Jonathan, the eldest son of King Saul, is a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, known for his deep friendship with David and his loyalty to his father. His life and character are depicted in the books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel, where he emerges as a paragon of virtue, courage, and faithfulness.

Jonathan's relationship with David is one of the most profound friendships recorded in the Bible. Despite being the heir to the throne, Jonathan recognized God's anointing on David and willingly submitted to God's plan. This selflessness is evident in 1 Samuel 18:3-4 , where it is written, "Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt." This act symbolized Jonathan's acknowledgment of David's future as king and his own relinquishment of any claim to the throne.

Jonathan's loyalty to David did not waver even when his father, Saul, sought David's life. In 1 Samuel 20, Jonathan warns David of Saul's intentions, demonstrating his commitment to protect his friend despite the personal risk involved. Their covenantal friendship is further solidified in 1 Samuel 20:42 , where Jonathan says 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.'"

Tragically, Jonathan's life was cut short during the battle of Mount Gilboa, where he fought valiantly alongside his father against the Philistines. The news of Jonathan's death deeply grieved David, who mourned the loss of his beloved friend with a heartfelt lament. In 2 Samuel 1:25-26 , David expresses his sorrow: "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."

David's lament for Jonathan highlights the depth of their friendship and the profound impact Jonathan had on his life. Jonathan's unwavering faith, courage, and loyalty serve as an enduring testament to his character and his devotion to God's will. His life and legacy continue to inspire believers to pursue godly friendships and to remain faithful to God's calling, even in the face of personal sacrifice.2 Samuel 1:12,17-27
And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.
Nave's Topical Index

The History of David
... and bewailed much the death of Saul and of Jonathan. ... And when Ishbosheth, the son
of Saul, heard that Abner was ... be thy mouth and thy flesh, when Saul lived and ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of david.htm

The Death of Two Brave Warriors
... Then David and all the men who were with him tore their clothes and mourned and
wept and went without food until evening, because Saul and Jonathan his son and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the death of two brave.htm

David the Outcast.
... "I have sinned; return, my son David, for I ... he made, he mourned for his faithful
friend Jonathan, and had no word of blame for his enemy Saul, neither did ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxii david the outcast.htm

The First Kings.
... The king's son, Jonathan, loved David devotedly, and more than ... whom she had been
given by the unprincipled Saul. ... address: "And thou, Solomon, my son, know thou ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/the first kings.htm

A Word for the Persecuted
... Saul answered his son with bitter words, and in the desperation of his anger he
even hurled a javelin at him to smite him; yet Jonathan did not ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/a word for the persecuted.htm

What is Useful is the Same as what is virtuous...
... Wherefore Saul was very angry and strove to strike Jonathan his son with a spear
because he thought that David's friendship held a higher place in ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter vii what is useful.htm

Cheating and Dishonest Ways of Making Money are Utterly Unfit for ...
... Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in ... I am distressed for thee,
my brother Jonathan; very pleasant ... could weep thus for her only son as he ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter ix cheating and dishonest.htm

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... when they heard that the people were fled from the battle, and that many of the
people were fallen and dead, and Saul and Jonathan his son were dead ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 27 upon our lords.htm

The Exile --Continued.
... again, and the beautiful unselfishness of Jonathan is wonderfully ... In such resistance
the king's son has no ... with the narrative which records that "Saul was come ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/vi the exilecontinued.htm

Questions.
... What was the end of Saul? 14. ... 3. Who was Zerubbabel? 4. Why is it supposed that his
father was only the adopted son of Jehoiachin? ... What became of Jonathan? 20. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm

What was the relationship between David and Jonathan? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Jonathan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Jonathan Edwards? | GotQuestions.org

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