1 Samuel 18:3

Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.

Then Jonathan {H3083} and David {H1732} made {H3772} a covenant {H1285}, because he loved {H160} him as his own soul {H5315}.

Y'honatan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as he did himself.

Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.

Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.

Commentary

Context

This verse immediately follows David's momentous victory over Goliath, which propelled him from an obscure shepherd boy into a national hero. King Saul had just met David, and it was in this context that Jonathan, Saul's son and heir to the throne, encountered David. Unlike others who might have seen David as a rival, Jonathan's heart was immediately drawn to him. The making of a covenant was a deeply significant act in ancient Israelite culture, signifying a binding agreement of loyalty and mutual commitment, often involving an exchange of gifts, as seen in the very next verse.

Key Themes

  • Profound Friendship and Loyalty: The central theme is the extraordinary bond between Jonathan and David. Jonathan's love for David is described as being "as his own soul," indicating a deep, selfless affection that transcended personal ambition or family allegiance. This friendship would prove crucial as King Saul's jealousy intensified.
  • The Covenant: More than just a feeling, their bond was formalized into a "covenant" (`בְּרִית`, b'rit in Hebrew). This solemn agreement was a commitment of mutual support and faithfulness, setting the stage for Jonathan's later protection of David from Saul's murderous intentions and David's subsequent kindness to Jonathan's descendants.
  • Divine Providence: This divinely orchestrated friendship played a vital role in God's plan for David to become king. Jonathan, the rightful heir, willingly stepped aside in affection and loyalty, acknowledging God's favor on David.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "loved him as his own soul" uses the Hebrew word `אׇהַב` ('ahav) for love, which signifies deep affection, devotion, and commitment. It's a love that mirrors the self-giving nature of true relationship, indicating that Jonathan held David's well-being and life as dear as his own. The term "covenant" (`בְּרִית`, b'rit) is significant, often used to describe sacred agreements, including those between God and His people.

Practical Application

1 Samuel 18:3 offers a timeless example of selfless friendship and loyalty. It challenges us to consider the depth of our own relationships:

  • Value of True Friendship: This verse highlights the immeasurable value of a friend who loves you as their own soul, someone who is loyal even when it costs them personally. It echoes the sentiment found in Proverbs 17:17, "A friend loveth at all times."
  • Commitment in Relationships: The "covenant" aspect emphasizes that true love and friendship involve a binding commitment, not just fleeting emotion.
  • God's Orchestration: It reminds us that God can use unexpected relationships to further His purposes, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. This profound bond between David and Jonathan also foreshadows a deeper love, as seen in John 15:13, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 20:8 (6 votes)

    Therefore thou shalt deal kindly with thy servant; for thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of the LORD with thee: notwithstanding, if there be in me iniquity, slay me thyself; for why shouldest thou bring me to thy father?

  • 1 Samuel 20:17 (6 votes)

    And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul.

  • 1 Samuel 20:42 (6 votes)

    And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city.

  • 2 Samuel 21:7 (5 votes)

    But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, because of the LORD'S oath that [was] between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul.

  • 2 Samuel 9:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake?

  • 2 Samuel 9:3 (4 votes)

    And the king said, [Is] there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, [which is] lame on [his] feet.

  • 1 Samuel 23:18 (3 votes)

    And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.