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Jonathan’s Loyalty and Friendship with David

In the quiet aftermath of the battle in the Valley of Elah, with the army tents fluttering in the breeze, King Saul was listening intently to a young shepherd’s recounting of his incredible deed. This young man was David, brimming with zeal and passion. Among the audience was Saul’s eldest son, Jonathan, who had his share of victories in Jehovah’s army. Yet, this day’s triumph was not Jonathan’s; it was David’s, for he had slain the giant Goliath. One might wonder if Jonathan felt overshadowed or envious of David’s newfound acclaim.

Surprisingly, Jonathan’s response was far from jealousy. The scripture tells us: “Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.” Jonathan even bestowed upon David his own combat gear, including his renowned bow, signaling a generous heart as Jonathan was a skilled archer. Furthermore, Jonathan and David forged a covenant, a binding pact of mutual support and friendship. —1 Samuel 18:1-5.

This marked the beginning of one of the most profound friendships documented in the Scriptures. Friendship holds significant value for the faithful, especially when chosen with discernment. Being a loyal and supportive companion can fortify our faith in these challenging times of prevalent indifference. (Proverbs 27:17) Let’s explore what Jonathan’s friendship teaches us about forming and nurturing bonds that strengthen our faith.

The Roots of a Remarkable Bond

The rapid formation of the friendship between Jonathan and David raises questions about its underlying reasons. To grasp the essence of their connection, it’s essential to reflect on the circumstances surrounding them. Jonathan was navigating through a tumultuous period, marked by the troubling transformation of his father, King Saul. Initially a modest, faithful man, Saul had devolved into a prideful, defiant ruler — a shift that undoubtedly distressed Jonathan, who was close to his father. Jonathan must have pondered the potential repercussions of Saul’s actions on God’s nation, worrying about the spiritual welfare of his people.

This context is crucial for understanding Jonathan’s draw to the young David. Jonathan recognized David’s unwavering faith, a stark contrast to the fear that paralyzed Saul’s army in the face of Goliath’s daunting presence. David, armed with the name of Jehovah, believed he had a mightier weapon than Goliath’s physical arsenal. Jonathan himself had displayed a similar conviction years before, confident that he and his armor-bearer could overcome a host of enemies because “Nothing can hinder Jehovah.”

The profound faith and love for Jehovah shared by Jonathan and David laid a solid foundation for their friendship. Despite the differences in their status — Jonathan, a prince nearly 50, and David, a young shepherd possibly under 20 — their bond was unaffected. Their covenant served as a safeguard, ensuring their friendship’s integrity.

When we first meet Jonathan in the Scriptures, during the early part of Saul’s rule, he is leading a military unit, indicating he was at least 20 years of age, as that was the minimum age for military service. (Numbers 1:3; 1 Samuel 13:2) Given Saul’s 40-year reign, Jonathan would have been around 60 by the time of Saul’s passing. David, on the other hand, was 30 years old when Saul died. (1 Samuel 31:2; 2 Samuel 5:4) This means that Jonathan was approximately 30 years older than David.

Openness was key to their relationship. David, aware of his future kingship as revealed by Jehovah, did not conceal this destiny from Jonathan. This transparency was pivotal; had Jonathan harbored aspirations to the throne, learning of David’s future could have been challenging. Yet, the scriptures highlight Jonathan’s fidelity and faith, emphasizing his recognition of Jehovah’s presence with David and his commitment to their friendship over personal ambition.

Jonathan and David’s relationship teaches the importance of selecting friends who share a deep faith in Jehovah, regardless of age or background differences. Their ability to support and uplift each other was invaluable, especially as they faced increasing trials. This narrative illustrates the power of friendships rooted in faith, encouraging us to cherish and cultivate such bonds in our lives.

Navigating the Crossroads of Loyalty

Initially, King Saul held David in high esteem, entrusting him with significant military responsibilities. However, Saul’s feelings took a dark turn, giving in to jealousy, an adversary Jonathan himself had never succumbed to. As David’s successes on the battlefield multiplied, so did his popularity among the Israelites, inciting Saul’s envy further. The praises sung by the women of Israel, comparing David’s victories favorably against Saul’s, only fueled Saul’s suspicion and fear of losing his throne to David—a baseless fear, given David’s respect for Saul’s position as Jehovah’s anointed.

Saul’s attempts to orchestrate David’s death on the battlefield failed, escalating his schemes to involve his household and eldest son, Jonathan, in a plot against David. Jonathan, torn between his devotion to his father and his friendship with David, faced a dilemma as these loyalties clashed.

