Background and Family Lineage:
Jonathan, the eldest son of King Saul, is a prominent figure in the Old Testament, known for his valor, loyalty, and deep friendship with David. As the firstborn of Saul, Israel's first king, Jonathan was a prince of the tribe of Benjamin. His mother was Ahinoam, daughter of Ahimaaz (1 Samuel 14:50). Jonathan had several siblings, including Ishvi, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Michal.

Character and Virtues:
Jonathan is depicted as a man of great courage and faith. His character is marked by loyalty, humility, and a strong sense of duty. Despite being the heir to the throne, Jonathan recognized God's anointing on David and supported him, even at the cost of his own royal prospects. His friendship with David is one of the most celebrated relationships in the Bible, characterized by mutual respect and covenantal loyalty (1 Samuel 18:1-4).

Military Exploits:
Jonathan was a skilled warrior and played a significant role in Israel's military campaigns against the Philistines. One of his notable exploits was the daring attack on the Philistine garrison at Michmash, where he and his armor-bearer routed the enemy, leading to a significant victory for Israel (1 Samuel 14:6-14). This act demonstrated his faith in God and his leadership abilities.

Relationship with David:
Jonathan's relationship with David is a central theme in his narrative. Despite his father's growing animosity towards David, Jonathan remained steadfast in his support for his friend. He made a covenant with David, acknowledging David's future as king and pledging his loyalty (1 Samuel 20:16-17). Jonathan's actions exemplify selflessness and a commitment to God's will over personal ambition.

Conflict with Saul:
Jonathan's loyalty to David put him at odds with his father, King Saul. Saul's jealousy and fear of David's rising popularity led to multiple attempts on David's life. Jonathan, however, acted as a mediator, attempting to reconcile Saul and David (1 Samuel 19:4-7). Despite his efforts, Saul's hostility persisted, and Jonathan continued to protect David, warning him of Saul's intentions (1 Samuel 20:30-42).

Death in Battle:
Jonathan's life came to a tragic end during the battle of Mount Gilboa, where the Philistines defeated the Israelites. Alongside his father Saul and brothers Abinadab and Malchishua, Jonathan was killed in this battle (1 Samuel 31:2). His death marked the end of Saul's dynasty and paved the way for David's ascension to the throne.

Legacy:
Jonathan's legacy is one of faithfulness and integrity. His unwavering support for David, despite the personal cost, highlights his commitment to God's purposes. David's lament for Jonathan, recorded in 2 Samuel 1:25-26, reflects the deep bond they shared: "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" . Jonathan's life serves as an enduring example of friendship, loyalty, and devotion to God's will.1 Samuel 31:2,6
And the Philistines followed hard on Saul and on his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Melchishua, Saul's sons.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 10:2
And the Philistines followed hard after Saul, and after his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, the sons of Saul.
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2 Samuel 21:12-14
And David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from the men of Jabeshgilead, which had stolen them from the street of Bethshan, where the Philistines had hanged them, when the Philistines had slain Saul in Gilboa:
Nave's Topical Index

Jonathan's Brave Deed
... Then he said to all Israel, "You be on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will
be on the other." The people said to Saul, "Do what you think best ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/jonathans brave deed.htm

The Death of Two Brave Warriors
... Tell me." He answered, "The people fled from the battle-field, and many
of them fell, and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead!". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the death of two brave.htm

How the Philistines Made Another Expedition against the Hebrews ...
... He had three male children, Jonathan, and Isui, and Melchishua ... He had also Abner,
his uncle's son, for the ... Now Ner, and Kish the father of Saul, were brothers. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how the philistines.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 ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how david upon.htm

Faithful unto Death.
... THE OLD TESTAMENT CHAPTER XXI. FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH. Saul had a son named Jonathan,
and he loved David as his own soul. ... Saul was afraid of David. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxi faithful unto death.htm

David the Shepherd Youth.
... Jonathan, the king's son, and Michal ... He will deliver me out of the hand of this
Philistine," he said simply. And Saul said, "Go, and the Lord be with thee ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/david the shepherd youth.htm

The Kingdom of all Israel.
... At last, by Jonathan's counsel, David fled from court, and ... the rest of the kingdom
for Saul's son, Ishbosheth, until ... refused to give him one of Saul's widows to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vi the kingdom of.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... Of The Friendship That Jonathan, The Son Of Saul, Had Borne Him. ... Delivered The Kingdom
To Antiochus The Son Of Alexander, And Gained Jonathan For His ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... is in contemplation"such as the war against Saul"they demand ... there set up for themselves
the ephod: and Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Moses ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ...
... And after the death of Saul, David the son of Jesse, of the tribe of Judah, reigned
next in Hebron, forty years, as is ... Then Jonathan the son of Ozias ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxi the jewish institutions and.htm

Who was Ahimaaz in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was David in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Zadok in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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