Topical Bible: Jonathan: Son of Saul

◄ Jonathan: Son of Saul ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Jonathan, the eldest son of King Saul, is a prominent figure in the Old Testament, known for his deep friendship with David and his loyalty to his father. His account is primarily found in the books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel.

Family and Background

Jonathan was the son of Saul, the first king of Israel, and his wife Ahinoam. He had several siblings, including Ish-bosheth, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Michal. As the crown prince, Jonathan was expected to succeed Saul as king. However, his life took a different path due to the divine anointing of David as the future king of Israel.

Military Leadership and Valor

Jonathan is first introduced as a courageous warrior and a capable leader. He played a significant role in Israel's military campaigns against the Philistines. One of his notable exploits is recorded in 1 Samuel 14, where Jonathan and his armor-bearer launched a surprise attack on a Philistine outpost, resulting in a significant victory for Israel. This act of bravery demonstrated his faith in God and his strategic acumen.

Friendship with David

Jonathan is perhaps best known for his extraordinary friendship with David, the future king of Israel. Their relationship is a model of loyalty, selflessness, and covenantal love. Despite knowing that David was chosen by God to be king instead of him, Jonathan supported and protected David from Saul's attempts to kill him. In 1 Samuel 18:1-4, it is written, "After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt."

Jonathan's commitment to David is further exemplified in 1 Samuel 20, where he devises a plan to warn David of Saul's intentions, risking his own life in the process. Their covenant was not only a personal bond but also a recognition of God's will for Israel's future leadership.

Loyalty to Saul

Despite his allegiance to David, Jonathan remained loyal to his father, Saul. He continued to serve in his father's army and sought to mediate between Saul and David. Jonathan's loyalty to both Saul and David highlights his integrity and the internal conflict he faced as he navigated his dual responsibilities.

Death and Legacy

Jonathan's life came to a tragic end during the battle of Mount Gilboa, where he fought alongside his father against the Philistines. As recorded in 1 Samuel 31:2, "The Philistines pursued Saul and his sons, and they killed Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua, the sons of Saul." His death was a significant loss for Israel and deeply mourned by David, who lamented the loss of his dear friend in 2 Samuel 1:26, saying, "I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother. You were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more than the love of women."

Jonathan's legacy is one of faith, courage, and unwavering loyalty. His life serves as an example of godly friendship and the complexities of navigating familial and divine loyalties. His account continues to inspire believers to pursue righteousness and faithfulness in their relationships with God and others.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 14:49
Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Ishui, and Melchishua: and the names of his two daughters were these; the name of the firstborn Merab, and the name of the younger Michal:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

David and Jonathan's Son
... the son of Ammiel, from Lo-debar., 6. Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan,
the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/david and jonathans son.htm

David's Kindness to Jonathan's Son
... Is there any one else belonging to the family of Saul to whom I may show kindness
like that which God shows to us?" Ziba answered, "A son of Jonathan is still ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/davids kindness to jonathans son.htm

How David, Upon Saul's Laying Snares for Him, did yet Escape the ...
... 6. And David went thence, and came to Jonathan, the son of Saul, and lamented to
him what snares were laid for him by his father; and said, that though he had ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how david upon.htm

Jonathan's Brave Deed
... Now on that day Jonathan the son of Saul said to the young man who carried his armor,
"Come, let us go over against the Philistines' garrison that is on the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/jonathans brave deed.htm

David and Jonathan.
... DAVID AND JONATHAN. Jonathan was the son of Saul, the king. He loved David greatly,
and regretted that his father, through jealousy, sought David's life. ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the old testament/david and jonathan.htm

How David Brought under the Philistines, and the Moabites, and the ...
... As Also The Idumeans, In War; And How He Made A League With The King Of Hamath;
And Was Mindful Of The Friendship That Jonathan, The Son Of Saul, Had Borne Him ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how david brought.htm

Saul's Mean Jealousy
... Then Saul commanded his son Jonathan and all his servants to put David to
death. But Jonathan was very fond of David. And Jonathan ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/sauls mean jealousy.htm

Faithful unto Death.
... He blamed his son for loving David, for, as Saul's son, Jonathan should be king
after his death, but he never would be if David lived, and he commanded ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxi faithful unto death.htm

How David Reigned Over one Tribe at Hebron While the Son Of
... This grief was augmented by the consideration of Jonathan; the son of Saul, who
had been his most faithful friend, and the occasion of his own deliverance. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how david reigned.htm

Jonathan's Love for David
... But on the next day when David's place was again empty, Saul said to Jonathan,
"Why has not the son of Jesse come to the table, either yesterday or to-day ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/jonathans love for david.htm