Jonathan: One of David's Heroes
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Jonathan, the son of Shammah the Hararite, is recognized as one of the valiant warriors in King David's elite group known as the "mighty men" or "David's heroes." His account is primarily found in the historical books of the Old Testament, where he is celebrated for his bravery and loyalty to David, the anointed king of Israel.

Biblical Account and Heroic Deeds

Jonathan's exploits are recorded in 2 Samuel 23:32-33, where he is listed among the thirty-seven mighty men who served David with distinction. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Jonathan son of Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam son of Sharar the Hararite." This brief mention places Jonathan in the esteemed company of warriors who demonstrated exceptional courage and skill in battle.

The context of Jonathan's inclusion among David's heroes suggests that he was a man of great valor, contributing to the military successes that established David's reign over Israel. Although specific deeds of Jonathan son of Shammah are not detailed in the biblical text, his presence in this elite group implies a reputation for bravery and loyalty.

Character and Legacy

Jonathan's character can be inferred from the qualities shared by David's mighty men. These warriors were known for their unwavering dedication to their king and their willingness to face overwhelming odds. They were men of faith, often relying on God's strength to achieve victory in battle. Jonathan, as one of these heroes, would have embodied these attributes, serving as a model of faithfulness and courage.

The legacy of Jonathan and his fellow mighty men is significant in the narrative of Israel's history. Their loyalty and prowess in battle were instrumental in securing the kingdom for David, who was chosen by God to lead His people. The mighty men, including Jonathan, are remembered for their role in fulfilling God's promises to David and establishing a united Israel.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, Jonathan's inclusion among David's heroes highlights the importance of loyalty and courage in the service of God's anointed. His life serves as a testament to the belief that God empowers those who are faithful to His chosen leaders. The mighty men, through their dedication and bravery, exemplify the biblical principle that God often works through individuals to accomplish His divine purposes.

In summary, Jonathan, son of Shammah the Hararite, stands as a figure of valor and loyalty in the biblical narrative. His role as one of David's mighty men underscores the themes of faithfulness and divine empowerment that are central to the account of David's rise to kingship.
Nave's Topical Index
2 Samuel 23:32
Eliahba the Shaalbonite, of the sons of Jashen, Jonathan,
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 11:34
The sons of Hashem the Gizonite, Jonathan the son of Shage the Hararite,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Samuel
... be no reasonable doubt that the incomparable elegy over Saul and Jonathan in 2 Samuel
1:19-27 is David's. ... for whom prayer is offered in v.10, be one of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/samuel.htm

Book 5 Footnotes
... people, and yet not executed, I suppose principally because Jonathan did not ... Nathan,
concerning the building him a temple by one of David's posterity; the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

The Growth of the Old Testament Prophetic Histories
... of the Upright is included that touching elegy which David sang after the death
of Saul and Jonathan, and which ... next to the Song of Deborah as one of the ...
/.../the origin and permanent value of the old testament/vi the growth of the.htm

The End of Self-Will
... the sun on the walk of Bethshan, while David sits a ... that loved him had ceased to
beat in Jonathan's noble breast ... It is one gleam of light amid the stormy sunset ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the end of self-will.htm

The Earlier Hebrew Histories.
... David's exquisite lament over Saul and Jonathan, which is ... Take, as an example, the
treatment which David receives at ... He is a great hero, the one grand figure ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter iv the earlier hebrew.htm

And ii.
... to the lamentation of David over Saul and Jonathan in 2 ... to which, it is not the castle
of David or Zion ... castle is there designated as the upper, or high one. ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i and ii.htm

Notes
... from the section on Saul to that on Jonathan, and still ... David's Song of Victory./
This is in Antique Rhythm: its ... at the prayer of the afflicted one: all nature ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/notes.htm

Christian Morals. Part iii.
... revenge fly short; or be aimed like those of Jonathan, to fall ... long beard of time
shall look like those of David's servants, shorn away upon one side, & ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/christian morals/christian morals part iii.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... at length in the duel between David and Goliath ... One of their chiefs"Samson"had a
great reputation among ... up for themselves the ephod: and Jonathan, the son ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
... variation when the Targum Pseudo-Jonathan on Deuteronomy ... he stood, broke, and so
interrupted David's holy thoughts ... related (Kethub.77 b), and one rabbi - Joshua ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xii the baptism of.htm

