David and Jonathan

The events recorded in the Bible are factually accurate. They were also given to teach us moral and spiritual lessons (1 Corinthians 10:11). The relationship between Jonathan and David teaches us important lessons about our relationship with Jesus.

Jonathan was the crown prince of Israel. His father was Saul – the first king of Israel. By custom, he would ascend to the throne when his father died. David was the young shepherd that God selected to replace Saul (1 Samuel 16:12) because of Saul’s disobedience. “Because you [Saul] rejected the word of Yehovah, He has also rejected you from being king” (1 Samuel 15:23). This also meant Jonathan would not be the next king.

Despite losing his opportunity to be king, Jonathan loved David. “The soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself” (1 Samuel 18:1). Jonathan entered into a covenant relationship with David and demonstrated his love by turning over to David the symbols of his authority, “Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, including his sword and his bow and his belt” (1 Samuel 18:3). In the same way believers are called on to turn our lives over to Jesus, “any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:33).

Jonathan also pledged his obedience to David, “Whatever you say, I will do for you” (1 Samuel 20:4). Likewise, believers are called to obedience, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

“Jonathan made David vow again because of his love for him, because he loved him as he loved his own life” (1 Samuel 20:17). Jonathan’s vow was to live His life on behalf of David. Believers are required be fully devoted to Jesus, “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul?” (Mark 8:35-37).

Saul tried to take Jonathan’s life because of his relationship with David, “Saul hurled his spear at him to strike him down” (1 Samuel 20:33). Jesus warned us, “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!” (Luke 6:22).

One last time Jonathan proclaimed his devotion to David, “you will be king over Israel and I will be next to you; and Saul my father knows that also” (Samuel 23:17). We know Jesus is returning to reign and we will serve Him forever. “He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful” (Revelation 17:14).

Believers recognize Jesus as Lord and lovingly submit to His being the "king" of their lives.