True Friendship
1 Samuel 20:17
And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul.


I. TRUE FRIENDSHIP REPORTS ITSELF BY PRACTICAL SYMPATHY IN TIMES OF DISTRESS.

1. This friendship was truly unselfish.

2. This friendship was truly generous. David was a shepherd boy, Jonathan the king's son.

3. This friendship was truly practical.

4. This friendship was truly reciprocal. David loved Jonathan as fervently as Jonathan loved David..

II. TRUE FRIENDSHIP REPORTS ITSELF BY SOLEMN COMPACTS IN TIMES OF DISTRESS. "And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul."

1. This covenant was formed in a reverent spirit. Jonathan appeals to God to witness his sincerity, to judge his motive, and to prosper his friend.

2. This covenant was submitted to a severe test.

3. This covenant was confirmed by an affectionate parting.

(J. T. Woodhouse.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul.

WEB: Jonathan caused David to swear again, for the love that he had to him; for he loved him as he loved his own soul.




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