Resources
Who was Ahimaaz in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was David in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Zadok in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Jonathan

Jonathan: A Levite of Bethlehem, Who Becomes a Priest for Micah

Jonathan: A Scribe

Jonathan: A Son of Jada

Jonathan: Also Called Johanan: A Descendant of Jeshua

Jonathan: Father of Ebed

Jonathan: Nephew of David, Kills a Giant, and Becomes One of David's Chief Warriors

Jonathan: One of David's Heroes

Jonathan: Secretary of the Cabinet of David

Jonathan: Son of Abiathar

Jonathan: Son of Abiathar: Acts As a Spy for David

Jonathan: Son of Abiathar: Informs Adonijah of Solomon's Succession to David

Jonathan: Son of Asahel

Jonathan: Son of Kareah

Jonathan: Son of Saul

Jonathan: Son of Saul: Buried by Inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead

Jonathan: Son of Saul: Killed in the Battle With the Philistines

Jonathan: Son of Saul: Love of, for David

Jonathan: Son of Saul: Mourned by David

Jonathan: Son of Saul: Rescued by the People

Jonathan: Son of Saul: Son of, Cared for by David

Jonathan: Son of Saul: Victory of, Over the Philistine Garrison of Geba

Jonathan: Son of Saul: Victory of, Over the Philistines at Michmash

Jonathan: The Name of Two Priests

Jonathan: Under Saul's Curse Pronounced Against Anyone Who Might Take Food Before Saul Was Avenged of his Enemies

Related Terms

Jonathan's (6 Occurrences)

Armor-bearer (15 Occurrences)

Weapons (66 Occurrences)

Tryphon

Armorbearer (11 Occurrences)

Declareth (71 Occurrences)

Michmash (10 Occurrences)

Friendship (13 Occurrences)

Bearer (23 Occurrences)

Armourbearer (14 Occurrences)

Armour-bearer (14 Occurrences)

Garrison (15 Occurrences)

Mephib'osheth (13 Occurrences)

Malki-shua (5 Occurrences)

Malchi-shua (5 Occurrences)

Malchishua (5 Occurrences)

Mal'chishu'a (5 Occurrences)

Agee (1 Occurrence)

Ahimaaz (15 Occurrences)

Mephibosheth (13 Occurrences)

Maccabaeus

Asmoneans

Ziba (13 Occurrences)

Outpost (7 Occurrences)

Jaddua (3 Occurrences)

Jashen (1 Occurrence)

Delighted (56 Occurrences)

Beforetime (21 Occurrences)

Balas

Abin'adab (10 Occurrences)

Ahim'a-az (8 Occurrences)

Arrow (34 Occurrences)

Demetrius (3 Occurrences)

Lad (66 Occurrences)

Saul's (79 Occurrences)

Picked (43 Occurrences)

Abinadab (12 Occurrences)

Heretofore (25 Occurrences)

Urim (8 Occurrences)

Zelah (2 Occurrences)

Kareah (14 Occurrences)

Jehonadab (2 Occurrences)

Geba (22 Occurrences)

Tasted (18 Occurrences)

Disclose (16 Occurrences)

Meribbaal (2 Occurrences)

Merib-baal (2 Occurrences)

Crippled (15 Occurrences)

Arrows (59 Occurrences)

Shammah (8 Occurrences)

Seeketh (60 Occurrences)

Station (78 Occurrences)

Fate (138 Occurrences)

Fleeth (54 Occurrences)

Philistine (63 Occurrences)

Thummim (6 Occurrences)

Kish (18 Occurrences)

Tip (17 Occurrences)

Spear (55 Occurrences)

Damaged (44 Occurrences)

Loveth (88 Occurrences)

Youth (169 Occurrences)

Jehonathan (3 Occurrences)

Jahzeiah (1 Occurrence)

Boy (94 Occurrences)

Jezreel (37 Occurrences)

Jesse (45 Occurrences)

Safety (72 Occurrences)

Bones (98 Occurrences)

Tomorrow (57 Occurrences)

Armor (53 Occurrences)

Falleth (119 Occurrences)

Empty (84 Occurrences)

Maccabees

Conversation (30 Occurrences)

Moon (70 Occurrences)

Enrogel (4 Occurrences)

En-rogel (4 Occurrences)

Jonathan: Nephew of David, Kills a Giant, and Becomes One of David's Chief Warriors
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