So much so that these very men protected and rescued Jonathan, who had innocently violated a rash oath from his father the king that would have resulted in his death ( 14:24-46)! David-a Keeper of Sheep It, along with other instances, caused him to grow in stature and respect among the army of Israel. This single act of bravery led to other events that encouraged his father and the 600 men with Saul to join in battle as well, leading to a great victory for Israel ( I Sam. Trusting in God, he slew 20 Philistines in a half-acre area of land. These character traits were clearly evidenced when Jonathan fought against a garrison of Philistine soldiers with only his armor bearer by his side. He was a mighty soldier in his own right-highly respected and trusted by the men he led. Jonathan was a young man of courage, strength and determination who looked to and relied on God. Jonathan was well aware of this and the promises God would have made to Saul had he been faithful ( I Sam. He was destined to rule after the death of his father. Jonathan, prince and son of Saul, was the heir apparent to the throne of Israel. There were also things that could have easily destroyed their bond, but instead, they made it stronger. As you read about this friendship, you will find that they shared much in common. The story of Jonathan and David is the story of one such friendship. Friends may come and go, but to have a lifelong, close, personal friendship is truly a great blessing. A friend who is there not only through the good times, but also the bad-through thick and thin-someone who will not desert you when the going gets tough.Ī true friendship that stands the test of trials and time is rare. 18:24), someone in whom you can confide and trust, and with whom you can share your hopes and dreams. He or she could be, as the Bible says, “a friend that sticks closer than a brother” ( Prov. Most likely, there is one person who is as close to you as a brother or sister. Of these, there may be only a few that you would consider close friends. Most of them may simply be acquaintances, while others you might consider friends. You have probably met and known many different people in your life.