15 While David was at Horesh in the Desert of Ziph, he learned that Saul had come out to take his life. 16 And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. 17 “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.” 18 The two of them made a covenant before the Lord. Then Jonathan went home, but David remained at Horesh.
This was probably the last time David and Jonathan were able to speak in support and encouragement with each other. They were true friends. They encouraged each other’s faith in God. They trusted each other with their very lives. They were confident in sharing their deepest thoughts. They could each be who they were through God, and each accepted the other for who they were. These are the marks of a true friendship. It is better to have one true friend, than a handful of surface friendships.
