And Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David (ver. 16). The friendship of Jonathan and David was expressed and confirmed by a sacred covenant (1 Samuel 18:3). The covenant now made differed from the former.

1. It was made at a time of trial. Their friendship was put to a severe test; for it had become clear to the mind of Jonathan that David was destined to be king (ver. 13), as he afterwards stated more fully (1 Samuel 23:17) "Jonathan caused David to swear again" (ver. 17), not because he distrusted him, but "because he loved him: for he loved him as be loved his own soul;" and in times of special danger such repeated and solemn assurances may be needful and beneficial.

2. It included the obligation to show kindness to the house of Jonathan as well as himself. Consider it as -

I. CONFIRMED BY AN APPEAL TO GOD. It was customary in making a covenant (contract or agreement) to take an oath in which God was appealed to as a witness and an avenger of its violation (Genesis 26:28; Genesis 31:45-53). Even when no such appeal is expressly made it should be remembered -

1. That he observes the promises and engagements which men make to one another, and keeps a faithful record thereof (Malachi 3:16).

2. That he loves to see truth and faithfulness in their speech and conduct (Deuteronomy 7:9; Deuteronomy 32:4).

3. That he manifests his displeasure toward those who neglect or violate their engagements (Ezekiel 17:9).

4. That he shows favour and affords help to those who strive to keep them faithfully. "Who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord" (Psalm 24:4; Psalm 15:4; Ephesians 4:25).

II. DEEPENING THE SENSE OF OBLIGATION. In some cases a covenant creates a new obligation; in others (like that of friendship) it intensifies the force and feeling of it -

1. By the solemn manner in which it is made.

2. By the greater definiteness in which the obligation is expressed.

3. By the permanent record which is formed of it in the memory, often associated with particular places and objects (Joshua 24:27).

4. And this is important as an incentive to faithfulness in temptation arising from self-interest and strong passion to set it aside. As often as Jonathan and David remembered their sacred covenant they would be impelled to ever higher love and faithfulness.

III. CONTRIBUTING TO THE BENEFIT OF BOTH. "By Jehovah," etc. (ver. 12). "And O that thou wouldst while I live show me kindness," etc. (ver. 14). Each received as well as gave assurances of kindness, which served -

1. To afford a claim that might be confidently urged in difficulty and danger (ver. 8).

2. To enrich the soul with a permanent feeling of pure and elevating joy. "Very pleasant hast thou been to me" (2 Samuel 1:26).

3. To preserve it from despondency in hours of darkness and trouble.

4. To increase its aspiration and endeavour after all that is excellent. The continued loyalty of David to Saul and his acts of kindness to him were doubtless greatly incited by the love of Jonathan; and the latter was not less morally strengthened and blessed by the love of David. "There is no influence on a feeling mind stronger than the sense of being loved; nothing more elevating, more securing to the inner life."

IV. INVOLVING THE WELFARE OF OTHERS. "And that thou wouldst not cut off thy kindness from my house forever," etc. (vers. 15, 23). "His request that his house may be excepted from this judgment, as executor of which he regards David, is founded on and justified by his position outside the circle of 'enemies' (since he recognises God's will concerning David, and bends to it as David's friend), so that, though a member of Saul's house, he does not belong to it as concerns the judgment of extermination" (Erdmann).

1. A parent naturally desires and ought to seek the welfare of his family.

2. He may by his faithful conduct do much to promote it.

3. For the sake of one many are frequently and justly spared and blessed. "Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake" (2 Samuel 9:1).

4. The memory of the good is a perpetual incitement to goodness. Learn -

1. The wonderful condescension of God in making with men a friendly covenant (arrangement, constitution, dispensation), according to which be graciously assures them of unspeakable privileges and blessings (Genesis 9:14; Jeremiah 31:33; Galatians 3:15-18).

2. The sure ground which is thereby afforded for confidence and "strong consolation."

3. The necessity of observing the appointed conditions thereof.

4. To look to God for all good through "Jesus, the Mediator of the new covenant" (Hebrews 12:24), and "for Christ's sake" (Ephesians 4:32). - D.

I. THE ARROWS TAUGHT THAT A STRONG AND NOBLE FRIEND WAS STANDING IN THE BREACH.

1. Never be ashamed to own a friend. Do not count him your friend whose name you are ashamed to mention.

2. Never be ashamed to speak up for the cause of Truth. Let the arrows witness to the simplicity and fervour of your allegiance to whatever is lovely and of good report.

II. THE ARROWS SPOKE OF IMMINENT DANGER. "Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to put David to death." "The arrows are beyond thee." You have hoped against hope; you have tried to keep your position; you have done your duty, pleaded your cause, sought the intercession of your friends, prayed, wept, agonized: but it is all in vain; the arrow's flight proves that you must go whither you may. But take these thoughts for your comfort.

1. There are things we never leave behind. David had an inalienable possession in the love of his friend, in the devotion of the people, in the memory of God's goodness. There are threads woven into the fabric of our life which can never be extracted or obliterated.

2. There is a Divine purpose determining our course. To the had there was but royal caprice in the flight of the arrow. "What are you going, my little fellow?" "I am picking up the prince's arrows; we generally go for game, but he is playing at it today." That was all he knew; how little did he divine the purpose of his Master, and still less realise that each flitting arrow was, so to speak, taken from God's quiver and directed by His hand. There is no chance in a good man's life. Let us recognise the providence of the trifle. He is sending us away.

3. The going forth is necessary to secure greater happiness than we leave. Had David lingered in the palace, his life would have been forfeited, and he would have missed all the glory and bliss with which his cup ran over in after years. This was the way to the throne. Follow the arrow's flight then — beyond the warm circle in which you bare so long sheltered; beyond the southland to the icy north; beyond the known to the unknown. Like another Abraham, go into the land which God will show thee; like another Columbus, turn thy prow in the wake of the setting sun.

III. THE ARROWS TAUGHT THAT HUMAN LOVE MUST SUFFER SEPARATION. This was the lash meeting of these two noble hearts for a long time. Indeed, the friends only met once more, shortly before Jonathan's death. They had realised that this must be so. These are the hours that leave sears on hearts and whiten the hair. Christ comes to us in these dark moments as of old to the disciples, on whom had broken the full import of his departure. "Let not your hearts be troubled."

(F. B. Meyer, B. A.)