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

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

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Background and Family Lineage:
Jonathan, the eldest son of King Saul, emerges as a significant figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the books of 1 Samuel. As the son of Saul, the first king of Israel, Jonathan was born into the tribe of Benjamin. His father, Saul, was chosen by God to lead Israel during a tumultuous period marked by the Philistine threat. Jonathan's mother was Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz (1 Samuel 14:50).

Character and Military Exploits:
Jonathan is depicted as a valiant warrior and a man of deep faith. His courage is evident in the account of his daring attack on the Philistine garrison at Michmash, where he, accompanied only by his armor-bearer, achieved a significant victory (1 Samuel 14:1-14). This act of bravery demonstrated his trust in God, as he declared, "Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few" (1 Samuel 14:6).

Relationship with David:
One of the most profound aspects of Jonathan's life is his friendship with David, the future king of Israel. Despite being the heir to Saul's throne, Jonathan recognized God's anointing on David and formed a covenant of friendship with him. This bond is described in 1 Samuel 18:1-4, where Jonathan's soul is said to be "knit" to David's, and he loved him as himself. Jonathan's loyalty to David is further demonstrated when he warns him of Saul's intent to kill him, thus saving David's life (1 Samuel 19:1-2).

Covenant and Loyalty:
Jonathan's covenant with David was marked by mutual respect and loyalty. In 1 Samuel 20, Jonathan reassures David of his commitment, saying, "May the LORD be with you as He has been with my father. And if I remain alive, may you show me the loving devotion of the LORD, that I may not die" (1 Samuel 20:13-14). This covenant extended beyond their lifetimes, as David later honored it by caring for Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:1-7).

Death and Legacy:
Jonathan's life was tragically cut short during the battle of Mount Gilboa, where he fought alongside his father against the Philistines. Both Jonathan and Saul perished in this battle, as recorded in 1 Samuel 31:1-6. David's lament for Jonathan, found in 2 Samuel 1:25-26, poignantly expresses his deep sorrow and the profound bond they shared: "I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother. You were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more than the love of women" .

Jonathan's legacy is one of faithfulness, courage, and selfless friendship. His life serves as a testament to the virtues of loyalty and integrity, even in the face of personal loss and political intrigue. His account continues to inspire those who value covenantal relationships and the pursuit of God's will above personal ambition.

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2 Samuel 4:4
And Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son that was lame of his feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth.
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2 Samuel 9:1
And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?
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1 Chronicles 8:34
And the son of Jonathan was Meribbaal; and Meribbaal begat Micah.
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Library

Adonijah
... chosen and anointed in preference to Jonathan, Saul's son, and Solomon, David's
younger son, had already ... He cared much for outward show, while he failed ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/adonijah.htm

The King.
... over the mangled corpses of Saul and Jonathan the mantle ... of Baal seems to have lingered
in Saul's family ... was named Baal (1 Chronicles 9:36); his son was really ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/ix the king.htm

Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
... A father who speaks to his son as Saul did to Jonathan (1:Sam.20:30 ... "Behold," said
the Lord of Saul, in the ... "Afterward" was the time when the son who refused to ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xvi prov 22 6 the.htm

The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close.
... the first of whom, in the reign of Saul, was author of ... and nation of the Jews.(48)
After Jonathan and Simon ... Hananiah, son of Hezekiah, son of Garon, about 32 BC ...
/.../davidson/the canon of the bible/chapter ii the old testament.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... but his soul to care for, and they both cared for that ... at a young man's feet, whose
name was Saul, that they ... When Paul had told his son Timothy that he had been ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

The Water of Life;
... was promised by the Father and the Son, and now it ... Wherefore David, considering this,
said, 'Surely goodness and mercy ... It is said of Saul's sons, they were not ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the water of life.htm