Jonathan and David, a Very Special FriendshipNäide

David mourned for Saul and Jonathan

“How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan lies slain on your high places. I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; very pleasant have you been to me; your love to me was extraordinary, surpassing the love of women.” (2 Samuel 1:25-26)

A few days after the dramatic battle at Gilboa, a messenger came to David and told him: “The people fled from the battle, and also many of the people have fallen and are dead, and Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead.” This news saddened David greatly. He tore his clothes as an expression of sorrow and mourned for all those who had died.

As a final tribute, he wrote a lament for Saul and Jonathan. In this song he did not mention all the bad choices Saul had made, but only his bravery in war and the prosperity he had brought Israel. Even after Saul's death, David showed respect where it was possible.

The moving words about Jonathan show David's own feelings. He was deeply shocked by the death of his friend, who was “very pleasant” to him. Jonathan had been like a brother to David, a true soul mate. His death, especially such a tragic death, hit David hard.

Have you ever lost a friend? How do you feel about that? How do you express your feelings of grief and loss?