robe, as if to say, I know God has chosen you, and I’m on your side.

Later, King Saul became jealous of David and tried to kill him. Saul was Jonathan’s own father! But Jonathan stayed loyal to David. He warned David about Saul’s plans and helped him escape, even though it put Jonathan in danger and made his father furious.

And once, when David was hiding in the wilderness, afraid and worn out, Jonathan went to find him and helped him find strength in God (1 Samuel 23:16). That’s the best thing a friend can do.

Here’s what David and Jonathan’s friendship teaches us:

Good friends aren’t jealous. Jonathan could have seen David as a rival. Instead, he celebrated what God was doing in David’s life.

Good friends are loyal. Jonathan stuck with David even when it cost him a lot.

Good friends point you to God. Jonathan didn’t just cheer David up. He strengthened his faith.

Good friends are generous. Jonathan gave David his best things.

Is there someone in your life who is a Jonathan to you? Can you be a Jonathan to someone else?

Think about it: Which of Jonathan’s qualities (not jealous, loyal, pointing to God, generous) is hardest for you as a friend?

Try this: Be a “Jonathan” to a friend today. Encourage them in their faith, celebrate something good in their life, or give them something that means something to you.

Dear God, thank You for the friendship of David and Jonathan. Help me be a friend like Jonathan: loyal, generous, never jealous, and always pointing my friends to You. And please give me friends like that too. In Jesus’ name, Amen.