Day 44 – 1 Samuel 20:16-17
Scripture Review
1 Samuel 20:16-17
"So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David's enemies."
(1 Samuel 20:16)
I notice that Jonathan's covenant grows wider here. The verse says, "Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David." That means this promise reaches beyond the two men standing in the field. It stretches into the future.
How serious these words? "Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David's enemies." Jonathan is calling on the Lord, the witness of the covenant, to judge any violator of it. Meaning if anyone from his side rises as an enemy against David or David's house, let the Lord deal with them. Jonathan is not speaking loosely. He is putting the whole matter before the Lord.
"And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul."
(1 Samuel 20:17)
"Jonathan caused David to swear again." Jonathan had sworn, and now he requires David's oath in return for confirmation. This is not distrust. This is solemn strengthening. He wants the covenant made sure.
Then I see the reason why repeated again, "because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul." That is deep, loyal love. This is not selfish friendship. Jonathan loves David with a love that thinks beyond himself, beyond the throne, and even beyond his own lifetime.
True love wants righteousness, faithfulness, and lasting kindness. Jonathan is not trying to "use" David. He wants this covenant kept through all their generations.
This makes me think of those rare friendships that grow so deep, you become part of the family. They feed you, counsel you, welcome you, and include you. Jonathan's love for David was not shallow friendship, but covenant love that reached beyond the two men and touched the whole household.
Some friendships become so deep, you are not treated like a guest anymore, but like family. That helps me feel the weight of Jonathan's covenant love for David.
"LORD, help me love others with a love that reaches farther than myself."