1 Samuel 18:1-4·~1 min
Jonathan Befriends David
Jonathan loves David with unusual closeness, Saul keeps David near, and Jonathan seals their bond with a covenant and his own royal gear. The friendship is both personal and public.
A1fter David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself. 2And from that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father’s house. 3Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. 4And Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt.
Section summaryJonathan is joined to David in deep affection and makes a covenant with him. His gift of robe and weapons marks that bond in visible, costly form.
Role in the chapterThis opening section answers David’s public victory with a private act of loyalty. It sets David inside Saul’s house while showing that the first lasting response to him is not rivalry but covenant friendship.