1 Samuel 20 Devotional

Friendship Bound Before God

“And Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be a witness between you and me, and between your descendants and mine forever.’” Then David got up and departed, and Jonathan went back into the city.”1 Samuel 20:42 (BSB)

David is sure he is only a step from death, and Jonathan finally discovers it is true. When he defends David at the New Moon feast, Saul curses him and hurls a spear at his own son (20:30-33). Jonathan has much to lose: as long as David lives, his father says, Jonathan's kingdom will never be secure (20:31). Yet he has already chosen. He asks David to show him the LORD's steadfast love all his life, and never to cut it off from his family (20:14-15).

The two friends part in tears, bound by an oath sworn in the LORD's name (20:41-42). Years later David will remember it, seeking someone from Saul's house to show kindness for Jonathan's sake, and giving Jonathan's son a place at his table (2 Samuel 9:1, 9:7). Their covenant reflects God's own faithful love, which binds him to his people by promise across generations. Because he keeps faith with you, you can keep faith with others, even when it costs you.

To think about: Who is a friend you could stand beside this week, even if it costs you something?