Courageously, Jonathan confronted his father, advocating for David’s innocence and highlighting David’s valorous contributions to Israel’s victory over the Philistines. He questioned the justification of seeking David’s life, leading to a momentary change of heart in Saul, who vowed not to harm David. Yet, Saul’s promise proved fleeting; his jealousy rekindled, prompting another attack on David, who narrowly escaped.

The conflict between familial loyalty and friendship, particularly when both parties are entwined in matters of faith and morality, presents a profound challenge. Jonathan’s situation teaches a valuable lesson: loyalty to God should guide our actions, especially when faced with competing allegiances. By choosing to defend David, Jonathan aligned himself with righteousness, despite the personal and familial implications. His loyalty to Saul also remained intact, as he sought to counsel his father truthfully rather than appease him deceitfully.

This narrative encourages us to weigh our loyalties carefully, prioritizing our commitment to Godly principles. Like Jonathan, we are reminded that true loyalty does not require choosing between loved ones and righteousness but integrating both in a manner that honors our faith and convictions.

Jonathan’s Test of Integrity and Friendship

Jonathan found himself in a precarious position when David, fearing for his life, confided, “I’m but a step away from death.” Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Jonathan devised a plan to gauge King Saul’s intentions, using a bow and arrows as signals for David, who was in hiding. Jonathan made a heartfelt request to David, asking him to promise never to withhold his loyalty from Jonathan’s family, even when all David’s enemies were defeated. David committed to protecting Jonathan’s descendants, sealing their bond of mutual loyalty.

However, when Jonathan attempted to defend David to Saul, the conversation took a violent turn. Saul, blinded by rage and jealousy, insulted Jonathan and condemned his alliance with David, framing it as a betrayal to their family and a threat to Jonathan’s claim to the throne. Despite Saul’s attempts to sway him with the prospect of kingship, Jonathan remained steadfast, questioning the rationale behind David’s death sentence. Saul’s response was a spear thrown in fury, aimed at his own son. The attack missed, but it left Jonathan emotionally wounded and furious, highlighting the depth of Saul’s animosity towards David.

The following day, adhering to their plan, Jonathan discreetly informed David of Saul’s unrelenting pursuit. After sending his attendant away, Jonathan and David shared a private, emotionally charged farewell. The scene was poignant, marked by tears and the painful realization of their impending separation. Jonathan’s support for David came at a personal cost, demonstrating a remarkable level of selflessness and loyalty.

This episode underscores a crucial lesson about integrity and the rejection of self-interest. Jonathan’s choice to support David over succumbing to selfish ambitions exemplifies resistance to Satan’s manipulations, reminiscent of the failures of humanity’s first parents, Adam and Eve. Jonathan’s steadfast loyalty, despite personal risk and the allure of power, stands as a testament to his character and serves as a powerful counterexample to the prevalent self-centeredness of today’s society. Will we, like Jonathan, embody a spirit of selflessness and loyalty in the face of personal gain?

Jonathan’s Unwavering Support for David

As Saul’s obsession to eliminate David escalated, Jonathan found himself in a distressing position, witnessing his father’s relentless pursuit of David across the nation. Despite Saul’s efforts, there’s no record of Jonathan participating in these pursuits, likely due to his unwavering loyalty to God, David, and the bond of their friendship.

Jonathan’s affection for David remained steadfast despite the tumultuous circumstances. Eventually, Jonathan seized an opportunity to reconnect with David in Horesh, a secluded, forested area near Hebron. His visit was motivated by a desire to bolster David’s spirit with faith in Jehovah.

Jonathan encouraged David, ensuring him that Saul would not capture him. This confidence stemmed from Jonathan’s deep faith in God’s plans, reaffirming to David that he was destined to be Israel’s king—a fact previously declared by the prophet Samuel. Jonathan openly acknowledged that he saw his future as serving loyally beside David, regardless of his own royal lineage or the significant age difference between them. He humbly accepted the role of David’s second, a testament to his extraordinary humility and recognition of God’s will. Jonathan even mentioned that Saul, deep down, was aware of his inevitable defeat and David’s divine appointment.

This exchange highlights Jonathan’s exceptional character, demonstrating his unwavering support for David, his humility in accepting God’s will, and his role in strengthening David’s trust in Jehovah’s promises.

David’s Lasting Memories of Jonathan

David often reflected on his final meeting with Jonathan, cherishing the memories of their bond. Tragically, Jonathan’s aspiration to serve under David’s reign was never fulfilled.

