The Love of a Prince for His Friend

“No one has greater love than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

The greatest love story in the Bible is described in the New Testament Gospels. It is the story of the unconditional and sacrificial love of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

However today, I would like to highlight another amazing story of unconditional love from the Old Testament.  It too is a story of unconditional love, a love that existed between two unlikely friends. It is a story of Love, Trust and Honor.

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He was a Prince of the Nation of Israel, the eldest son and heir to the throne of the first anointed King. Jonathan was the son of King Saul, and if he looked anything like the Bible’s description of his father, he was tall and very handsome.  It’s certain he would have met anyone’s expectations of a future King.  He had the heart of his countrymen, was a mighty warrior, and a leader in his father’s armies. Jonathan was well known for being first into a battle. In 1Samuel 14, Israel is facing their sworn enemy, the Philistines.  Jonathan manages to slip from the main force, trusting God to guide him as he attacks the outer edge of the Philistine forces.

Jonathan climbed up, using his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer right behind him. The Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer followed and killed behind him. In that first attack Jonathan and his armor-bearer killed some twenty men in an area of about half an acre. 1 Samuel:14:13-14

Jonathan, was the heir apparent to the Throne of Israel, until his father, turned away from God and the prophet Samuel was sent to anoint a young shepherd boy named David. The Prince’s response to the young David was selfless and almost inexplicable.

 Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.  1 Samuel:18:1

From that time on, Jonathan guarded David and honored God’s choice, for David to be the future King. He warned David of his father’s threats and even defended David to his Father.  In anger, Saul chastised Jonathan, reminding him that David was a threat to Jonathan. “As long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingdom will be established.” 1 Samuel 20:31.  Yet, Jonathan selflessly loved the one who would supplant him as King.  “But if my father is inclined to harm you, may the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if I do not let you know and send you away safely.  May the LORD be with you as He has been with my father.” 1 Samuel 20:13

After David fled from Saul and surrounded himself with fighting men of his own, Jonathan bravely traveled to David’s rival camp to encourage him.

And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God.  ‘Don’t be afraid,’ he said. ‘ My father Saul will not lay a hand on you.  You will be King over all Israel, and I will be second to you.” 1 Samuel 23:16-17

Jonathan was eventually killed in battle along with his father. But the valiant Prince’s unconditional love for his friend preserved King David’s life. AND Jonathan’s obedience to God opened the way for a covenant between the Lord and David, which was the ultimate fulfillment in the scriptures of Christ Jesus, the Messiah descending from the House of David.

You can read more about Jonathan’s life in the novel, The Prince: Jonathan, by Francine Rivers.

Love, Honor and Loyalty….. how important is it?

Jonathan lay down his life for his friend.