Know Your Bible Devotions for MenSample

How Necessary Are Friends?

Perhaps no two men in the Bible shared as close a relationship as Jonathan — the son of King Saul — and David. First Samuel 18:1 (NIV) reveals the depth of their friendship: “Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.” In one of David’s darkest hours, after Saul had directed Jonathan and the rest of his servants to kill David on sight, the future king of Israel turned to his dear friend for help. At great risk to his own life, Jonathan betrayed his father’s confidence and warned David to lay low until Jonathan had spoken with Saul. The king temporarily relented in his murderous plan, but Jonathan later had to intervene for David again (1 Samuel 20:30–33). Having such a loving and loyal friend was a tremendous blessing for David — just as it is for any man. We all need a friend who “has your back” and is willing to intervene for us with other people or, most importantly, with the Lord. Do you have — and can you be — that kind of friend?