Jonathan
Israelite / Jew Hebrew, tribe of Benjamin · United Kingdom · Old Testament
- Name means
- The LORD has given
- Role
- Son of Saul; faithful friend of David
- When
- c. 1050-1010 BC (traditional)
What they did
Attacked a Philistine garrison trusting that the LORD can save 'by many or by few'. He loved David as his own soul, made a covenant with him and protected him from Saul.
Why it matters: the purpose of their role
He gladly honoured God's choice of David over himself, a picture of humble, loyal love. David later showed kindness to his son for his sake.
And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 1 Samuel 18:1 (KJV)
Bible references
And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few. 1 Samuel 14:6 (KJV)
And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 1 Samuel 18:1 (KJV)
And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city. be witness of that which etc 1 Samuel 20:42 (KJV)
I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women. 2 Samuel 1:26 (KJV)
And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually. 2 Samuel 9:7 (KJV)
Family
- Father
- Saul
- Children
- Mephibosheth
- Brothers / sisters
- Ishui, Melchishua, Abinadab, Ish-bosheth, Merab, Michal
Died with Saul on mount Gilboa (1 Samuel 31:2).