The description of the Friendship between David and Jonathan is a description of man’s responsibility to man. JesusĀ  explained man’s obligation in the great commandment. It is not only required of man that he must “love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength,” but also it is required of man “to love your neighbor as you love yourself.”

This is how Samuel describes David and Jonathan. In 1 Samuel 20:17 Jonathan pledges his loyalty to David. Then the text goes on to say, “And Jonathan had David reaffirm his oath out of love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself.”

Lord, I reaffirm today my oath of love for you and for others. Help me reflect that in how I live today.