Topical Encyclopedia The covenant between Jonathan and David is a profound example of friendship, loyalty, and divine providence in the biblical narrative. This covenant is primarily documented in the books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel, where the relationship between Jonathan, the son of King Saul, and David, the future king of Israel, unfolds.Background and Context Jonathan, the eldest son of King Saul, was a valiant warrior and a man of deep faith. David, the youngest son of Jesse, was anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the future king of Israel, chosen by God for his heart and character. Their paths crossed after David's victory over Goliath, which led to his introduction to the royal court. The Covenant Established The covenant between Jonathan and David is first mentioned in 1 Samuel 18:1-4. After David's triumph over Goliath, Jonathan's soul was knit to David's, and he loved him as his own soul. The Berean Standard Bible states: "After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself. And from that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father's house. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan stripped off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt." (1 Samuel 18:1-4) This act of giving his robe and weapons symbolized Jonathan's recognition of David's future role and his willingness to support him, even at the cost of his own claim to the throne. Renewal and Loyalty The covenant is renewed in 1 Samuel 20, during a time of increasing tension between David and Saul. Jonathan, aware of his father's intent to kill David, sought to protect his friend. In a secret meeting, Jonathan and David reaffirmed their covenant, with Jonathan pledging to inform David of Saul's plans. The BSB records: "So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, 'May the LORD hold David’s enemies accountable.' And Jonathan had David reaffirm his vow out of love for him, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself." (1 Samuel 20:16-17) Jonathan's loyalty to David was unwavering, even as it placed him in opposition to his father, King Saul. This loyalty was rooted in a mutual recognition of God's will and a deep personal affection. The Covenant's Legacy The covenant between Jonathan and David extended beyond their lifetimes. After Jonathan's death in battle, David honored their covenant by showing kindness to Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth. In 2 Samuel 9:1, David inquires, "Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?" . David's actions towards Mephibosheth demonstrate the enduring nature of the covenant and his commitment to Jonathan's family. Theological Significance The covenant between Jonathan and David is often seen as a model of selfless friendship and loyalty. It illustrates the biblical principles of love, sacrifice, and faithfulness. Jonathan's willingness to support David, despite the personal cost, reflects a deep trust in God's plan and a commitment to righteousness over personal ambition. This covenant also foreshadows the New Testament understanding of covenant relationships, where love and loyalty transcend personal gain and are rooted in divine purpose. The friendship between Jonathan and David serves as an enduring testament to the power of covenantal bonds in the biblical tradition. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 18:3,4Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 20:16,42 2 Samuel 21:7 Library Jonathan, the Pattern of Friendship Friendship; Or, David and Jonathan David and Jonathan. How David, Upon Saul's Laying Snares for Him, did yet Escape the ... The Kingdom of all Israel. A Word for the Persecuted Covenanting a Privilege of Believers. David the Outcast. How David, when He had Twice the Opportunity of Killing Saul did ... The Unrivalled Friend Resources What is the Edenic covenant? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Abrahamic Covenant? | GotQuestions.org What is a covenant? | GotQuestions.org Covenant: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Covenant of God With Men: Binding Covenant of God With Men: Broken by the Jews Covenant of God With Men: Confirmed With an Oath Covenant of God With Men: Everlasting Covenant of God With Men: God Faithful To Covenant of God With Men: Punishments for Breaking of Covenant of God With Men: Repudiated by God on Account of Jews' Idolatry Covenant of Man With God: Absalom Covenant of Man With God: Israelites Covenant of Man With God: Jacob Covenant of Man With God: Jehoiada and Joash Covenant of Man With God: Joshua Covenant of Man With God: Josiah Covenant of Man With God: Nehemiah Covenant of Men With Men by a Monument Covenant of Men With Men by Giving Presents Covenant of Men With Men by Giving the Hand Covenant of Men With Men by Making a Feast Covenant of Men With Men by offering a Sacrifice Covenant of Men With Men by Salting Covenant of Men With Men: Breach of, Punished Covenant of Men With Men: Loosing the Shoe Covenant of Men With Men: Written and Sealed Covenant of the Ten Commandments Covenant with David and his House Covenant with Israel, at Horeb Covenant with the Israelites to Deliver Them from Egypt Covenant: Abraham and Abimelech Covenant: Binding, not Only on Those Who Make Them, But on Those Who are Represented Covenant: Jews With Each Other, to Serve God Covenant: King Zedekiah and his Subjects Covenant: Subjects With Sovereign Covenant: The Mosaic Law Called a Covenant The Covenant is a Covenant of Peace The Covenant: All Saints Interested In The Covenant: Blessings Connected With The Covenant: Caution Against Forgetting The Covenant: Christ, the Mediator of The Covenant: Christ, the Messenger of The Covenant: Christ, the Substance of The Covenant: Confirmed in Christ The Covenant: Fulfilled in Christ The Covenant: God is Ever Mindful of The Covenant: God is Faithful To The Covenant: Made With: Abraham The Covenant: Made With: David The Covenant: Made With: Isaac The Covenant: Made With: Israel The Covenant: Made With: Jacob The Covenant: Plead, in Prayer The Covenant: Punishment for Despising The Covenant: Ratified by the Blood of Christ The Covenant: Renewed Under the Gospel The Covenant: The Wicked Have No Interest In Related Terms Covenant-victim (2 Occurrences) |
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