Articles
Knit Together As One
Now it came about when he had finished speaking to Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself. (1 Samuel 18:1)
Friendships make this world a whole lot easier. Nowhere is this truer than in times of struggle and weakness. Fighting temptations, battling against the spiritual forces of wickedness, fighting addiction, whatever the struggle, friends make the load much lighter.
David had a confidant, comrade, and fellow soldier in Saul’s son Jonathan. The connection between the two was inseparable. They are described as being “knit together,” as loving one another “as his own self,” and in a later passage, Jonathan is described as “greatly delighting” in David (1Sam. 19:1). Jonathan even took the royal robe that he wore as well as his armor, sword, bow, and belt and girded it around David (1Sam. 18:4). Even when given the command to kill David, Jonathan’s love overruled his desire to appease his father (1Sam. 19:1). He couldn’t do it! He warned David of his father’s murderous rage and made provision for David. This tie was so strong that a covenant was sealed between the two families (1Sam. 20:42).
Having friends in this life who are spiritual advocates of all that is good will help in our battle against the wiles of the Devil. When striving for self-control, remember your friends. Truly a cord of three strands is not easily broken (Eccl. 4:9-12).
