David and Jonathan's Covenant Friendship (1 Samuel 18:1-4)

1 Samuel 18:1-4 · Berean Standard Bible

After David defeats Goliath, "Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself." The king's own son makes a covenant of friendship, giving David his robe, tunic, sword, bow, and belt. 1 Samuel 18:1-4 is the Bible's classic portrait of loyal, self-giving friendship between two men bound closer than brothers.

1After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself.

2And from that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father’s house.

3Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.

4And Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt.

Read the wider context: 1 Samuel 18.

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