1 Samuel 20:35-42
Verse 41 After the boy had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone and bowed down before Jonathan three times, with his face to the ground. Then they kissed each other and wept together—but David wept the most.
Jonathan may not have gotten much sleep that night and knowing the truth of his father’s hate, he wastes no time in going to tell his dear friend that David needs to go. This had to be tough on the prince. It was one thing to know that his dad was angry but that spear directed at him last night showed Jonathan that there was a hate in his father that caused him to attempt to kill his own son because of his association with David.
After a night of thinking about it Jonathan knew he had to do the last thing he wanted to do, say good-bye to his best friend. He summons a young boy to help with the plan that David had set up for getting the message to him. The boy had no idea he was being used to protect the next king. Jonathan sets up the agreed upon scenario and shoots the arrow. The boy runs to retrieve it and Jonathan shouts the fateful words.
Meanwhile David is hiding behind the rock. He hears some commotion of people walking out into the field and recognizes his friend’s voice. The twang of the bow announced the release of the arrow and David waited to hear the agreed upon coded message. And there it was. His friend had confirmed what he already knew, Saul wouldn’t stop until David was dead. Oh how that must hurt his friend to know that.
David and Jonathan waited until the boy had left and David came out of hiding and bowed before his friend, the prince, not once but three times. This moment was difficult for both men. They had so much history in the last few years. Memories both would hold with them until they died. They cried together. Tears for the joys of the past and the loss of future memories. David wept hardest maybe because he understood his becoming king would mean his friend was going to be dying young. He wouldn’t have his friend to be a source of encouragement during the hard days of ruling this nation. And just like that this bond was separated. They would remain friends and keep their vows to each other but it wouldn’t be the same. From now on if they would see each other it may be looking across the battle line.
Making It Personal
Have you ever had this kind of friendship? Have you ever been separated not knowing if you would ever see each other again? What are you willing to do for a true friend?
Making It Personal Kids
Do you have a best friend? Would it be hard to never see them again? What are you willing to do for your friend?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for sending us friends that can support and encourage us. Help us to be the kind of friends who are always honest and truly love each other. And thank You for being our friend and the best example of a friend who is willing to die to save the ones they love. In Jesus’ name, amen.