The Epic of First Samuel
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Lesson Summary
Tommy explains how David, a lowly shepherd, and Jonathan, the crown prince, formed a deep, covenantal friendship that transcended social status and future rivalry. He highlights the biblical basis for their bond, the promise David made to protect Jonathan’s lineage, and connects this to the importance of authentic, interdependent community in the life of believers today.
Key Scriptures
And it came to pass, when he had finished speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Saul took him that day, and said unto him, Let us go forth together. And David arose and went forth with Saul. And David went on ahead, and Jonathan went after him. And the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Saul said to David, Here is my daughter Michal, she shall be thy wife. And Saul commanded his servants, saying, Let these two be my servants. And David rose up early, and went, and his servants with him, and they came to the house of the Philistine, and they were there. And the men of the Philistine went out to the battle. And David went up into the battle, and Jonathan went up into the battle. And David went on ahead, and Jonathan went after him. And David was not to be found. And Jonathan said to his servants, Let us go up to the battle, and see what is become of David.
Then Jonathan said to David, David, my brother, do not fear; for my father Saul shall not have your life. And David said to Jonathan, What has my father done to you? And why should I have been afraid? Jonathan said to David, My father has done nothing to you, but it is my father, and he has not a single thought of you. And David said to Jonathan, Let me go, I pray thee, and I will flee into the land of the Philistines. And Jonathan said to David, Go, and may the Lord be with you. And David went. And Jonathan returned to the house of his father.