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📖 Check Your Understanding
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The Story
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Next in line. Jonathan was the son of King Saul. In those days the king’s son became the next king, so the crown should have gone to Jonathan. But God had chosen David and had sent Samuel to anoint him (1 Samuel 16:13).
No jealousy. Jonathan could have seen David as a rival, someone taking what was his. Instead he said, “Whatever you yourself desire, I will do it for you” (20:4). He put God’s plan ahead of his own future.
Saul said it plainly. “For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, you shall not be established, nor your kingdom” (20:31). Saul wanted Jonathan to fight for the throne. Jonathan wanted to obey God.
Jonathan could see it. He prayed for David, “And the Lord be with you as He has been with my father” (20:13). He could tell that God was with David, and he was glad about it.
What this shows about God. God chooses whom He will use. He also gives His people hearts that are happy to go along with His plan, even when it costs them something.
For you. Is there someone who is better at something than you, or who got something you wanted? You can be like Jonathan. Thank God for that person, cheer them on, and help them. A heart like that trusts that God’s plan is good.
The heir (20:31). Saul’s words show what was at stake: “you shall not be established, nor your kingdom.” In Israel, as in the nations around it, the throne usually passed from father to son. Jonathan was the heir, and David stood in his way.
Already given away (18:4). Two chapters earlier Jonathan took off his robe and gave it to David, along with his armor, his sword, his bow and his belt. A prince’s robe and weapons marked his rank. Jonathan was handing David the place he would have had.
As his own soul (20:17). “He loved him as he loved his own soul.” The Hebrew word nephesh (say: NEH-fesh) means soul or life, the whole person. Jonathan loved David the way God’s law tells His people to love a neighbor: as yourself (Leviticus 19:18).
A faith that sees (23:17). Later Jonathan told David, “You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Even my father Saul knows that.” Jonathan believed what God had said about David, even though it cost him the throne.
Two responses. Saul and Jonathan faced the same news. Saul grabbed at the crown and became bitter and violent. Jonathan opened his hands and became one of the most loyal friends in the Bible. The difference was not their situation. It was whether they trusted God.
The same heart in John the Baptist. When people told John that the crowds were going to Jesus, he answered that Jesus must increase and he must decrease (John 3:30). Those who love God are glad to step aside for the one God has chosen.
For you. Envy whispers that if God blesses someone else, you lose. Jonathan shows that a heart given to God can be glad when God lifts up someone else. Ask God to make you that kind of friend.
Jonathan was King Saul’s son. Most people thought he would be the next king. But God had chosen David to be king instead. Jonathan knew it. Many people would be jealous of a friend like David. Jonathan was not jealous at all. He told David, “I’ll do anything you want me to do.” He cared more about God’s plan than about a crown. That is a very hard thing to do. Saul even warned Jonathan that he would never be king. Jonathan still chose to help David. Real friends are glad when God blesses someone else. Jesus can help us love our friends that way too.
Jonathan was the king’s son. God chose David to be the next king. Jonathan loved God, so he helped David.
👨👩👧 Parent Prompt
How did Jonathan help his friend David?
More than a feeling. Jonathan and David loved each other, but they also made a covenant, a serious promise made before God. “So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David” (20:16).
Kindness for later. Jonathan asked, “And you shall not only show me the kindness of the Lord while I still live, that I may not die; but you shall not cut off your kindness from my house forever” (20:14-15).
Why ask? When a new family took the throne, the old king’s family was often killed. Jonathan was asking David to protect his children after he was gone.
God in the middle. “The Lord be between you and me forever” (20:23). God heard the promise, and God would hold them to it.
Kept years later. After Jonathan died, David asked, “Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (2 Samuel 9:1).
What this shows about God. Our God makes promises and keeps every one. “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen” (2 Corinthians 1:20).
For you. Be a friend whose word can be trusted. When you say you will do something, do it, even when it gets hard or nobody is watching.
“A covenant of the Lord” (20:8). David calls their friendship “a covenant of the Lord.” The Hebrew word berit (say: beh-REET) means a binding agreement sealed before God. It was a promise with God as the witness.
