1 Samuel 20:17

And Jonathan caused David to swear again because he loved him.

Love plighting troth

I. Now, first, great love desires to bind itself to the beloved one. And, first of all, remember that Jesus bound Himself to His people by covenant bonds.

2. Then, next, Jesus would have us bound to Him on our part. This kind of bond can never be all on one side, for true friendship leads to mutual love.

II. Great love desires renewed pledges from its object: “Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul.”

1. It was not out, of distrust, but by reason of a sort of sacred jealousy, that “Jonathan caused David to swear again.” Our Saviour is as jealous of us as His Father is; the immeasurable greatness of the love of Jesus Christ to us moves Him to feel an infinite jealousy of us.

2. This is the only return we can make for His love.

3. It is for our highest benefit that we should do this. Our love is often so feeble and cold that it needs to be stirred up again.

4. We are often tempted and allured by other loves, and are apt, to lend a listening ear to the charmer’s fascinating voice.

5. It is for our benefit that we should often renew our pledges of love to our Lord, because we cannot be happy unless we are wholly taken up with love to Him. (C. H. Spurgeon.)

He loved him as he loved his own soul.

True friendship

I. true friendship reports itself by practical sympathy in times of distress.

1. This friendship was truly unselfish.

2. This friendship was truly generous. David was a shepherd boy, Jonathan the king’s son.

3. This friendship was truly practical.

4. This friendship was truly reciprocal. David loved Jonathan as fervently as Jonathan loved David..

II. True friendship reports itself by solemn compacts in times of distress. “And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul.”

1. This covenant was formed in a reverent spirit. Jonathan appeals to God to witness his sincerity, to judge his motive, and to prosper his friend.

2. This covenant was submitted to a severe test.

3. This covenant was confirmed by an affectionate parting. (J. T. Woodhouse.)