Jonathan valiantly joined Saul in battle against the Philistines, staying true to his duties to Israel despite his father’s misdeeds. His integrity allowed him to fight loyally, yet the battle spelled doom for Israel due to Saul’s transgressions, including engaging in spiritism, which alienated Jehovah’s favor. In this dire battle, Jonathan, along with two of Saul’s other sons, met their end. Saul, gravely wounded, chose to end his life.

David’s response to the news was profound sorrow. His heart ached not only for Jonathan, his cherished friend and confidant, but also for Saul. In his lament for both Saul and Jonathan, David’s words poignantly expressed his deep affection for Jonathan: “I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women.”

David’s commitment to Jonathan endured beyond their lifetimes. He honored his promise to Jonathan by caring for Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son, demonstrating the deep impact of Jonathan’s loyalty and honor on David’s life. This act of kindness towards Mephibosheth highlights David’s appreciation for the loyalty and sacrifice Jonathan showed him.

From Jonathan’s example, we learn the value of selecting friends who bolster our faith in God, prioritizing divine loyalty above personal gain, and remaining steadfast to our friends in challenging times. Emulating Jonathan’s faith means being a friend who supports, encourages, and, most importantly, helps others strengthen their relationship with Jehovah.

David and Jonathan’s Relationship: A Closer Look

Some have suggested that the bond between Jonathan and David was of a homosexual nature. Does the biblical narrative support such an interpretation? Here are key considerations:

The scripture often quoted to argue for a sexual relationship is David’s lament for Jonathan, where he says, “Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women” (2 Samuel 1:26). Additionally, there are references to both men kissing each other (1 Samuel 20:41). However, these actions and expressions of deep affection were typical in the cultural and historical context of the ancient Middle East and do not indicate a sexual relationship. Such gestures of affection and strong expressions of love between individuals of the same sex were culturally normative and did not carry the same implications they might today.—1 Samuel 10:1; 2 Samuel 19:39.

Both Jonathan and David were married to women and had children. Records show David had multiple wives and numerous offspring (2 Samuel 5:13-16). Although the Bible does not name Jonathan’s wife, it does mention his son Mephibosheth, also known as Merib-baal (2 Samuel 4:4; 1 Chronicles 8:34).

Their commitment to God’s laws played a central role in their lives. Both men shared a deep faith in Jehovah God, sealing their friendship pact “in the name of Jehovah” (1 Samuel 20:41, 42). Their lives were guided by adherence to divine laws, which explicitly forbid sexual immorality, including homosexual practices (Leviticus 18:22; 20:13). Suggesting a homosexual relationship between them would contradict their demonstrated dedication to following God’s commandments.

The biblical text provides no evidence to suggest that Jonathan or David had homosexual inclinations or that their friendship involved a sexual dimension. Interpreting their relationship as sexual introduces an assumption not supported by the biblical narrative.

A MISTAKEN CLAIM

CLAIM: The Hebrew idiom “the soul of Jonathan was bound with the soul of David” means Jonathan kissed David, as kissing between two men that time until the time of the apostle Paul suggests closeness and high ranking position (like Judas Iscariot kissing Jesus Christ).

RESPONSE: The statement that the Hebrew idiom “the soul of Jonathan was bound with the soul of David” means Jonathan kissed David, and that such kissing indicates closeness and a high-ranking position, like Judas Iscariot kissing Jesus Christ, is not accurate in its interpretation of the idiom.

The phrase “the soul of Jonathan was bound with the soul of David” from 1 Samuel 18:1 is a figurative expression denoting a deep emotional and spiritual bond between Jonathan and David, signifying a profound friendship and loyalty. This idiom is about the depth of their relationship and does not directly relate to or imply a physical act of kissing.

While it is true that kissing was a common cultural practice in the Near East for greeting or showing respect among family members, friends, or even for a disciple showing respect to a rabbi, it is not the focus or implied meaning of this particular idiom about Jonathan and David’s relationship. The practice of kissing, as seen in various biblical passages, indeed reflects closeness or even a greeting (as seen in Romans 16:16, “Greet one another with a holy kiss”), but the deep connection between Jonathan and David is highlighted through their covenantal friendship, loyalty, and mutual respect, rather than through specific physical acts described in this context.

The idiom emphasizes the intensity of their friendship, whereas physical expressions of greeting or farewell among men, including kissing, were customary in their cultural context but are not the primary focus of the passage concerning Jonathan and David. Their relationship is celebrated for its emotional depth and covenantal loyalty rather than the physical manifestations of affection that were common in their culture.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).