Topical Bible: David: King of Israel: Makes Second Covenant With Jonathan

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David, the second king of Israel, is a central figure in the biblical narrative, known for his deep faith, military prowess, and complex relationships. One of the most significant relationships in David's life was his friendship with Jonathan, the son of King Saul. This friendship is marked by loyalty, mutual respect, and a covenant that underscores the depth of their bond.

The second covenant between David and Jonathan is recorded in 1 Samuel 20. At this point in the narrative, David is fleeing from King Saul, who is consumed by jealousy and seeks to kill him. Despite being Saul's son, Jonathan remains steadfastly loyal to David, recognizing God's anointing on him and the righteousness of his cause.

In 1 Samuel 20:16-17 , the text states: "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." This covenant is a profound expression of their friendship and mutual commitment. Jonathan's willingness to make such a covenant, even at the potential cost of his own future as heir to the throne, highlights his recognition of God's plan for David and his selfless love.

The covenant includes a promise of mutual protection and kindness. Jonathan asks David to show kindness to his family in the future, acknowledging the potential for David's rise to power. In 1 Samuel 20:42 , Jonathan says to David, "Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD, saying, 'The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.'"

This covenant is not merely a personal agreement but is made in the presence of God, invoking His witness and blessing. It reflects a deep spiritual bond and a shared understanding of God's sovereignty and justice. The covenant also foreshadows the future, as David later honors this promise by showing kindness to Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth, after Jonathan's death (2 Samuel 9).

The second covenant between David and Jonathan is a testament to the power of godly friendship and the importance of faithfulness and integrity. It serves as a model of how relationships can transcend personal ambition and familial loyalty, rooted instead in a higher calling and divine purpose.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 23:16-18
And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.
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Library

Jonathan, the Pattern of Friendship
... is his saying, 'Thou shalt be king over Israel, and I ... in the course of his attendance
on the king, which he ... David's words in verse 8 have a touch of suspicion ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/jonathan the pattern of friendship.htm

Nature of Covenanting.
... The covenant between Jonathan and David, made by swearing unto God, is ... individually,
that He who described himself, "The Lord, the King of Israel, and his ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter i nature of covenanting.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... When there was no king in Israel, every man did that which was right ... Rabbah, and
had like to have taken it, sent for king David, that he ... David spoiled Adonijah ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm

CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1).
... implied here, is confirmed by iii.5: "Afterwards shall the children of Israel return
and seek the Lord their God, and David their king." That which ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i -ii 3 ii 1.htm

Why all Things Work for Good
... own country, grew afterwards in favour with the king of Egypt ... to the wicked, as Michal
was given to David, for a ... oh no, yet God is good to Israel, because He ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/why all things work for.htm

The Earlier Hebrew Histories.
... ancestress of the greatest of all the kings of Israel. ... a law-abiding people; and
it also makes it probable ... and Saul, and of the splendid reign of King David. ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter iv the earlier hebrew.htm

The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ...
... In his time, in the fifteenth year, Israel was carried ... to Egypt, after making his
brother Joachim king in his ... days; and from the reign of David, according to ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxi the jewish institutions and.htm

The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6.
... events he considered the family of David as having ... shall do for awakened and, thus,
inwardly united Israel. ... The Lord giveth strength to His king, and exalteth ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the quotation in matt ii.htm

The Exile Continued.
... about the frontier of Philistia and Israel, that he ... poverty and misery, and probably
the king's growing tyranny ... whom it is to be observed David never employed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/v the exilecontinued.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... this prophecy referred to Christ, was known to Jacob as certainly as he makes Judah
centre ... He liked me to make me king over all Israel." David here points ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm