I Samuel 19:1-7
King Solomon wrote, “A friend loveth at all times” (Proverbs 17:17) and “there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). King David, Solomon’s father knew the truth of these proverbs because of the loyal devotion and friendship of Jonathan, King Saul’s eldest son, and heir to the Israelite throne. Perhaps Solomon as he grew up heard David talk about the deep loyalty of his friend Jonathan. This message reveals how blessed a person is who has a friend like Jonathan.
In verses 1-3, Saul announced that he wanted David killed. Jonathan (son of Saul) warned David. In fact, Jonathan had David to hide, until he could try to calm his father down.
In verses. 4-5, Jonathan advocates with Saul for David. Jonathan notes how David is Saul’s servant. He talks about how David’s victories have been beneficial to Saul. And he talks about how it is wrong to kill an innocent man like David.
In verses 6-7, Saul listened to Jonathan. Saul took an oath to not put David to death. Jonathan went and told David and brought him to King Saul.
Applications:
Misused power. Notice in verse 1 that Saul was abusing his power……Let’s work on using power correctly and trusting God to handle those who misuse power.
Advocacy. Notice in verses 1-5 that Jonathan and David were not only friends but Jonathan advocated for David…..Let’s work on being godly advocates in this dark and decaying time (Mt. 5:13-16).
Changing course and integrity. Notice in verse 6 that Saul listened to Jonathan and changed course with an oath……Let’s work on being willing to do better when we learn better and being people of integrity.
Communication. Notice in verse 7 that Jonathan reported back and communicated with David as promised…… Let’s work on relational communication.
Reconciliation. Notice in verse 7 that David and Saul are back together with both sides trying to go forward from here……Let’s seek the wisdom and spiritual strength to reconcile at least among family members and Christians.
The loyal friendship between Jonathan and “David” motivated Jonathan to challenge the king’s actions toward “David” which took real courage. Jonathan’s actions demonstrated true friendship in that his life could also have been in danger for defending someone whom the king wanted killed.
Whether he was innocent or not (I Samuel 20:32-33). Later, David’s son, Solomon would write “A friend loveth at all times” (Proverbs 17:17), and “there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). Both “David” and Jonathan are great examples of covenant friendship.
Conclusion: Friendship ties are illustrated with the relationship between David and Jonathan in this message. The depth of this relationship is seen in that Jonathan loved David “as his own soul” (I Samuel 18:3). The Bible gives us heartwarming accounts to encourage and to motivate us.
People become so busy today that they seldom take the time to develop close friendships; friendships that cannot truly develop over twitter or Facebook. Relationships like the one between Jonathan and David need to be developed so that individuals can grow together in their love for the Lord.