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Jonathan and David, July 25
Family Companionship
How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! O Jonathan,
thou wast slain in thine high places. I am distressed for thee, my
brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love
to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.
2 Samuel 1:25, 26
The friendship of Jonathan for David was ... of God’s providence, to
preserve the life of the future ruler of Israel.
At this time, when there were so few bright spots in the path of
David, he was rejoiced to receive an unexpected visit from Jonathan,
who had learned the place of his refuge. Precious were the moments
which these two friends passed in each other’s society. They related
their varied experiences, and Jonathan strengthened the heart of David,
saying, “Fear not! for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and
thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also
Saul my father knoweth.” As they talked of the wonderful dealings of
God with David, the hunted fugitive was greatly encouraged. “And they
two made a covenant before the Lord: and David abode in the wood, and
Jonathan went to his house.”
After the visit of Jonathan, David encouraged his soul with songs of
praise, accompanying his voice with his harp.
Jonathan, by birth heir to the throne, yet knowing himself set aside
by the divine decree; to his rival the most tender and faithful of friends,
shielding David’s life at the peril of his own; steadfast at his father’s side
through the dark days of his declining power, and at his side falling at
the last—the name of Jonathan is treasured in heaven, and it stands on
earth a witness to the existence and the power of unselfish love.
* * * * *
Connected with Christ, we are connected with our fellow men by the
golden links of the chain of love.
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