David and Jonathan

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Hello, friend

Jonathan was the king’s son, and David had come from the fields. Their lives had begun in different places, but they became close friends.

Jonathan could be pleased for David without needing every success for himself.

Let’s wonder

How do the friends say hello?

I can cheer for a friend.

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A gift for you

Jonathan gave David his cloak as a sign of friendship. The gift said something that words alone could not: David mattered to him.

A thoughtful gift begins with caring about the person who receives it.

Let’s wonder

Can you find the blue cloak?

I can share.

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Stay safe

When David was in danger, Jonathan did not hide the truth to make things sound easier. He warned his friend and helped him find a safer path.

Honest information can be one of the most useful things a friend shares.

Let’s wonder

Which path looks peaceful?

Friends help us stay safe.

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You are not alone

Later, when David felt worn down and worried, Jonathan came to encourage him. He reminded David of God’s care.

He could not remove every difficulty, but he could make sure his friend did not face it feeling forgotten.

Let’s wonder

How is Jonathan helping?

I can be beside you.

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Side by side

Their friendship grew through choices: sharing, telling the truth, and making time for each other. Friendship is more than enjoying the same games.

It also means caring about what another person needs when life becomes difficult.

Let’s wonder

What makes you a kind friend?

I can be a kind friend.

↓ More story below

1 of 5Hello, friend

Two happy readers and a lamb celebrating a finished story

STORY COMPLETE

A story to remember.

You finished David and Jonathan.

I can be a kind friend.

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For grown-ups

Use Next and Back, or swipe the picture. Listen reads the current page; Pause holds your place in the recording.

A gentle, shortened retelling for ages 4–6. Read together, pause for your child’s ideas, and explore the scripture with a grown-up. The original collection calls Jonathan the covenant friend who says, ‘you first, me beside you.’ This version keeps that heart in simple, hopeful language.

Read together: 1 Samuel 18–20; 23:15–18

Try something together

Tell a friend, “Well done!”
Take turns with a favorite toy.
Practice asking a trusted grown-up for help.
Sit beside someone and listen to them.
Choose one kind thing to do for a friend.

The longer read-together version

A Friend, Not a Rival

Jonathan was the king’s son. Many people expected him to care most about his own position. But when he met David, he did not see a rival. He saw a brave, faithful friend.

Jonathan was glad when David did well.

A Gift That Meant Trust

Jonathan shared his robe, belt, bow, and other royal gifts with David. The gifts said, ‘I trust you. I will not hold tightly to everything for myself.’

Friendship grew because Jonathan gave without trying to control David.

The Truthful Warning

When danger grew in the palace, Jonathan did not pretend everything was fine. He made a careful signal with arrows so David would know when to stay away.

A faithful friend tells the truth kindly, even when the truth is difficult.

Strength for a Hard Day

Later, David was tired and hiding in the wilderness. Jonathan found him and reminded him that he was not alone. He helped David remember God’s promise and take the next brave step.

Jonathan did not solve every problem. He strengthened his friend’s heart.

You First, Me Beside You

Jonathan’s friendship was strong because it was not built on being first. He wanted David to become the person God had called him to be.

Be the friend who celebrates, shares, warns, and strengthens. Say with your actions, ‘You first, me beside you.’

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