“And Jonathan Saul’s son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.” – 1 Samuel 23.16
One of the great, relatively unsung, characters of the Old Testament has to be Jonathan. Full of faith in God and humility, Jonathan perfectly illustrates the traits of a godly friend. There is no doubt that God used Jonathan to keep David safe on many occasions as his father Saul was tirelessly searching to kill him. One of the greatest gifts God gave humanity is the blessing of friendship. An encouraging word from a friend is sometimes all it takes to get through a trial in life. Jonathan understood this, and our text says that he: “arose, went to David, and strengthened his hand in God.” In verse seventeen you can read how Jonathan encouraged David by reminding him that he would be king and Saul could not touch him. May God give us more men and women like Jonathan; people who understand that encouragement is one of the traits that makes a good friend.