Topical Encyclopedia Jonathan, the eldest son of King Saul, is a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, particularly noted for his deep and abiding friendship with David, the future king of Israel. This relationship is one of the most profound examples of friendship and loyalty found in the Scriptures.The bond between Jonathan and David is first introduced in 1 Samuel 18:1-4. After David's victory over Goliath, Jonathan's soul is described as being knit to David's, and he loved him as his own soul. The Berean Standard Bible states, "After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself" (1 Samuel 18:1). This immediate and deep connection is marked by Jonathan's selfless act of giving David his robe, armor, sword, bow, and belt, symbolizing a covenant of friendship and loyalty. Jonathan's love for David is further demonstrated by his willingness to protect David from Saul's growing jealousy and murderous intent. In 1 Samuel 19:1-2, Jonathan warns David of Saul's plan to kill him, urging David to hide. The BSB records, "Then Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Jonathan delighted greatly in David, so he warned him, 'My father Saul intends to kill you. Be on your guard in the morning and hide in a secret place'" (1 Samuel 19:1-2). This act of protection underscores Jonathan's commitment to David, even at the risk of defying his own father. The depth of Jonathan's love and loyalty is further highlighted in 1 Samuel 20, where Jonathan devises a plan to discern Saul's intentions towards David. Despite Saul's anger and attempts to sway Jonathan's allegiance, Jonathan remains steadfast. In 1 Samuel 20:17, the BSB notes, "And Jonathan had David reaffirm his vow out of love for him, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself" (1 Samuel 20:17). This mutual covenant of friendship is a testament to their unwavering bond. Jonathan's love for David is not only personal but also rooted in a recognition of God's anointing on David. In 1 Samuel 23:16-17, Jonathan visits David in the wilderness to encourage him, saying, "Do not be afraid, for the hand of my father Saul will never lay hold of you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this is true" (1 Samuel 23:17). Jonathan's acknowledgment of David's future role as king, despite his own position as heir to the throne, reflects a profound humility and submission to God's will. The love between Jonathan and David is a powerful example of covenantal friendship, characterized by loyalty, selflessness, and a shared faith in God's purposes. Jonathan's actions throughout the narrative reveal a man of integrity and devotion, whose love for David transcends familial ties and personal ambition. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 18:1-4And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking to Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 19:1-7 1 Samuel 20:1 1 Samuel 23:16-18 Library David and Jonathan's Son Jonathan's Love for David How David, Upon Saul's Laying Snares for Him, did yet Escape the ... Friendship; Or, David and Jonathan Faithful unto Death. Jonathan, the Pattern of Friendship Saul's Mean Jealousy How David Fled to Ahimelech and Afterwards to the Kings of the ... The Reign of Saul. How David, when He had Twice the Opportunity of Killing Saul did ... Resources Who was Mephibosheth? | GotQuestions.orgHow can a friend stick closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24)? | GotQuestions.org What is the “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” sermon? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Jonathan: A Levite of Bethlehem, Who Becomes a Priest for Micah Jonathan: Also Called Johanan: A Descendant of Jeshua 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: Acts As a Spy for David Jonathan: Son of Abiathar: Informs Adonijah of Solomon's Succession to David 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 Related Terms Armour-bearer (14 Occurrences) |
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