What can we learn about friendship from Jonathan's instructions to the servant? Setting the Scene • Jonathan and David have sworn a covenant of faithfulness (1 Samuel 18:3–4). • Saul’s jealousy threatens David’s life (1 Samuel 19–20). • Jonathan devises a secret signal: by shooting arrows and sending a servant to retrieve them, he can tell David whether it is safe to return or flee (1 Samuel 20:19–23, 35–37). • The key verse: “Then Jonathan cried out to his servant, ‘Run and find the arrows I shoot.’ And as the boy ran, he shot an arrow beyond him.” (1 Samuel 20:36) Friendship Displayed in the Field Jonathan’s brief instruction to the servant is packed with meaning for friendship: • Protective intent —Jonathan positions the servant as a cover, so Saul’s spies see only an innocent practice session while David waits in hiding. • Clear communication —The placement of the arrow (“beyond”) carries a prearranged message for David, avoiding any chance of misunderstanding (vv 20, 22). • Self-sacrifice —Jonathan risks displeasing his own father and forfeiting royal favor to keep David safe (1 Samuel 20:30-34). • Discretion —The servant hears nothing of the real plan, preserving David’s secrecy; true friends guard confidences (Proverbs 11:13). • Faithfulness under pressure —Jonathan honors his covenant even when it costs him; “A friend loves at all times” (Proverbs 17:17). Lessons for Loyal Friendship 1. Put your friend’s welfare above personal convenience. – “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). 2. Use wisdom and creativity to protect a friend from harm. – “Be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). 3. Communicate plainly so your friend knows exactly where you stand. – “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’” (Matthew 5:37). 4. Keep sensitive information private. – “He who is trustworthy conceals a matter” (Proverbs 11:13). 5. Remain steadfast even when loyalty is costly. – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition… but in humility consider others more important than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3-4). Practical Takeaways • Work out signals—verbal or otherwise—that assure your friends of safety and support when they face hostility. • Stand with godly friends even if family, peers, or culture push the other way. • Be willing to act unnoticed; Jonathan lets the servant take center stage while he safeguards David. • Guard your friend’s reputation by involving as few people as necessary. • Remember that small actions (an arrow shot, a brief word) can carry life-changing encouragement. Supporting Scriptures on God-Honoring Friendship • Proverbs 27:9 —“Oil and perfume rejoice the heart, and the sweetness of one’s friend comes from earnest counsel.” • Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 —Two are better than one… if either falls, the other can help him up. • 2 Samuel 1:26 —David later honors Jonathan: “Your love to me was wonderful.” • Romans 12:10 —“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” |
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