Loyal love (20:14). Jonathan asks for “the kindness of the Lord.” The word is hesed (say: KHEH-sed): loyal, committed love that keeps its promises. It is the word the Old Testament uses again and again for God’s own love for His people: “For His mercy endures forever” (Psalm 136:1).
A real danger (20:15). New kings often wiped out the family of the king before them. When Baasha took the throne of Israel, he killed the whole house of Jeroboam (1 Kings 15:29). Jonathan was asking David to be a different kind of king.
The house of David (20:16). Jonathan made the covenant “with the house of David,” not only with David. Both families were bound by it, down through the years.
The Lord between (20:23, 42). Naming the Lord as the one “between” them made God the witness. Breaking the promise would be a sin against God, not just against a friend.
Kept (2 Samuel 9:7). Years later David told Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth, “Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father's sake.” Hesed outlived the friend who asked for it.
The faithful God. Moses called the Lord “the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations” (Deuteronomy 7:9). David’s faithfulness to Jonathan was a small picture of the way God keeps faith with His people.
For you. Christians are people of their word because their God is faithful. Keep your promises to your friends and family, even the small ones.
Jonathan and David did more than feel like friends. They made a covenant. A covenant is a serious promise made before God. Feelings can change from day to day. A promise is meant to last. Jonathan asked David to be kind to his family forever. He knew David would be king one day. Back then, new kings often hurt the old king’s family. Jonathan wanted his children to be safe. David made the promise, and he kept it. Years later he was kind to Jonathan’s son. God keeps His promises too. He never forgets a single one. We can be friends who keep our word.
Jonathan made a big promise to his friend David. They made it before God. Good friends always keep their promises.
👨👩👧 Parent Prompt
What is one promise you can keep this week?
One brave question. At the feast Jonathan asked, “Why should he be killed? What has he done?” (20:32). It was the right question, and there was no good answer. David had done nothing wrong.
Anger instead of an answer. “Then Saul cast a spear at him to kill him” (20:33). Saul could not answer with the truth, so he answered with a spear.
Now he knew. At first Jonathan had been sure his father would never hide such a plan from him (20:2). Now “Jonathan knew that it was determined by his father to kill David” (20:33).
A double hurt. Jonathan left the table and ate nothing, “for he was grieved for David, because his father had treated him shamefully” (20:34). Grieved means very sad. It hurts deeply to be treated badly by your own dad.
What this shows about God. God loves truth and fairness. He sees every unfair thing done to His people, and He is with those who do what is right.
Jesus understands. Jesus was treated unfairly too. “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him” (John 1:11). He knows how it feels.
For you. If someone is being picked on or blamed unfairly, you can speak up kindly and tell a grown-up you trust. It may cost you something, but God is with you.
A hope that ended (20:2, 33). At first Jonathan was sure that his father would tell him everything, “either great or small.” He loved his father and wanted to think the best of him. The spear ended that hope.
A growing sin. Saul had already thrown his spear at David (18:11; 19:10). Now his anger reached his own son. Jealousy that is not brought to God does not stay small. It grows until it hurts everyone close by.
Saul’s insult (20:30). Saul attacked Jonathan with words first, insulting even Jonathan’s own mother to shame him. He said Jonathan had chosen David “to your own shame.” Saul wanted his son to feel that loyalty to David was a disgrace.
Jonathan’s question (20:32). “Why should he be killed? What has he done?” It is the question a fair judge asks. God’s law said no one could be put to death without the word of two or three witnesses (Deuteronomy 17:6). Saul had no witness and no crime.
A right kind of anger (20:34). “Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger.” His anger was not selfish. He was grieved for David. Paul teaches that a person can be angry and still not sin (Ephesians 4:26).
The cost at home. Jesus warned that following Him can bring trouble even inside a family (Matthew 10:36). Jonathan knew that pain. Jesus knew it too, for even His own brothers did not believe in Him at first (John 7:5).
For you. Standing for what is right may cost you friends or comfort. Do it with respect, as Jonathan did, and trust God with what happens next.
Jonathan could have stayed quiet at the table. That would have been safer. Instead he asked his dad a brave question. He asked, “Why should David be killed? What wrong has he done?” David had done nothing wrong. Saul was angry because he was afraid of losing his crown. Then Saul threw a spear at his own son. Jonathan was very sad. He was sad for David and hurt by his dad. Doing the right thing is not always easy or safe. God sees when we stand up for what is right. He is with us when it is hard. Jesus was treated unfairly too, so He understands.
