The soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself (1 Samuel 18:1; cf. also 20:17). David reciprocated Jonathan's affection (2 Samuel 1:25-27). In like manner, Christians should also be knit together in love (Colossians 2:1-3).
Despite the evil surmisings of some, there was nothing untoward or unseemly in the friendship between David and Jonathan. In fact, the exact opposite is true; the relationship between the noble sons of Jesse and Saul foreshadows the characteristics of Christian love and brotherly affection.
"The modesty, piety, and courage of David were so congenial to the character of the amiable Jonathan, that they attracted his most cordial esteem and affection; so that the most intimate friendship subsisted between them from that time, and they loved each other with pure hearts fervently. Their friendship could not be affected by the common vicissitudes of life; and it exemplifies by fact what the ancients have written on the subject: 'Friendship is an entire sameness, and one soul: a friend is another self''' [Smith].
There are those who pass like ships in the night
who meet for a moment, then sail out of sight.
With never a backwards glance of regret
folks we know briefly, then quickly forget.
Then there are those friends who sail together
through quiet waters and stormy weather
helping each other through joy and through strife
and they are the kind that give meaning to life.
[Author Unknown from the 1800s].
Marked by Covenant
The hearts of David and Jonathan were knit together by covenant (1 Samuel 18:1-3; 20:8-9; 20:12-17; 23:15-18). Many would violate the marriage covenant (Proverbs 2:16-17; Malachi 2:13-16). Others would violate the covenant of friendship (Proverbs 27:6, 9-10; cf. also 17:17; 18:24). Let us also be loyal to God (Hosea 6:4-6) and to one another (Proverbs 21:21).
Marked by Courage
The hearts of Jonathan and David were knit together by courage. David manifested great courage when he confronted Goliath (1 Samuel 17:31-49). Jonathan fearlessly challenged the Philistine horde (1 Samuel 13:1-4; 14:1-15). Let us also be courageous in defense of the truth (Joshua 1:5-9; Acts 4:8-18; Philippians 1:12-14).
Marked by Conviction
The hearts of Jonathan and David were knit together by conviction. When King Saul sought to kill David, Jonathan spoke well of him, seeking to reason with his father and dissuade him from such shameful action (1 Samuel 19:1-7; see also 20:30-34). Let us also manifest conviction, standing up for what is right (2 Timothy 1:6-12), and standing beside those who faithfully serve the Lord (2 Timothy 1:16-18).
Marked by Compassion
The hearts of Jonathan and David were knit together by compassion. Separated because of Saul's malignant hatred, David and Jonathan kissed each other and wept together (1 Samuel 20:35-42). David's requiem for the fallen king and his son is an unforgettable expression of sympathetic grief (2 Samuel 1:17-27). We also ought to manifest loving compassion toward one another (Philippians 2:1-4; Colossians 3:12-14).
Conclusion
Unity among brethren is an unparalleled blessing (Psalm 133:1-3). However, friendship is not a foil for error (Deuteronomy 13:6-11). True friendship respects truth (John 15:12-15). We are knit together as we conform to God's pattern and speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:11-16).
Brother Mayberry has written about a special relationship between two men--one of the greatest friendships discussed in the sacred Scriptures. What made the freindship between Jonathan and David so special? Remember that King Saul was Jonathan's father. And because the people loved and respected David more than Saul, Saul strongly desired to destroy David. He was well aware that God had chosen David, a man after His own heart, to be the next king in place of him (Acts 13:22).
It must have been very difficult for Jonathan to take David's side against his own father. Yet, because of Jonathan's character, he was able to consider the facts and to know David had done nothing but help his father. "Then Saul's anger was aroused against Jonathan, and he said to him, 'You son of a perverse, rebellious woman! Do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of your mother's nakedness? For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, you shall not be established, nor your kingdom. Now therefore, send and bring him to me, for he shall surely die.' And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said to him, 'Why should he be killed? What has he done?' Then Saul cast a spear at him to kill him, by which Jonathan knew that it was determined by his father to kill David." (1 Samuel 20:30-33) So we see that Jonathan allowed the truth to keep his relationship with David above even the love he had for his own father? Is there a lesson here?
We must be careful not to allow personal relationships to blind us to the truth. Sometimes, because of our love for a friend or family member, we might be the last person to help them out of the depths of sin by pointing them to the facts, instead of shielding them from truth. Hiding truth from someone we love does not show proper love for the soul of that person who may be involved in sin that can cost him his eternal reward. Wouldn't you rather hurt his feelings and save his soul. One can never have too many friends like Jonathan-strive to be such a friend to others. (KMG)