FRIENDSHIP WITHOUT FEAR

“Don’t be afraid,” he said. “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.” —1 Samuel 23:17

In the most unlikely circumstances, David and Jonathan formed one of the pre-eminent friendships of the Bible story. As the son of King Saul, Jonathan had to choose between loyalty to his father and family or friendship with David.

As an heir of King Saul, Jonathan had to choose between his claim to the throne or acceptance of David’s anointing as the next king of Israel.

Jonathan gave up much and risked much to be friends with David. For his part, David had to trust Jonathan’s information and advice for survival (see 1 Samuel 20, for example). Somehow, it seemed that these two men had overcome their mutual suspicion and distrust, forging a friendship as they overcame their fears. Sadly, the future they imagined, with David as king and Jonathan as his second-in-command, would not happen if it had ever been possible. After the disastrous battle at Mount Gilboa, David was left to mourn the loss of his friend and the possibility that they could have been friends for much longer had circumstances been better. How the mighty have fallen in battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights.

I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women (2 Samuel 1:25, 26).

Trusting people without fear is key to healthy friendship.

It is more difficult and more necessary when the stakes are raised, such as they were in the story of David and Jonathan. Such friendships are to be treasured while they last and mourned when they come to an end. And they are glimpses of our world without fear, as it was intended to be.