David and Jonathan. Even centuries later those names linked together spell close, committed male friendship. They shatter our era's stereotypes. These men were, after all, battle-hardened warriors with a daredevil streak. And natural rivals. But mutual loyalty took priority over career calculations.

1. From the get-go (18:1), Jonathan and David hit it off. Have you ever felt that way about another guy?
   
   
2. What do you make of Jonathan's vow (18:3)? Why does maintaining a deep friendship require deliberate effort?
   
   
3. What do Jonathan's words, in 20:9, tell you about the transparency a close friendship requires?
   
   
4. Their covenant (20:14-16) committed David and Jonathan to sacrificial care for each other. How do we know (see 2 Samuel 9) that David took this obligation seriously?
   
   
5. Jonathan's concerns were as strong for David's welfare as for his own, we're told in 20:17. What did this mean (23:17) for prospects of succeeding to his father's throne?
   
   
6. Commitment to God (23:16) anchored David and Jonathan's relationship. Is another man encouraging you to stay strong in your faith? Are you doing the same for him?
   
   

Ask God to help you build a mutually supportive relationship with at least one other man—one that digs deep into matters of faith and character.

1 Samuel 18
¹ After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king's son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David. ² From that day on Saul kept David with him and wouldn't let him return home. ³ And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself. ⁴ Jonathan sealed the pact by taking off his robe and giving it to David, together with his tunic, sword, bow, and belt.

1 Samuel 20 ⁸ Show me this loyalty as my sworn friend—for we made a solemn pact before the Lord—or kill me yourself if I have sinned against your father. But please don't betray me to him!"

⁹ "Never!" Jonathan exclaimed. "You know that if I had the slightest notion my father was planning to kill you, I would tell you at once."

¹⁰ Then David asked, "How will I know whether or not your father is angry?"

¹¹ "Come out to the field with me," Jonathan replied. And they went out there together. ¹² Then Jonathan told David, "I promise by the Lord, the God of Israel, that by this time tomorrow, or the next day at the latest, I will talk to my father and let you know at once how he feels about you. If he speaks favorably about you, I will let you know. ¹³ But if he is angry and wants you killed, may the Lord strike me and even kill me if I don't warn you so you can escape and live. May the Lord be with you as he used to be with my father. ¹⁴ And may you treat me with the faithful love of the Lord as long as I live. But if I die, ¹⁵ treat my family with this faithful love, even when the Lord destroys all your enemies from the face of the earth."

¹⁶ So Jonathan made a solemn pact with David,[a] saying, "May the Lord destroy all your enemies!" ¹⁷ And Jonathan made David reaffirm his vow of friendship again, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself.

1 Samuel 23 ¹⁵ One day near Horesh, David received the news that Saul was on the way to Ziph to search for him and kill him. ¹⁶ Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God. ¹⁷ "Don't be afraid," Jonathan reassured him. "My father will never find you! You are going to be the king of Israel, and I will be next to you, as my father, Saul, is well aware." ¹⁸ So the two of them renewed their solemn pact before the Lord. Then Jonathan returned home, while David stayed at Horesh.

Prayer for the Week

Lord, I invite you to work in my life through a real friend. And please use me in his life as well.

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