Jonathan Who Was Saul’s Son and David’s Close Friend
Jonathan was from a royal family. His father’s name was Saul and his mother’s name was Ahinoam. Jonathan was a close friend of David. He was from a region called Gibeah and his father was a king. Jonathan was loyal to David’s friendship more than the kingdom.
Verse
“Saul chose three thousand men from Israel; two thousand were with him at Mikmash and in the hill country of Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan at Gibeah in Benjamin. The rest of the men he sent back to their homes.” (1 Samuel 13:2)
David’s Friendship With Jonathan
Jonathan and David‘s friendship was very deep. They were loyal to each other. Once Goliath was defeated by David, Impressed by David’s bravery, Jonathan befriended him and promised to keep this friendship loyal and loving until the end. Jonathan’s father was against this friendship and did not like David. Therefore, he tried to kill David several times, but Jonathan always saved David by maintaining his friendship and loyalty. Jonathan always gave David royal clothes and weapons. Their friendship is an example of faithfulness in Christianity.
Verse
“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, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.” (1 Samuel 18:3-4)
Verse
“Saul told his son Jonathan and all the attendants to kill David. But Jonathan had taken a great liking to David and warned him, “My father Saul is looking for a chance to kill you. Be on your guard tomorrow morning; go into hiding and stay there.” (1 Samuel 19:1-2)
Relationship With Saul
Jonathan was a man of strong character. His father did not like David, but Jonathan was a loyal friend of David. When David became popular among the people, jealousy arose in Saul’s heart, which led him to think of taking David out of the way. Jonathan was a very kind and loving person but his father was cruel and jealous. Because of which he tried to kill David several times. But Jonathan, maintaining his loyalty and love, always helped David and saved him from his father’s plots. Despite the enmity between David and Saul, Jonathan never hated David because of his father and never hated his father because of David. He was also loyal to his father and maintained friendship with David.
Verse
Saul’s anger flared up at Jonathan and he said to him, “You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Don’t I know that you have sided with the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of the mother who bore you? As long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingdom will be established. Now send someone to bring him to me, for he must die! “Why should he be put to death? What has he done?” Jonathan asked his father. But Saul hurled his spear at him to kill him. Then Jonathan knew that his father intended to kill David.” (1 Samuel 20:30-33)
Verse
“The Philistines were in hot pursuit of Saul and his sons, and they killed his sons Jonathan, Abinadab and Malki-Shua.” (1 Samuel 31:2)
Bravery of Jonathan in Battles
Jonathan was considered a brave warrior and was very famous for his bravery. Once a war was to be fought against the Palestinians, in this war Jonathan fought a war together with his servant and he won the war against the Palestinians using his leadership skills. This success made him very famous and Saul was also very proud of him. This bravery in Jonathan was due to his strong faith and pure heart, which has proved that Jonathan is a strong leader.
Verse
But the men said to Saul, “Should Jonathan die—he who has brought about this great deliverance in Israel? Never! As surely as the Lord lives, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground, for he did this today with God’s help.” So the men rescued Jonathan, and he was not put to death.” (1 Samuel 14:45)
Acceptance of David as a King
Jonathan’s friendship with David was much deeper. He was very loyal and devoted to David. Because of which he considered David to be the next king of Israel. Jonathan felt that it was God’s will to make David the king of Israel, while Saul wanted his son Jonathan to be the next king. But still, Jonathan made David the king and told David that he would always be loyal to him. The proof of his loyalty was that he made David king. This also shows that Jonathan loved David’s friendship more than his own desires.
Verse
“And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.” (1 Samuel 23:16-17)
Verse
Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.’” Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town.” (1 Samuel 20:42)
Jonathan’s Death
Saul‘s family fell when Saul and his three sons participated in a war that was being fought against the Philistines. Jonathan was killed in this battle. All the people were very sad on his death and David also left very sad. He also wrote a eulogy in love of Jonathan and called Jonathan his dear friend. “How the mighty have fallen in battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights. 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.” (2 Samuel 1:25-26). Jonathan was a valuable asset that had been taken away from the people, which made everyone very sad. After Jonathan’s death, David became the new king of Israel.
Verse
“So Saul and his three sons and his armor-bearer and all his men died together that same day.” (1 Samuel 31:6)
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
The friendship between David and Jonathan is still significant in the Christian community today. Jonathan’s life gives us examples of love, friendship, loyalty and strong faith. Jonathan balances his two important relationships. Because of David’s friendship, he never betrayed his father and because of his father’s loyalty, he never betrayed David. Because of which Jonathan had a very important personality. He was a compassionate and strong-nerved person. He won many wars. Furthermore, He was a very brave and fighting man. His character is an excellent example for all Christians.
