Topical Bible: Servant: Good of Jonathan

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The concept of servanthood in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing both the literal and the spiritual. In the narrative of Jonathan, the son of King Saul, we find a profound example of servanthood characterized by loyalty, humility, and selflessness. Jonathan's life and actions provide a model of what it means to be a good servant, particularly in the context of his relationship with David, the future king of Israel.

Jonathan's Loyalty and Covenant with David

Jonathan's servanthood is most vividly illustrated in his covenant with David. Despite being the heir to the throne, Jonathan recognized God's anointing on David and willingly submitted to God's plan. In 1 Samuel 18:3-4 , it is recorded, "Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt." This act of giving his royal garments and weapons to David symbolizes Jonathan's recognition of David's future kingship and his own role as a servant to God's chosen leader.

Intercession and Protection

Jonathan's servanthood is further demonstrated through his intercession and protection of David from Saul's wrath. In 1 Samuel 19:4-5 , Jonathan speaks well of David to his father Saul, saying, "Let not the king do wrong to his servant David; he has not wronged you, and what he has done has benefited you greatly. He took his life in his hands when he killed the Philistine. The LORD won a great victory for all Israel, and you saw it and were glad." Jonathan's willingness to stand up to his father, the king, on behalf of David, underscores his commitment to righteousness and justice, even at personal risk.

Humility and Selflessness

Jonathan's humility is evident in his acceptance of God's will over his own ambitions. In 1 Samuel 23:17 , Jonathan reassures David, "Do not be afraid, for the hand of my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this." Jonathan's acknowledgment of David's future reign and his willingness to serve as second-in-command reflect a heart of true servanthood, prioritizing God's purposes over personal gain.

A Model of Christ-like Servanthood

Jonathan's life foreshadows the ultimate servanthood exemplified by Jesus Christ, who, though being in the form of God, took on the nature of a servant (Philippians 2:7). Jonathan's actions mirror the sacrificial love and humility that Christ would later embody. His willingness to lay down his rights and position for the sake of God's anointed king serves as an enduring example for believers.

In summary, Jonathan's servanthood is characterized by his unwavering loyalty, protective intercession, and humble submission to God's will. His life serves as a testament to the virtues of a good servant, providing a biblical model for believers to emulate in their own walk of faith.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 14:7
And his armor bearer said to him, Do all that is in your heart: turn you; behold, I am with you according to your heart.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

David and Jonathan's Son
... commanded his servant, so shall thy servant do ... for Mephibosheth, partly by affection
for Jonathan, and partly ... Kindly impulses are good, but they need cool heads ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/david and jonathans son.htm

Jonathan's Love for David
... Then Jonathan said to David, "What do you wish me to do for you ... is there for all
his family.' If he says, 'Good,' then it is well with your servant; but if ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/jonathans love for david.htm

Jonathan, the Pattern of Friendship
... with thy servant; for thou hast brought thy servant into a ... third day, and, behold,
if there be good toward David ... Lord do so and much more to Jonathan: but if it ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/jonathan the pattern of friendship.htm

How David, Upon Saul's Laying Snares for Him, did yet Escape the ...
... 7. Hereupon, when Jonathan found that this intention of Saul was ... the king at supper:
now, if it seem good to thee ... is, those of a master to his servant; but if ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how david upon.htm

After Praising Judas' and Jonathan's Loftiness of Mind, the ...
... need I further mention his brother Jonathan, who fought ... then, whether thou hast chosen
a fitting servant. ... Beware lest thy good judgment be endangered, whilst ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xli after praising judas.htm

Friendship; Or, David and Jonathan
... to him, 'I am the son of thy servant Jesse the ... or the third day, and, behold, if
there be good toward David ... it thee; the Lord do so and much more to Jonathan.'. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/david/sermon v friendship or david.htm

Absalom the Ungrateful Son
... advice of Ahithophel." For Jehovah had planned to defeat the good advice of ... Now Jonathan
and Ahimaaz were staying at Enrogel; and a maid-servant was to ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/absalom the ungrateful son.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... his servant when he was sick; but be as the good centurion, who kept his sick servant,
and sought ... Jonathan could not do this with a good conscience; but ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm

1727
... We beseech thee also, O Lord, of Thy infinite goodness, to remember the good actions
of this Thy servant; that the naked she hath clothed, the hungry she hath ...
//christianbookshelf.org/swift/three sermons three prayers/i 1727.htm

The Burial and Assumption of the Blessed virgin
... A disciple opened the gate, and Thomas went with Jonathan into the Apostles' room,
telling his servant to sit at the gate and wait. The good brown man, who did ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xix the burial and assumption.htm