Sermon Bible Commentary
2 Samuel 1:26
Two great qualities were combined in Jonathan, courage and faith. With such qualities, who could be more fit to succeed to the sceptre of Israel? And yet Jonathan waived all claim on behalf of the man whom he loved; he recognised in David qualities for rule greater than his own, and without a particle of envy he stood aside to make way for him. He had the true humility of soul which is content to take the lower place, and which is commended by our Lord in the Gospel.
I. The real friend will be like Jonathan, and true friendship is best described by the same words in which true charity is described. True friendship envieth not, vaunteth not itself, is not easily provoked, rejoiceth in the truth, and never faileth. In the world with its sorrows and its sufferings, its trials and temptations, there is nothing more truly precious than a real friend, such a friend as Jonathan was to David and David to Jonathan.
II. There is one Friend who is ever near at hand if only we will seek Him. In the Lord Jesus Christ are joined all the qualities of true friendship. He is a firm Friend, a constant Friend, a Friend that giveth good counsel, a Friend who has laid down His life on our behalf.
R. D. B. Rawnsley, Village Sermons,3rd series, p. 139.
References: 2 Samuel 1:26. C. Kingsley, Four Sermons Preached at Cambridge,1865, p. 69; T. Guthrie, The Way to Life,p. 156; Spurgeon, Evening by Evening,p. 32; G. Brooks, Outlines of Sermons,p. 416; Homiletic Magazine,vol. xv., p. 107; Preacher's Monthly,vol. v., p. 78. 2 Samuel 1:27. G. R. Gleig. Good Words,1871, p. 847. 2 Samuel 1:27. Congregationalist,vol. vii., p. 659. 2 Samuel 1 Homiletic Magazine,vol. xiii., p. 22; Parker, vol. vii., p. 79. 2 Samuel 2:4. J. Van Oosterzee, Year of Salvation,vol. ii., p. 451; F. W. Krummacher. David the King of Israel,p. 236. 2 Samuel 2:8. Parker, vol. vii., p. 229. 2 Samuel 2:26. Ibid.;C. Kingsley, The Water of Life, and Other Sermons,p. 158; Spurgeon, Evening by Evening,p. 367. 2 Samuel 2:29. Parker, vol. vii., p. 230. 2 Samuel 2 Ibid.,p. 83. 2 Samuel 3:10. Ibid.,p. 231. 2 Samuel 3:17. J. M. Neale, Sermons for the Church Year,vol. ii., p. 101. 2 Samuel 3:17; 2 Samuel 3:18. Spurgeon, Sermons,vol. xxiii., No. 1375.