The relationship between David and Jonathan is one of the most celebrated in the Bible by Christians from all over the world. Jonathan was the son to the Saul who was king of Israel and the hence the heir of the throne. On the other hand, David was Saul's servant whom Israelites loved more than Saul for defeating their enemies, including Goliath, the giant. While the duo was presumed rivals for the crown of Israel, they made a relationship of love between them. Detailed in the book of Samuel of the Bible, the relationship was built on some strong pillars and efforts from both sides.
One of the main aspects of the relationship between Jonathan and David is that is important in relationship building is trust. Trust is a vital component of relationship building as it develops respect and love in people. Despite David and Jonathan being rivals for the crown, they trusted and protected each other from danger. For example, David trusted Jonathan to protect him from his father when he wanted him killed.
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Another vital component of relationship building seen in this relationship is accepting and celebrating differences. Differences often act as stumbling blocks to ethical relationships, and management of disputes is vital to success. In the Bible, David was a servant while Jonathan was a prince. However, when they understood and accepted their differences, their relationships were bound to flourish.
Another vital component of good relationship building with David and Goliath is mutual respect. By respecting the views, ideas, and personalities of other people, an individual can build on a good relationship that will prosper. This promotes working together and seeing each other as valuable parts of the link. David and Jonathan perceived each other as equals despite each having certain advantages over the other. David did not see himself better because he had won fights or Jonathan higher as a prince. We understand the two friends exchange vows to always take care of each other, even in death. The covenants between David and Jonathan were based on mutual respect and expectation that each of them would honor their vows.
While the relationship between David and Jonathan was one of a kind, it had some negative aspects. At some point, Saul had managed to spoil the relationship by influencing Jonathan to go against David. Instead of protecting David against his father directly, Jonathan opted to play along with Saul. This had the potential of ruining the relationship, especially if David did not have enough trust in his friend Jonathan.
The relationship between David and Jonathan came to an untimely end when the latter died in the war together with his brothers. David moaned for his friend and lamented for losing him. Due to this relationship, David continued to honor Jonathan even after he died and many years later. We see David honoring Jonathan by giving his grandson, Mephibosheth, land. This is based on the promise that he had given to David that he would protect his family. David continued to honor the house of Jonathan as promised in the covenant.
The story on the relationship between David and Jonathan shows the aspects of a relationship most vital to building a relationship. Most important is the issue of making and honoring promises. The promises that David and Jonathan made were crucial in the development of trust and subsequent creation of a quality relationship. When people make promises, they feel obligated to observe them and make the best out of the covenant. David was obligated to honor the commitments he made to Jonathan even after he was dead. However, for an agreement to work, there was also a need for other aspects, including trust and respect. Trust assures partakers of a covenant that the other party will honor the side of their bargain.
