David

May 11

1 Samuel 17:55-18:5

Best friends

When Saul saw how David had gone out to fight Goliath, he asked the commander of the army to bring David to him so he could find out whose son he was.

From that day on Jonathan, Saul’s son, became best friends with David and promised to be his friend forever.

Saul sent David on many raids, and each time David and his group of men went out to fight the enemy, he won the battle. Saul was pleased with David so he made him an officer in his army.

How do good friends become best friends?

To have a best friend you must be a best friend. Jonathan and David became best friends because their friendship was built on a solid foundation.

Personality: Friends become friends because they like each other—they just seem to fit together. Compare Jonathan’s act of courage with David’s (1 Samuel 14:1) (1 Samuel 17:36).

Selflessness (sharing): Jonathan gave David what was most special to him (1 Samuel 18:4). When Jonathan gave David his robe, he was taking off the clothes of a prince and putting them on David—he did not mind if David became king. Jonathan also gave David his armor and sword to defend himself.

Trust (loyalty): Jonathan and David trusted each other completely and through their steady trust came a deep loyalty. Jonathan was willing to stick up for David even though it almost cost him his life (Samuel 20:33).

Faith (belief): They had the same strong faith and purpose—to please God in everything. Compare Jonathan’s daring trust in the Lord (1 Samuel 14:6) with David’s bold trust (1 Samuel 17:37).

Verse for today

He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend. Proverbs 22:11