Jonathan spoke up for his friend David. His dad got very angry with him. Jonathan still did what was right.
👨👩👧 Parent Prompt
When can you speak up for a friend?
A sad goodbye. The two friends said goodbye in the field. “They kissed one another; and they wept together, but David more so” (20:41). Then Jonathan said, “Go in peace” (20:42).
Greater love. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13). Jonathan gave up a throne. Jesus gave up His life.
Friends of Jesus. Jesus told His disciples, “I have called you friends” (John 15:15). The King of heaven calls His people friends.
He chose us first. Jonathan and David chose each other. We did not start our friendship with God. “We love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
Even as sinners. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Jesus did not wait for us to be good friends to Him.
What this shows about God. God’s love is a promise He keeps. Jonathan could not stay with David, but Jesus says, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20).
For you. Jesus is the Friend who will never leave you. Talk to Him today and thank Him for His love.
A costly loyalty. Jonathan’s hesed cost him a throne, his father’s favor and, in the end, the chance to stand beside David as king. Jonathan is not Jesus, but his loyal love points us to the far greater love of God.
John 15:13-15. Jesus called His disciples friends and named the greatest love: laying down one’s life. He said it the night before He went to the cross, and the next day He did it.
Equals and enemies. Jonathan and David were two young men who chose each other. Scripture describes us very differently: “when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son” (Romans 5:10). Jonathan gave up a throne for a friend. Christ gave up His life for enemies.
A promise in blood. At the Last Supper Jesus said, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you” (Luke 22:20). His covenant is sealed with His own life, not with words in a field.
Everlasting. Hebrews speaks of “the blood of the everlasting covenant” (Hebrews 13:20). Jonathan’s promise reached his children. Christ’s covenant reaches every generation of His people.
He goes with us. Jonathan had to say, “Go in peace,” and turn back to town. Jesus never has to leave His friends behind: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
For you. If you trust Jesus, you are His friend, not because you chose well but because He chose you. Thank Him, and let His faithful love shape the way you treat your friends.
Jonathan gave up a crown for his friend. That was a very big gift. But Jesus gave up even more for us. Jesus left heaven and came to earth. He gave His life on the cross for our sins. Jesus said that giving your life for friends is the greatest love. Jesus calls the people who follow Him His friends. Jonathan and David chose each other. We did not choose Jesus first. He loved us first, even when we did wrong. Jesus is a Friend who will never leave us. His promise to us will never be broken.
Jonathan loved his friend David very much. Jesus loves you even more than that. He gave His life for you!
👨👩👧 Parent Prompt
How does Jesus show that He is your Friend?
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📚 Story Questions
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The Gospel Connection
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The problem. Saul let jealousy grow until it became hatred and a spear. Every one of us has sin in our hearts too: selfishness, envy, anger. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Sin breaks our friendship with God.
Good friends cannot fix it. Jonathan was a wonderful friend, but he could not change Saul’s heart, and he could not keep David safe forever. No friend, and no amount of trying hard, can take away our sin. Even David would later sin terribly (2 Samuel 11). Salvation is “the gift of God, not of works” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
The greater Friend. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13). Jonathan and David chose each other. We were not looking for God, yet Jesus came looking for us.
The cross and the empty tomb. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and “rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). He is alive, and He offers His friendship forever.
The response. David kept his covenant with Jonathan years later. Jesus keeps His promise to everyone who trusts Him. Turn from your sin and believe in Him. “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). Then you will be His friend forever.
The sin underneath. Saul’s spear did not come from nowhere. Jealousy grew in him (18:8-9) until he tried to kill David and then his own son. Saul knew God had torn the kingdom from him (15:28), yet instead of turning back to God he fought against God’s choice. Scripture says the same root is in every heart: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), and “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).
