⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 3 min read
June 8 – Jonathan and David Friendship and Christ’s Covenant Love
📖 Scripture Reading
1 Samuel 17:55–18:5🔍 Show Summary
In 1 Samuel 17:55–18:5, we encounter the powerful example of Jonathan and David’s friendship—a biblical model of loyalty and covenant love that ultimately points us to Christ.Jonathan, heir to the throne, responds to David’s victory not with envy, but with covenant love. He strips himself of his robe and armor to honor David—an act of humility that points to Jesus, our greater Friend, who laid down His life for us and clothed us in righteousness.🎧 Listen
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The Meaning of Jonathan and David’s Friendship
David’s victory over Goliath dramatically changed the course of his life. No longer a shepherd, David was now in the national spotlight—and with that came both great opportunity and rising danger. In the midst of this shift, God gave David a remarkable gift: a faithful friend in Jonathan.Jonathan, Saul’s son and heir to the throne, could have easily seen David as a threat. But instead, Jonathan’s heart was knit to David’s. He loved him as his own soul and gave him his robe, sword, bow, and belt—symbolizing loyalty, covenant friendship, and spiritual unity.This passage contrasts Saul’s self-serving suspicion with Jonathan’s godly humility. While Saul viewed David as a political pawn, Jonathan saw him as a brother in the faith—worthy of covenant commitment.Even more, Jonathan’s sacrificial love points us forward to Jesus Christ. Christ is the true and better Friend—who laid aside His glory, bore our sin, and clothes us in His righteousness. He not only binds Himself to us in covenant, but remains faithful to the very end.- Do you rejoice in others’ success?
- Are your friendships rooted in shared love for Christ?
- Do you reflect Jonathan’s humility—or Saul’s jealousy?
Final Word
Thank you for joining me today on Reading the Bible Daily with Dave. Today we looked at 1 Samuel 17:55–18:5, where we see true friendship modeled in Jonathan—and fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Until tomorrow, may the Lord richly bless you and keep you.Helpful Links
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Jonathan and David’s friendship?
Their friendship represents biblical covenant love—loyalty, humility, and spiritual unity. Jonathan willingly gave up his royal rights to honor David, which points to Jesus’ self-giving love for us.
How does their relationship point to Jesus?
Jonathan’s sacrificial love for David mirrors Christ’s love for sinners. Just as Jonathan gave his robe and weapons, Jesus gave His life and clothed us in His righteousness.
Why should Christians study Jonathan and David’s friendship?
Because it shows us how God-centered friendship operates—free from envy, rooted in truth, and marked by covenant faithfulness. It challenges us to love others as Christ has loved us.
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
