The Biblical figures David and Jonathan were ‘uncommon friends’ and were knit together by something more powerful than circumstances and situations. They spoke their minds without fear and Jonathan was willing to die for him and established his love to David by a generous gift. “Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.”1 Sam 18:3-4. This was certainly a great instance of the power of God’s grace in David that he was able to get respect and honor on a sudden.
Hebrew word ‘qashar’ means ‘knit’; knit is said in King James Version as ‘became one’. “And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.’ 1 Sam 18:1. Jonathan conceived an extraordinary kindness and affection for him, and God so ordering that David’s way might be the clearer and God honoring for future Kingly court’s services.
1 Sam 20: 1-4; is a narration and example of their priceless expressions of deep friendship. The ‘uncommon friends’ spoke their hearts and from the conversation above we can understand that Jonathan didn’t believe that his father King Saul was really trying to take David’s life, but he acknowledged that David’s feelings were genuine and authentic by saying, “Then said Jonathan unto David, Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee.”1 Sam 20; 4. David appeals to Jonathan himself concerning his innocence and Saul’s desire to take David’s life. Jonathan as a dutiful son tried to cover his father’s shame as far as it was consistent with justice and fidelity to David. Jonathan did not agree immediately with David, but he realized that David needed his help and support at this point instead of his doubt. Jonathan’s willingness to listen and letting go of possible potential insults are his great strength and not his weakness. The bonds that strengthened Jonathan and David are much deeper than the width of their differences.
The seed of jealousy sown in the heart of Saul began to grow and fear, anger, bitterness fueled the jealousy which grew out of control; 1 Sam 20:30-33. Saul rages like a lion disappointed of his prey and calls Jonathan his son, a traitor, bastard and a fool and tried to kill him too. Saul failed to acknowledge his rage and jealousy as evil. The conclusion we derive from the above is that in any situation without God’s intervention, one can offer only a small bandage to some one hemorrhaging from uncontrolled emotions. The best recourse when negative emotions begin to control is to fall before the throne of grace and seek God, taking solace that Christ knows how it feels to be tempted; Heb 2:18; 4;15.
Again in1 Sam 20: 25-42; Jonathan tried to protect David from his father’s rage and anger and finally they parted. Jonathan went out into the field and to the place appointed within sight of which he knew David hid, and sent his foot boy to fetch the arrows, which he would shoot at random. Jonathan gave David the fatal signal by shooting an arrow beyond the lad and finally had a personal conversation with David after he had helped him to flee for life.
Jonathan and David were vulnerable with each other and yet retained their dignity and their friendship was a safe place to show feelings and trust. They had separate lives but inseparable bonds and their lives complemented each other. The ‘uncommon friends’ from two different families with different family values were unafraid to share their hearts with one another. “And as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of a place toward the South, and fell on his face towards the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded.”1 Sam 20:41.
“And Jonathan said to David, ‘ Go in peace, for as much as we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord, saying, The Lord be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever’. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city;”
1 Sam 20: 42. Jonathan and David took leave of each other with the greatest affection imaginable, with kisses and lots of tears! The separation of two faithful friends is extremely grievous to both of them. In this case for David it was very deplorable when Jonathan returned to his family and friends and to the comfort of his home, while David was out of his comfort Zone, and even out of God’s Sanctuary!
What do we learn here? If an enemy find a man alone, he is likely to prevail against him because with his own strength he may not make it. If he has a friend who would stand by him to fight against the enemy he may prevail. “And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken” Ecc 4:12. Two together are tied to God, and the three fold cord will not be broken because they are closely joined in holy love and fellowship. Christ will come in His Spirit and join with them, as He joined with the two Disciples going to Emmaus, and then there is a threefold cord. Also, it is very encouraging to know that the Spirit of God is more powerful than the spirit of wickedness and love is more powerful than jealousy. “Ye, are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”1 Jn 4:4. The best laid plans of Kings and Queens crumble under the mighty Spirit of God. Greek word, ‘dunamis’; ‘dynamite’ the power, that is God’s power can burst and tear the walls of rage and jealousy within us.
The Spirit of God some times bridges people together to fulfill God’s purposes in the lives of His children. I am pretty sure that God would have never chosen David as the future King of Israel, if He had not plan to sustain him in his life and ultimately deliver him safely to his throne. Both of them were brought together by ‘spiritual ties’ and they had ‘sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord’; 1 Sam 20:42. Their friendship was a bond of three Jonathan, David and God. Jonathan was an important part of God’s whole Divine plan, who risked his own life in keeping the covenant with David and this is a beautiful story of ‘uncommon friends’ knitted by God’s Spirit, which became their common bond!
References:
1.The Matthew Henry Study Bible, ‘King James version’ The best of Matthew Henry’s Notes in a Handy One Volume Reference Bible, World Bible Publishers, Inc; 1994, Iowa Falls, U.S.A.
2. David Seeking A Heart Like His, ‘Beth Moore’
3. Jay E. Adams, ‘Critical Stages of Biblical Counseling’ Finishing Well, Breaking Through, Getting Started, (
4. Jay E. Adams, ‘How to Help People Change’ The Four-step Biblical Process, (Grand rapids: Zondervan, 1986, p. 20-28)
5. John F. MacArthur, JR. Wayne A. Mack & The Master’s College Faculty, ‘Introduction To Biblical Counseling’, “A Basic Guide To The Principles And Practice Of Counseling”(Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers,1994, P. 76-77)
6. Jay E. Adams, ‘The Christian Counselor’s Manual, The Practice of Nouthetic Counseling’ (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1973, p. 15-16, 21-23; 92-97)
7. Jay E. Adams, ‘Lectures on Counseling’ (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1978, p.192-203)
