1 Samuel 20: Best Friends

David and Jonathan were best friends. So much so that Jonathan was willing to risk everything for his friends’ safety. We see in 1 Samuel 20 that Saul is bent on ending David’s life. He’s so angry with David. He never really says why but it’s pretty clear. David was successful at everything Saul sent him to do (1 Samuel 18:5); he knew the LORD was with David (1 Samuel 18:12) and his jealous rage came over him. He wanted David gone because he knew all Israel and Judah loved David (1 Samuel 18:16).

So we find in our passage today a pact, a bond between best friends where Jonathan makes the choice to help his friend rather than feed his father’s jealousy. Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like a friend like Jonathan was exactly what you needed? If you have and you didn’t have a Jonathan in your life, you read this story and realize the benefits of best friends. They commit to helping you even when it’s not convenient. Don’t miss this point! Jonathan’s father was so angry that his own son was siding with David, that he tried to pin him to the wall with his spear when David didn’t show up for the ceremonial meal. Jonathan risked his life for his friend.

Before we wrap up for the day, let’s not neglect to look at Saul. He’s a shadow of the man who once was the confident king of Israel. Now he’s this insecure man who can’t believe that another man is receiving the praises of all the Israelites. He’s so angered that he’s always looking for a way to eliminate David. Jealousy can do an incredible amount of damage in any relationship. David was serving Saul in his early days and having such success that it threatened Saul’s frail ego. Jonathan chose loyalty over jealousy. What do we choose? When we see someone who is successful at whatever they do, are we happy for their success? Or are we jealous? Best friends like Jonathan get it – they get that we need each other’s support and encouragement and most of all love. Jonathan and David had this incredible friendship. It reminds us of what Jesus said in John 15:15, where He tells His disciples that He now calls them His friends because they know the master’s business and they are following His ways.

We all need friends who will help us know the Master’s business and help us follow His ways. While we may never be in this kind of life and death situation that David experienced, it is important for all of us to realize the value of best friends. Best friends share our faith, they share our passions and they share our pursuit of both. Be the best friend you can be this week by living in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Posted by Joe Stecz