Be Trustworthy

1 Sam. 18:1-4; 19:4-7; 20:10-13, 16-18
Related Sunday School Lesson, Bible Studies for Life, May 18

Webster defines “trust” as “one in which confidence is placed.” Trust is a sacred reliance or confidence between individuals, and trust is an essential element to unlocking your best relationships.

One of the great biblical examples of trustworthiness is the friendship of Jonathan and David recorded in 1 Samuel 17-20. Jonathan was the eldest son and heir of King Saul. Yet, Jonathan’s heart was not for the throne of Israel. Instead, it was for his friend David. Jonathan and David had a great love for each other and a deep sense of trust bound them together. In their relationship we see some of the attributes of a trustworthy relationship.

Commitment - 1 Samuel 18:1-4

Upon David’s victory over Goliath, the Bible informs us (v. 1) “the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David” (NASB). This statement indicates that there was a deep bonding that took place between Jonathan and David. “Knit” is the same word used in Genesis 44:30, speaking of Jacob’s love for his son Benjamin. Jonathan had a deep, abiding affection and admiration for David.

The verse further notes, “Jonathan loved him as himself.” The word “love” in verses one and three speaks of a personal commitment of oneself to another. Love in this section of Scripture indicates a deep and non-sexual love. Jonathan loved David in the same way a father would love a son or a brother would love his sibling.

Pure love seeks to exalt the object loved. Jonathan was committed to do the very best for David. Jonathan expressed that love in verses three and four by entering into a covenant relationship with David.

Jonathan stood next in line to inherit his father’s throne, yet in verse four we read, “Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, including his sword and his bow and his belt.” Some theologians believe that this was an indication of Jonathan’s acknowledgement that David would be the next King of Israel. Jonathan was willing to lay aside his own ambitions for the life of his friend.

Loyalty - 1 Samuel 19:4-7

Saul was a man controlled by his fears and insecurities. Upon hearing the women of Jerusalem sing “Saul has slain his thousands and David his ten thousands” (1 Sam. 18:7 NASB), Saul began to plot to put David to death. Yet, even in the face of his own father’s hatred of David, Jonathan still remained loyal to David.

Jonathan went so far as to plead David’s innocence before his father. Verse 4 tells us, “Jonathan spoke well of David.” In a moment when Jonathan could have hurt his friend, he remained loyal and spoke words that were intended for good and not evil. Jonathan “stood in the gap” for his friend and remained loyal even when doing so called for personal sacrifice.

Jonathan reminded his father of how the nation and the king had benefited from the defeat of Goliath. Jonathan shared with his father, “you saw it and rejoiced” (v. 5).

Jonathan further admonished his father not to shed innocent blood by slaying David without a just cause. Because of Jonathan’s loyalty, the anger of the king was turned, at least for a time, away from David. David was restored to his previous position with the king.

In some ways Jonathan’s loyalty toward David reminds us of Christ’s mediation between God and man. Jesus made atonement and acted as a mediator for fallen man (1 Tim. 2:5). Jesus restored us to a relationship that had been broken because of sin.

Honesty - 1 Samuel 20:10-13

It wasn’t long before Saul’s hatred of David began to consume him again. After several other attempts on David’s life, David came to Jonathan desiring to know why Saul still sought his life. Jonathan assured David that he was unaware of his father’s intentions. David understood that Saul was keeping his deceit from his own son.

David and Jonathan devised a plan to discover if Saul really desired David’s death. The feast of the New Moon provided an opportunity for the truth to be revealed. If Saul was angry at David’s absence then Jonathan would know that Saul meant evil for David.

Jonathan assured David that he would get him word. Again, Jonathan had the opportunity to bring harm to David, yet he was open and honest with his friend when he revealed that his father hated David.

Consistency - 1 Samuel 20:16-17

Jonathan and David’s relationship encountered a wide range of emotions: from rejoicing when David killed Goliath to despair over Saul’s evil actions. Jonathan could have easily taken the path of least resistance with his father. Jonathan could have turned his back on David. Jonathan didn’t because he was a trustworthy friend.

In these final verses, we see Jonathan’s love and devotion to David expressed again. The HCSB more accurately translates verse 20 as, “Jonathan once again swore to David.” Through the good times and through the difficult times, Jonathan’s love for David was consistent.

In many ways Jonathan’s trustworthiness reminds us of the Lord. He is the one who we can always trust to do what is best for us. He is the One whose love is committed, loyal, honest, and consistent.