David, a Man After God’s Heart预览

Real friends

“… the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.” (1 Samuel 18:1)

The prophet Samuel had anointed David king, but it was quite some time before he secured the throne. In the interim, David was often to be found at court, though. He became Saul’s son-in-law and was set over the men of war. Jonathan was the son and assumed successor of king Saul. These young men came to know each other very well and developed a strong friendship.

At the same time, King Saul saw David as a dangerous rival and was even plotting to murder him. When Jonathan learned about these plans, he warned David and pleaded for him at the risk of evoking his father’s wrath. Jonathan remained loyal to his friend, even though he was aware that David might become king instead of himself. Since Jonathan could not stop his father’s murderous plans, the friends said farewell and David fled. But even then they remained loyal to each other. They swore to show each other, and each other’s children, “the steadfast love of the Lord” (verses 14-15).

These friends practiced Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Do you have such friends? And are you such a good friend for others? What makes a really good friend?