Day 1 - Lord's Day - Sunday | Daily Devotions | The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2025-2026 |

 June 21

Lesson 3 (KJV)

Jonathan and David, Resolute Friends

Devotional Reading: Proverbs 27:6, 10–11, 17, 19

Background Scripture: 1 Samuel 19:1–7; 20:1–42; 2 Samuel 1:17–27

1 Samuel 18:1–4

1 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.

2 And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father’s house.

3 Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.

4 And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.

1 Samuel 20:16–17, 32–34, 42

16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, Let the Lord even require it at the hand of David’s enemies.

17 And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul.

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32 And Jonathan answered Saul, his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? What hath he done?

33 And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David.

34 So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no meat the second day of the month: for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame.

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42 And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord, saying, The Lord be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city.

2 Samuel 1:26–27

26 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.

27 How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!

2 Samuel 21:7

7 But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, because of the Lord’s oath that was between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul.

Key Text

Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord, saying, The Lord be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city.—1 Samuel 20:42

The Testimony of Faithful Witnesses

Unit 1: Faithful Witnesses Model God’s Fidelity

Lessons 1–4

Lesson Aims

After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:

1. Identify the ways David and Jonathan show loyalty to one another.

2. Explain the significance of the covenant between David and Jonathan.

3. Plan a way to show love and loyalty to a friend or community member in the week ahead.

Lesson Outline

Introduction

A. Rivals Turned Friends

B. Lesson Context

I. Unexpected Friend (1 Samuel 18:1–4)

A. In Saul’s Household (vv. 1–2)

B. Saul’s Heir (vv. 3–4)

Productive Friendships

II. Unwavering Alliance (1 Samuel 20:16–17, 32–34, 42)

A. Expanded Covenant (vv. 16–17)

B. Honorable Defense (vv. 32–34)

Your Cultivation Record

C. Permanent Peace (v. 42)

III. Unbroken Promise (2 Samuel 1:26–27; 21:7)

A. Lament for the Dead (1:26–27)

B. Compassion for the Living (21:7)

Conclusion

A. New Covenant Loyalty

B. Prayer

C. Thought to Remember

How to Say It

Bethlehem	Beth-lih-hem.
Goliath	Go-lye-uth.
Mephibosheth	Meh-fib-o-sheth.
Philistines	Fuh-liss-teenz or Fill-us-teenz.

Introduction

A. Rivals Turned Friends

B. Lesson Context

The books of 1 & 2 Samuel introduce three key figures: Samuel, Saul, and David. The boy Samuel grew up to be an important transitional figure, taking Israel from the era of judges to the time of Israel’s united monarchy (see lesson 2). He first anointed Saul, then David as king (1 Samuel 10:1; 16:13). Kings at this time (eleventh century BC) were seen especially as military protectors, able to lead their subjects in battle (example: 8:11–12).

Before Saul’s disastrous rule ended, God prepared David to take over as leader in Saul’s place. The secret anointing of David and the plan to make him king created a potential conflict with Saul and his household, especially with Saul’s firstborn son and heir, Jonathan. Jonathan had the most to lose and could have easily rejected God’s choice of king.

Jonathan is first mentioned in 1 Samuel 13–14, where he proves himself an impressive captain of fighting men. In one exploit, Jonathan and his armor-bearer manage to single-handedly defeat about twenty Philistines, turning the tide in favor of the Israelites (1 Samuel 14:1–14). Jonathan speaks like a virtuous leader, one who knows “there is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few” (14:6; compare 17:45).

But God’s choice of David, “a man after [God’s] own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14), interrupts the dynastic rule and demonstrates that God is in charge. Both then and in the future, the rise and fall of rulers and empires are subject to God’s control (see Daniel 7:27).

I. Unexpected Friend

(1 Samuel 18:1–4)

                                                                             A. In Saul’s Household (vv. 1–2)

                                                                                    B. Saul’s Heir (vv. 3–4)

What Do You Think? What could be some modern equivalents of the way Jonathan expressed friendship with David? Why? Digging Deeper Consider both non-material things and tangible objects. Be prepared to explain the nature of the equivalence.

Productive Friendships

                                                                                         II. Unwavering Alliance

(1 Samuel 20:16–17, 32–34, 42)

                                                                                        A. Expanded Covenant (vv. 16–17)

What Do You Think? When have you experienced a friendship like that of David and Jonathan? Digging Deeper In what ways did your friendship demonstrate unity and love?

B. Honorable Defense (vv. 32–34)

What Do You Think? Have you ever had to choose between loyalty to a friend and loyalty to someone else? How did you handle it? Digging Deeper When have you been on the receiving end of a friend’s loyalty and love? How did you respond?

Your Cultivation Record

"... sacrifices in friendship don’t just happen when someone is in deadly peril. Even when we aren’t risking life and limb, we often have to set our personal needs aside. Are you willing to sacrifice for others, or do you think first of your own comfort and safety?"

—N. V.

C. Permanent Peace (v. 42)

III. Unbroken Promise

(2 Samuel 1:26–27, 21:7)

                                                                                     A. Lament for the Dead (1:26–27)

What Do You Think? What line from David’s song of lament in 2 Samuel 1:19–27 stands out to you? Why? Digging Deeper What steps can a believer take to process the grief that comes from losing a close friend?

B. Compassion for the Living (21:7)

                                                                                                        Conclusion

A. New Covenant Loyalty

Friendship, like that between David and Jonathan, doesn’t just happen—it must be cultivated. The world has a way of predisposing people toward self-gain and narcissism, leaving us disinclined to connect with one another, much less show the kind of loyalty that Jonathan shows at his own expense.

But the church can become a place where people are willing to serve one another sacrificially. It begins with individuals who look beyond their own needs. Simple acts of friendship and loyalty can make a difference: inviting someone to coffee, checking in with a friend, sharing a meal, and keeping confidences are just a few examples. These simple actions can open the door to a deeper relationship wherein both people recognize the dignity of the other and serve one another under Christ.

This is not a foolproof strategy; some will not reciprocate. But Christians are called to hospitality (Romans 12:13; 1 Timothy 5:10; Hebrews 13:2; 3 John 8; see lesson 13), as well as to generosity and love for enemies (Proverbs 25:21; Matthew 5:43–44). If kindness goes unreciprocated, it remains kindness well-spent.

What Do You Think? In what ways has this study of David and Jonathan inspired you to develop friendships that are like family (compare Proverbs 18:24)? Digging Deeper What actions will you take to develop such friendships?

B. Prayer

Heavenly Father, lead us to create unshakable bonds of friendship like we see between David and Jonathan. Help us to be faithful and loyal to one another, even when it is difficult. Build us into healthy communities through which You carry out Your work. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

C. Thought to Remember

Honor God in your friendships.

Involvement Learning

Enhance your lesson with KJV Bible Student (from your curriculum supplier) and the reproducible activity page (at www.standardlesson.com or in the back of the KJV Standard Lesson Commentary Deluxe Edition).

 Brenner S. Carlson, Nadia Vermaak, and Mark A. Taylor, “Jonathan and David, Resolute Friends,” in The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2025–2026, ed. Taylor Z. Stamps et al., vol. 73, The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary (Colorado Springs, CO: Standard Publishing, 2026), 367–368.