IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JONATHAN- "You Were Very Dear to Me" - Conclusion

 In the years that followed, David surely looked back often and fondly on that meeting.  It was their last. Sadly, Jonathan's hope to become second to David was never realized.

Jonathan went to battle at his father's side against the Philistines, avowed enemies of Israel.  He could fight alongside his father in good conscience for he did not let his father's wrongs get in the way of his own service to Jehovah.  He fought bravely and loyally as he always had, but the battle still went badly for Israel.  Saul's wickedness had extended even to spiritism. a capital offense  under God's Law, so Jehovah was no longer blessing Saul.  Three of Saul's sons,  including Jonathan, were killed in battle.  Saul was wounded and  took his own life. - 1 SAMUEL  28:6-1; 31:2-6.

David was stricken with grief.  That lighthearted man even grieved for Saul, who had caused him so much misery and hardship!  David wrote a dirge over Saul and Jonathan.  Perhaps the most touching words relate to David's beloved mentor and friend: "I am distressed over you my brother Jonathan, you were very dear to me.  More wonderful was your love to me than the love of women." -2 SAMUEL 1:26.

David never forgot his vow to Jonathan. Years later he sought out and took care of Jonathan's disabled son, Mephibosheth.   (2 Samuel 9:1-13) Clearly, David had learned much from Jonathan's loyalty and honor and his willingness to stick loyally to a friend  even when such loyalty came at a high price. Will we learn such lessons as well?  Can we seek out friends like Jonathan?  Can we show such friendship  ourselves?  If we help our friends to build and strengthen their faith in Jehovah, if we put our loyalty to God first, and we remain loyal  instead of seeking our own interests, we will be the kind of friend that Jonathan was.  And we will imitate his faith. 

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JONATHAN - Was It a  Sexual Relationship?

From  the jw.org publications