[Editor's Note: This article is the second in a series on the theme, “Being Brothers in Christ — A Special Gift of God.” Click here to find the first article.]
A friend loves at all times. A brother is there to help in times of adversity. (Proverbs 17:17)
As a young man in King Saul’s court, David set himself apart by defeating the mighty Philistine Goliath. From that point on, in numerous victories over the Philistines, David won the hearts of the Israelites and demonstrated that God was with him. Throughout Israel, the refrain rang out, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands!” (1 Samuel 18:7; 21:11; 29:5). David had become such a hero that everyone expected him to marry into Saul’s family and inherit the kingdom.
Everyone, that is, except Saul. Saul’s heart was set on making his son, Jonathan, king, and he was determined to keep David at a distance. On several occasions he even tried to kill David.
Given this situation, we might expect Jonathan to take his father’s side and try to discredit David. But the very opposite happened. Instead, Scripture tells us, “the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul” (1 Samuel 18:1). A deep friendship formed between the two men, something that not even Saul’s murderous attempts could overcome.
Jonathan recognized the hand of God in David’s life and saw that God had chosen him to be the next king of Israel. Without a hint of jealousy or bitterness, Jonathan did everything he could to protect David from his father. At a great risk to his own safety, Jonathan uncovered his father’s plan to kill David, and then warned him by shooting arrows into the air (1 Samuel 20).
Listen to these parting words of Jonathan as he sends David on his way: “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.’” (1 Samuel 20:42). Jonathan even handed over to David his own sword, robe, and shield — symbols of Jonathan’s position as heir to the throne.
When Jonathan was later killed in battle, David revealed how valuable his friendship had been: “My brother Jonathan, very pleasant have you been to me; your love to me was wonderful, surpassing the love of women” (2 Samuel 1:26).
(This article by Maurice Blumberg was part of the Catholic Men’s E-zine, “Being Brothers in Christ — A Special Gift of God,” (Advent 2001 issue) which is available on the NFCM website. You may e-mail them at info@nfcmusa.org. Many thanks to the The Word Among Us for allowing us to include some material from daily meditations.)
Reflection Questions on Page 2
Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men
1. Why do you think Jonathan chose his friendship with David over the desires of Saul, his father?
2. Is it important that a man be able to articulate, in a masculine way, the same words of affection David had for Jonathan and likewise Jonathan had for David? Why or why not?
3. Is it vital to you that you have at least one or more close personal relationships with other men? Why or why not? How can such relationships help you to live a more authentic Christian life?
4. What are the obstacles that keep us from forming close personal relationships with other men?
5. What are some steps that you can take to develop deeper relationships with other men (for example, men in your men’s group or men from your parish)?
