LESSON 23 - “The Lord Be Between Thee and Me For Ever”

DAVID AND JONATHAN

Three insights into the relationship between David and Jonathan.

And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. (1 Samuel 18:1)

The Hebrew word qashar, translated here as “knit,” means literally to bind together. From this point onward, David and Jonathan were as one person, having the same interest in each other’s welfare and the welfare of their people. The reason for this is revealed two chapters later.

And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the Lord be between thee and me for ever. (1 Samuel 20:23)

Though their love for one another was great, the thing that united David and Jonathan in a unique way was their profound love of the Lord. The Lord was literally the binding force between the two men, and would be forever. They had found in each other a mirror image of a man who desired to do that which is right above all else, and therefore covenanted one with another to protect each other and their households.

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 1:26)

The love of David for Jonathan is here expressed as something greater than the love of women. That is, their love is something more than temporal or physical, it is a love based on spiritual principles of the highest order.

In a relationship such as this, selflessness is a primary attribute. Though, in a traditional patriarchal monarchy, Jonathan would succeed his father as the next king, he harbors no ill will toward David who has supplanted him. He recognizes and accepts that the Lord has chosen David to be the next king. Jonathan will therefore do all he can to see that David is safe and prosperous. He takes joy in David and what he represents.

Their relationship reminds me somewhat of that between Alma and the Sons of Mosiah:

Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel first appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord... (Alma 17:2)

I recently reconnected with one of my former missionary companions. We had actually been companions twice, including three months in the Mission Home. I was in his wedding party shortly after I returned home, but had not seen him in more than 30 years. When we came face to face after all that time, there was something between us similar to that of Alma and the Sons of Mosiah, or between David and Jonathan; probably not that profound, but just as real. I felt that our souls were still “knit” together, and I rejoiced to see his happiness and success. It was obvious that he had a similar reaction.

Surely this is how we should feel toward all men, but the connecting link has to be our love of God. This changes the way we see and feel and brings about a more Christ like love - one that is selfless and pure.

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Saul, on the other hand, has distanced himself from God and has focused his attention solely on himself. He becomes jealous and fearful of David, and sinks further into the hole of self-preoccupation to the point of madness. His obsession with David becomes paranoid in nature, as he sees in every action and every comment about David, a threat to his person and to his kingship. His selfishness, his overwhelming desire for self-preservation actually leads to his complete destruction.