Jonathan, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, is best known as the son of King Saul and the close friend of David, the future king of Israel. His life and actions are recorded primarily in the books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel. Jonathan's account is one of loyalty, faith, and courage, and he is often celebrated for his unwavering commitment to God's chosen leader, David, despite the personal cost.

Family and Background

Jonathan was the eldest son of King Saul, the first king of Israel, and his wife Ahinoam. As the crown prince, Jonathan was expected to succeed his father as king. However, his life took a different path due to Saul's disobedience to God, which led to the kingdom being taken from Saul's lineage (1 Samuel 13:13-14).

Friendship with David

One of the most remarkable aspects of Jonathan's life is his deep friendship with David. Their relationship is introduced in 1 Samuel 18:1-4, where it is said, "Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself." Jonathan's loyalty to David is evident in his actions, as he protected David from Saul's attempts to kill him. In 1 Samuel 19:4-5, Jonathan speaks well of David to Saul, saying, "Let not the king do wrong to his servant David; he has not wronged you, and what he has done has benefited you greatly."

Jonathan's covenant with David is a testament to his faithfulness and recognition of God's will. In 1 Samuel 20:16-17, Jonathan makes a covenant with David, affirming his support for David's future kingship and asking for kindness to his own family. This covenant is a profound example of Jonathan's selflessness and understanding of God's plan.

Military Leadership and Valor

Jonathan was also a skilled military leader, known for his bravery and strategic acumen. One of his notable exploits is the attack on the Philistine outpost at Michmash, where he and his armor-bearer achieved a significant victory against overwhelming odds (1 Samuel 14:6-14). Jonathan's faith in God is evident in his words, "Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few" (1 Samuel 14:6).

Conflict with Saul

Jonathan's loyalty to David put him at odds with his father, King Saul. Despite Saul's growing jealousy and hostility towards David, Jonathan remained steadfast in his support for his friend. This tension is highlighted in 1 Samuel 20, where Jonathan helps David escape Saul's wrath, even at the risk of his own life. Saul's anger towards Jonathan is evident when he throws a spear at him in a fit of rage (1 Samuel 20:33).

Death and Legacy

Jonathan's life was tragically cut short during the battle of Mount Gilboa, where he fought alongside his father against the Philistines. Both Jonathan and Saul were killed in this battle (1 Samuel 31:2). David's lament for Jonathan, recorded in 2 Samuel 1:25-26, reflects the deep bond between them: "I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women."

Jonathan's legacy is one of faithfulness, courage, and integrity. His life serves as an example of true friendship and loyalty to God's anointed, even when it meant sacrificing his own prospects for the throne. His account continues to inspire believers to prioritize God's will and to cultivate relationships grounded in love and faithfulness.Judges 17:7-13
And there was a young man out of Bethlehemjudah of the family of Judah, who was a Levite, and he sojourned there.
Nave's Topical Index

Judges 18:1
In those days there was no king in Israel: and in those days the tribe of the Danites sought them an inheritance to dwell in; for to that day all their inheritance had not fallen to them among the tribes of Israel.
Nave's Topical Index

Personal Characteristics.
... theology, which is an ideal system for any minister. ... saints held in much esteem by
the Christian Church ... Jonathan Scott, of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, which contains ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclean/william black/vi personal characteristics.htm

How Alexander [Bala] in his War with Demetrius, Granted Jonathan ...
... far recede from my title to the citadel, as to permit Jonathan your high ... received
from the temple, because they appertain to the priests that minister in that ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 how alexander bala.htm

The Birth of England's Foreign Missions
... predecessors from Erasmus"Prayer concert begun in Scotland in 1742"Jonathan
Edwards"The ... A Christian minister is a person who in a peculiar sense is not ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter ii the birth of.htm

The General Conference of 1804, and of the Annual Conferences of ...
... systems of divinity with which the Christian world has ... those qualities which constitute
an "able minister of the ... was followed, in 1796, by Jonathan Jackson and ...
/.../chapter 6 the general conference.htm

Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
... A father who speaks to his son as Saul did to Jonathan (1:Sam.20 ... out this grace of
requiring obedience as one that should adorn a Christian minister: "a bishop ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xvi prov 22 6 the.htm

Carey as an Educator --The First Christian College in the East
... The Minister and Count Schulin, whose wife had been a ... and continued services to the
first Christian mission from ... at my death to my dear son Jonathan, that he ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xiv carey as an.htm

The Westminster Catechisms.
... Glasgow): The Common Principles of the Christian Religion ... John Brown (Minister at
Haddington from 1751 to ... Jonathan Cross: Illustrations of the Shorter Catechism ...
/.../ 96 the westminster catechisms.htm

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... supporters of the slave system," says Jonathan Dymond in ... By human law, under the
Christian Dispensation, in the ... be ministered unto, but to minister." Can you ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm

"The Great Awakening. "
... regulating parishes or societies," had made the minister the choice ... as well as by
that of Jonathan Edwards, and ... in their calling and lack of Christian character ...
/.../chapter ix the great awakening.htm

The Church and Rural Public Thought
... congregations or whether such congregations brought out the best in Jonathan Edwards. ...
of the sermon or the personal attitude of the people toward the minister. ...
/.../vogt/church cooperation in community life/chapter vi the church and.htm

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