Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord. 1 Samuel 20:42
You may have seen or heard some variation of this saying: “If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.” It’s a lovely thought, isn’t it? But is there any solid research to reassure us that these words are not just lovely, but true?
Yes! In fact, one such study by British and American researchers demonstrated that people estimated the size of mountains as significantly smaller if they were standing with someone else as opposed to when standing alone. In other words, “social support” matters—so much so that it causes even the size of mountains to shrink in our minds.
David found that kind of encouragement to be both lovely and true in his friendship with Jonathan. The jealous anger of King Saul was like an insurmountable mountain in David’s story causing him to fear for his very life (see 1 Samuel 19:9-18). Without some sort of support—in this case his closest friend—the story could have been drastically different. But Jonathan, “grieved at his father’s shameful treatment of David” (20:34), stood by his friend. “Why should he be put to death?” he asked (v. 32). Their God-ordained friendship bolstered David, allowing him to become Israel’s king.
Our friendships matter. And when God is at the center of them, we can spur each other on to do greater things than we might imagine.
Where are you finding your social support? Who can you support with your friendship?
Thank You, Father, for those You’ve placed in my life who’ve kept the mountains in perspective.
INSIGHT
The friendship between David and Jonathan was one that withstood the test of time and circumstances. Jonathan risked his life to go against his own father, King Saul, in order to protect David (1 Samuel 20). As the heir to Saul’s throne, Jonathan didn’t see David, his brother-in-law, as a political rival, but chose to forge a deep friendship with him (vv. 12-17). Jonathan encouraged David by assuring his safety and making a covenant to affirm David as king (23:17-18). David promised Jonathan that even after his death, he would treat his family with love and unfailing kindness (20:14-17, 42). After Jonathan died in battle (31:1-2), David ordered the people of Judah to remember Jonathan as their hero in a national song (2 Samuel 1:17-27). David also honored this friendship and took care of Jonathan’s disabled son, Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9).