Ten Men: The Rich Connections Every Man Needs (A Study of King David)Sample

Covenant Friendships (David & Jonathan)

There seems to be very little gap in Scripture between David’s surprising friendship with Jonathan and his public victory over Goliath. The Bible tells us that David met with Saul while still holding the head of Goliath in his hand (see 1 Samuel 17:57), and they immediately discussed David’s background with Jonathan (Saul’s son) listening in. “When David had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was bonded to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself” (1 Samuel 18:1 AMP). The blood dripping from the severed head of Goliath had not even coagulated yet, and David already had a miracle connection—a friendship he desperately needed.

Jonathan was an unexpected ally because he was the son of King Saul. He was a prince and the assumed future king of Israel. Yet, the very person who should’ve been threatened by David instead had a God-given affection—a holy admiration—for David. The text says, “Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself” (1 Samuel 18:3 AMP). This covenant happened quickly. Jonathan encountered someone with the same spirit he had, and he was drawn to him. Even more, Jonathan loved God like David did, and he was a warrior. Their similarities of passion fueled their friendship at a record pace. Jonathan had met his best friend.

We modern men are not used to the friendship language used in Scripture. Consider this phrase: “Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself” (1 Samuel 18:1 NIV). Jonathan swore that he would do anything to protect David from his father, King Saul. (See 1 Samuel 20:4.) David spoke about loyalty and called Jonathan his “sworn friend.” (See 1 Samuel 20:8). Later in that same chapter, there is talk about oaths and even more covenants. In the last verse of this chapter, Jonathan said to David, “The LORD is the witness of a bond between us and our children forever” (1 Samuel 20:42 NLT). Who talks like this? We sure don’t anymore. Maybe we should. Maybe we need to bring back the honor of covenants, so we might experience the blessing of true friendship.

True, God-given covenant friendships are bigger than the sum of their parts. This relationship would outlive and outpace David and Jonathan so much that we are still impacted by it today. There is a multiplication effect when two callings come together for a kingdom purpose. This is what Jonathan’s friendship did for David. Alone, he was powerful, but only with the help of Jonathan could David navigate the treacherous waters that surrounded his kingly calling. We all need a relational miracle like this.