1 Samuel 18:4 Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow, and his belt.
The friendship between David and Jonathan is truly inspirational. It is an example of what each of us should strive for with our friends. If you have never read their story, take a few minutes to read through it. You will find it in 1 Samuel and is not long but very informative and beautiful.
I have had many friends over the years, some of which I have cherished dearly. Other friendships I had may not have been as deep, but they have always had great influence in my life. I would have had no problem giving them my clothes and personal items. But my willingness to share the blessings in my life with my closest friends is not the same as that of Jonathan and David.
Jonathan was the son of Saul who was King. Samuel, the prophet, anointed David as the next King, though Jonathan was the rightful heir to the throne. The removal and gifting of his robe, tunic, belt, and weapons was symbolic. He was ceremonially giving up his claim to the throne and instead transferring it to David. In the Old Testament God commanded Aaron to give his priestly garments to his son Eleazar, thus transferring his office to his son. And Jonathan did the same with David, though he was not commanded by God to do so. He left himself defenseless and practically naked, showing not only sacrifice and loyalty, but absolute trust in his friend
Jonathan freely gave up his rightful place on the throne to the man God had appointed to be the next king. He recognized God’s authority and honored David with his gifts. Jonathan loved David, not in a romantic sense, but platonically. The word used for love in their story is the same as that used to love God (Exodus 20:6), loving one’s neighbor (Leviticus 19:18), and for the friends who sat with Job (Job 19:19). And in his love for his friend, he gave us a foretaste of the love of Christ.
Do you have a cherished friend? And if you do, could you make sacrifices in loyalty the way Jonathan did for David? Take some time to pray for your friends and ask God to reveal to you how you might give to your friends.
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