David and Jonathan's Covenant of Friendship
(1 Samuel 18:1-4; 20)
After David defeated the giant Goliath, he went to speak with King Saul. As David finished talking, something special happened. Jonathan, the king's own son, felt his heart connect with David's heart. The Bible says Jonathan loved David as much as he loved himself. Their souls were bound together in a way that only God can explain. From that very day, a deep friendship began to grow.
Jonathan saw that God was with David. He did not feel jealous or threatened, even though David was a young hero who had already won a great victory. Instead, Jonathan wanted to honor his new friend. He took off his own robe and gave it to David. He also gave David his armor, his sword, his bow, and his belt. These were not ordinary gifts. A prince's robe and weapons showed honor and trust. Jonathan was giving David some of his most valuable possessions.
Jonathan and David made a covenant together. A covenant is a very serious promise, an agreement between two people that is not meant to be broken. Because Jonathan loved David like his own soul, they promised to be faithful friends forever. They promised to protect each other and to always tell each other the truth, no matter what happened.
Later, King Saul became very angry with David and wanted to hurt him. Jonathan could not believe his father would do such a thing. Jonathan spoke up for David, reminding his father of all the good things David had done. He said, "The king should not sin against his servant David, because he has not sinned against you".
But Saul's anger did not go away. David knew he was in danger, so he went to Jonathan and asked, "What have I done wrong that your father wants to kill me?" Jonathan tried to comfort him, but David was scared. He said, "There is only a step between me and death". Jonathan, showing his loyalty, promised to help. He would find out what his father was planning and warn David.
David had to hide, and the two friends planned a way to send a secret message. Jonathan would shoot arrows and tell a boy to go find them. If Jonathan told the boy the arrows were farther away, it would mean David was in danger and had to run away. It was a sad plan because it would mean they might not see each other again.
The next morning, Jonathan went to the field. He told the boy to go find the arrows he shot "beyond" him. That was the signal. David's life was in danger. After the boy left, the two friends met for the last time. They wept together, and Jonathan said to David, "Go in peace, because we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord". They knew their friendship was stronger than distance, and their promise to each other was made before God.
A Curious Question
Why would Jonathan, a prince who could have been the next king, give away his own robe, sword, and bow to David, the man who would become king instead of him?
Jesus Connection
Jonathan loved David and made a covenant with him. He gave David his royal robe and weapons. This points forward to a greater covenant. Jesus, our true King, made a covenant with us. He loves us and gave up everything for us, not just a robe or a weapon, but His own life. Jesus gave His life on the cross so we could be part of God's family (John 3:16). Jesus Himself is the son of the King, our eternal Prince of Peace, who laid down His royal glory to save us. Unlike Jonathan who warned David about danger, Jesus saves us from the danger of sin forever. Jesus is the faithful friend who never leaves us, and He has promised to be with us always.
Discussion Questions
- Jonathan gave David his robe, sword, and bow. What is something valuable you can give a friend that is more than just a toy?
- Jonathan spoke up for David when his father was angry. Why is it important to speak the truth about someone when others are saying untrue things about them?
- The friends made a promise to each other that was made before God. How does knowing God hears your promises change the way you think about keeping them?
"So What?" What Can I Do?
- Be a Loyal Friend: When a friend is in trouble or being treated unfairly, ask yourself: "How can I encourage them like Jonathan encouraged David?"
- Honor Others: Jonathan honored David by giving him his robe. Think about someone who is good at something or who has a gift. How can you honor that person instead of feeling jealous?
- Keep Your Promises: Your words matter to God. If you make a promise to a friend, try your best to keep it. That is part of being a good friend.
Memorize God's Word
Proverbs 17:17: "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
Hand Motions:
- A friend loves point to a friend nearby or cross both arms over your chest in a hug.
- at all times draw a big circle in the air with one finger to show it means always and forever.
- and a brother point to a sibling or a friend who is like a brother to you.
- is born for adversity make a strong muscle with your arm to show you are strong enough to stand with a friend in a hard time.
Praying with Kids
Dear Father, thank you for giving us friends who love us. Help us to be loyal and truthful friends like Jonathan and David. Teach us to honor others and keep our promises. We are so grateful that Jesus is our best friend forever. Amen.
Craft or Activity
Friendship Covenant Scroll
Kids will create a simple "covenant" scroll, representing the promise Jonathan and David made to each other. They will write a short promise on it to encourage a friend.
Materials Checklist:
How to Make the Friendship Covenant Scroll:- Give each child a rectangular piece of brown paper bag (the size of a standard piece of paper).
- Using markers or pens, have them write a promise to a friend at school, church, or home. For example, "I promise to always tell you the truth" or "I promise to pray for you this week."
- Let them decorate the scroll with stickers or small drawings of things that remind them of friendship (like a heart or a handshake).
- Roll up the paper from both ends toward the center, like a scroll.
- Tie a piece of twine or yarn around the center of the scroll to hold it closed.
- Encourage the children to give their scroll to the friend they wrote the promise about. They can read it out loud together.
Effective Teaching Techniques
For Younger Children: Focus on the gift-giving part of the story. Bring in a robe (or a towel) and some toy weapons (or cardboard swords) to act out Jonathan giving his gifts to David. This helps little ones understand what generosity looks like.
For Older Kids: Emphasize the covenant. Talk about how our word and promises are important to God. You can discuss how a "covenant" is different from a regular promise because it is binding and serious. Challenge them to think of ways they have been a loyal friend in the past week.
Prep Shortcut: Tear or cut the brown paper bags into rectangles ahead of time so the kids can start creating right away. Pre-cut the lengths of yarn or twine for the scrolls as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did Jonathan give David his robe and weapons?
- A prince's robe and weapons were valuable and showed honor. Jonathan gave them to David to show that he honored his friend and trusted him completely.
- What is a covenant?
- A covenant is a very serious promise between two people that is not meant to be broken. David and Jonathan made a covenant to be faithful friends forever.
- How did Jonathan warn David that he was in danger?
- Jonathan and David set up a secret signal using arrows. If Jonathan told the boy the arrows were farther away, it meant David had to run and hide.