What loyalty could not do. Jonathan’s hesed was real, but it could not change his father, protect David forever, or keep Jonathan alive (31:2). Even David, the man God chose, would later fall into terrible sin (2 Samuel 11). Human faithfulness, even at its best, cannot pay for sin. We are saved “by grace… through faith… not of works” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Brought near. Years later David showed covenant kindness to Mephibosheth, a lame man with nothing to offer (2 Samuel 9:7). Paul describes us the same way: once “strangers from the covenants of promise,” but “now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:12-13). Like Mephibosheth, we come with empty hands and are welcomed for the sake of Another.
The cross and the resurrection. Jonathan and David were equals who chose each other. Christ died for people who were His enemies (Romans 5:10). His covenant is “the new covenant in My blood” (Luke 22:20). He “died for our sins according to the Scriptures,” was buried, and “rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Death ended Jonathan’s friendship with David on earth. Jesus’ death and resurrection opened the way to friendship with God that death can never end.
The response. Jonathan sent David away in peace with a promise. Jesus offers peace with God to anyone who will receive Him. “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). Then He calls you His friend (John 15:15) and promises never to leave you (Hebrews 13:5). Trust Him, and then show His faithful love to the people around you.
Saul let jealousy grow in his heart. It turned into anger and hate. We all have sin in our hearts too. Sin keeps us far from God.
Jonathan was a very good friend. But he could not change Saul’s heart. Being good cannot take away our sin. We need a Savior.
Jesus is the best Friend of all. He gave up more than a crown. He gave His own life for us. He did it while we were still sinners.
Jesus died on the cross for our sins. He was buried in a tomb. On the third day He rose again! He is alive today.
David kept his promise to Jonathan. Jesus keeps every promise to us. Tell Jesus you are sorry for your sin, and trust Him. He will be your Friend forever.
Saul had sin in his heart.
We all do wrong things too.
Being good cannot take sin away.
Jesus died on the cross for us.
Then He rose again!
Jesus is our best Friend forever.
👨👩👧 Parent Prompt
How did Jesus show He is our best Friend?
📖 Complete the Open Bible section first!
✝️ Gospel Questions
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Memory Verse
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“May the Lord be between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants, forever.”
— 1 Samuel 20:42 (NKJV)
💡 What This Verse Means
Jonathan spoke these words in the field as he said goodbye to David. “May the Lord be between you and me”: the two friends put God in the middle of their friendship. God was the witness who heard their promise and would hold them to it. “And between your descendants and my descendants”: descendants are your children, grandchildren and the families that come after them. Jonathan and David were not only promising to be friends for now. They were promising that their families would be kind to each other long after they were gone. “Forever”: this was not a promise for a week or a year. And David kept it. Years later, after Jonathan had died, David found Jonathan’s son and gave him a seat at the king’s table (2 Samuel 9:7). When you say this verse, remember that God is faithful to every promise He makes, and ask Him to help you be a faithful friend.
Jonathan spoke 1 Samuel 20:42 as the two friends parted in the field. This is covenant language, not just a farewell. Naming the Lord as the one “between” them makes God the witness and the guarantor of the promise. Breaking it would be a sin against God, not only against a friend. The promise reaches “your descendants and my descendants,” which mattered because a new royal family usually destroyed the old one. Jonathan was securing his children’s lives, and he knew David would be king. The Hebrew word for descendants is zera (say: ZEH-rah), which means seed. It is the same word God used when He promised David, “I will set up your seed after you” (2 Samuel 7:12). God’s promise to David’s family was even bigger than Jonathan’s, and it led to Jesus, the Son of David. The last word, “forever,” shows that this was meant to outlast them both. It did. Jonathan died in battle (31:2), and years later David searched for Jonathan’s family and honored the covenant with Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:1, 7). The verse also teaches us about God. He is the faithful God who keeps covenant “for a thousand generations” (Deuteronomy 7:9), and in Christ His promises are “Yes” (2 Corinthians 1:20). Memorize the verse in three parts: the Lord between us, our families after us, and forever.
Jonathan said these words to David in the field. They had made a promise before God. God was in the middle of their promise. He would help them keep it. “Descendants” means your kids and their kids. So the promise was for their families too. It was a promise that would last forever. David kept it many years later. He was kind to Jonathan’s son. God keeps His promises even better.
Jonathan and David made a promise. They asked God to be with them. Their families would be friends forever. God keeps His promises too!
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