The story of David and Jonathan is a story of true friendship. David was commissioned to calm King Saul's spirit with the harp. When David met Jonathan, Saul's son, they became instant friends. That friendship would be tested many times as Saul's jealousy of David grew.
God was with David. His victories in battle made him a celebrity. King Saul became jealous and tried many times to kill David. Once Jonathan talked his father out of a murderous plan. Another time Jonathan helped David escape from his father. Jonathan put his own life on the line for his friend David.
Because he was the oldest son, Jonathan was the heir to the throne of Israel. Yet Jonathan recognized the anointing God had placed on David, and he told him that one day David would be the next king. Jonathan was perfectly content with the idea of serving alongside David as second in command. But his wish would never come true. Both Jonathan and Saul died during a battle with the Amalekites, David mourned and fasted over the death of his good friend.
If you want to have good friends, then you have to be a good friend. David and Jonathan were willing to die for each other. David summed up his love for his friend in a funeral song he wrote about Saul and Jonathan (see 2 Samuel 1:17-27).
Wouldn't you love to have a friend like that? Are you willing to be a friend like that?
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