Jonathan Lovingly Taketh His Leave of David by Julius Schnorr von_ Carolsfeld
In the words of the youth today (ca. 2012), David’s friendship with Jonathan, King Saul’s son, was epic. As one would be familiar with the story, King Saul was so jealous of David. It started with David’s slaying of Goliath, then David achieving military feats rivaling those of King Saul’s most experienced commanders.
Saul was so afraid that David will take the throne from him. He forgot that it was God who gave it to him.
It was a much different case with Jonathan. They loved each other like brothers. More than brothers as a matter of fact. Jonathan loved David so much that he risked the wrath of his father just to make sure that David escapes every plan that his father hatches. In this chapter, King Saul even attempted to kill his own son by hurling a spear at him because he allowed David to escape during the traditional new moon festival.
Such was Jonathan’s love for David. 1 Samuel 20:17, “And Jonathan made David reaffirm his vow of friendship again, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself.”
This kind of friendship is more valuable than wealth or power. Having it is like a warm blanket in cold weather. Or hot soup in the middle of a downpour. Such friendships stand the test of time, circumstance and difficulties. Later in David’s reign, he continued to honor Jonathan with the oath he made with him.
When David found out how Jonathan died, how improper it was, 2 Samuel 1, he ordered the perpetrator kills on the spot. Such was how David took his oath to Jonathan seriously. You will also find In this passage how he wept even for King Saul, who vowed to kill him given the opportunity. David’s love and friendship witth Jonathan transcended even family and kingdom.
If you have such friend and even your friendship would probably not be tested as extreme as this, thank God for that person. They are a gift and a reward to us.
