Define the word friend

September 5, 2017

1 Samuel 23:15-29

If I were I to try to define the word friend, and needed an example to make clear what friendship is, I would use Jonathan.  If someone asked me to give an example of loyalty, I would use the case of Jonathan.  First, to enter into a friendship one must have a relationship to be a friend one forms a bond, many a person believes they have friends when all they have is acquaintances.  David and Jonathan had a bond; they loved each other and wanted the best for the other.  Shall we explore the word loyalty, a trust between two or more persons, they are faithful to each other, and can rely on one another at all times?

This is what King Saul’s son Jonathan had with David, they had a relationship built on trust and love for one another.  Some of you may have had experience with the IRS coming after your resources, that’s not a good place to find yourself, but it is a walk in the park compared to the King with all his resources wanting your life.

Let’s pick up the account in 1 Samuel 23:15-18, “David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life. David was in the wilderness of Ziph at Horesh. And Jonathan, Saul's son, rose and went to David at Horesh, and strengthened his hand in God. And he said to him, “Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Saul my father also knows this.” And the two of them made a covenant before the Lord. David remained at Horesh, and Jonathan went home.”  Do you understand that Jonathan is putting his life at risk to come to David, that is what a friend will do?  How many face book friends are going to put their life at risk for you, try learning the meaning of the word “zero.”  Jonathan is teaching us the truth; friendship is not just a word it is always an action.  He is willing to give up his right to be King so that David may take his place.

The Ziphites are an example of betrayal, David and his men were living among them, and they went to Saul and told him where David was.  You might find Psalm 54 of interest, it is David’s crying out to the Lord for protection against his enemies.

Now as Saul came down to Ziphites, David and his men had moved to the wilderness of Maon and David was told that the King and his army were closing in on him.  David went to one side of the mountain and Saul to the other side and word came to Saul that the Philistines had made a raid on the land.  That my dear reader is a “But God” moment, for God has already said David will be the King of Israel and Judah.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice