1 Samuel 18:1 describers the friendship between
Jonathan (firstborn son of King Saul) and David (the anointed future king),
“the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as
himself.” This is all the more striking given the custom of primogeniture, whereby
the firstborn son is heir to the throne. Jonathan literally valued his
friendship with David above the expectation of future kingship. This friendship
serves as a model of godly friendship.
Dig Deeper
Read 1 Samuel 13:1 through 23:18 and 2 Samuel 1. (The
Scriptures dealing specifically with Jonathan and David are: 1 Samuel 18:1-5;
19:1-7; 20:1-42; 23:15-18 and 2 Samuel 1:17-27).
What characteristics of friendship do you observe
between these two men?
The Proverbs are rich with descriptions of the
benefits of friendship with the wise and the folly of friendship with the
foolish. What are some of these benefits of friendship with the wise?
Proverbs 13:20a--
Proverbs 17:17--
Proverbs 18:24--
Proverbs 27:6, 9, 10 & 17--
What warnings do the following Scriptures give
concerning unhealthy friendships?
Proverbs 4:14--
Proverbs 13:20b--
Proverbs 14:8--
Proverbs 22:24-25--
Job 19:14--
1 Corinthians 5:9--
2 Thessalonians 3:6--
Application
Explore the friendships of Ruth and Naomi (Ruth
1:1-22), Elijah and Elisha (1 Kings 19:19-21 & 2 Kings 2:2-6) and Paul and
Onesiphorus (2 Timothy 1:16, 4:19 and Philemon 1). What characteristics of
godly friendship do you observe in these friends? How is Holy Spirit leading
you to emulate these characteristics in your relationships?
Memorize This
Proverbs
13:20— Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the
companion of fools will suffer harm. © ESV
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