Topical Bible: Communion of Saints: Jonathan

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Topical Encyclopedia

Jonathan, the son of King Saul, is a prominent figure in the Old Testament, known for his deep friendship with David and his unwavering faithfulness to God. His life and actions exemplify the concept of the "communion of saints," a spiritual fellowship that transcends earthly relationships and is rooted in shared faith and commitment to God's purposes.

Biblical Background

Jonathan first appears in the biblical narrative in 1 Samuel, where he is introduced as a valiant warrior and a man of great faith. His courage is evident in the account of his attack on the Philistine garrison, where he declares, "Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few" (1 Samuel 14:6). This act of faith not only demonstrates his trust in God but also inspires the Israelite army to victory.

Friendship with David

One of the most significant aspects of Jonathan's life is his friendship with David, the future king of Israel. This relationship is marked by a covenantal bond that reflects the spiritual unity and mutual support characteristic of the communion of saints. In 1 Samuel 18:1-4, it is written that "Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself." Jonathan's selfless love for David is further demonstrated when he willingly relinquishes his claim to the throne, recognizing God's anointing on David.

Despite his father Saul's growing jealousy and hostility towards David, Jonathan remains loyal to his friend. He warns David of Saul's intentions and helps him escape, saying, "Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD" (1 Samuel 20:42). This covenantal friendship is a testament to the spiritual bond that unites believers, transcending personal ambition and familial loyalty.

Faithfulness and Sacrifice

Jonathan's life is characterized by his faithfulness to God and his willingness to sacrifice for the sake of righteousness. He stands as a model of integrity, choosing to align himself with God's chosen king rather than his own father. This decision ultimately leads to his tragic death alongside Saul in battle against the Philistines (1 Samuel 31:2).

Jonathan's legacy is honored by David, who laments his death with profound sorrow, saying, "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" (2 Samuel 1:26). This lament underscores the depth of their spiritual connection and the enduring impact of Jonathan's life.

Theological Significance

In the context of the communion of saints, Jonathan's life illustrates the profound spiritual fellowship that believers share. His unwavering faith, sacrificial love, and commitment to God's purposes serve as an example of the unity and mutual support that characterize the body of Christ. Jonathan's account reminds believers of the importance of covenantal relationships grounded in faith and the shared mission of advancing God's kingdom.

Jonathan's life and legacy continue to inspire Christians to pursue deep, spiritually enriching relationships that reflect the love and unity found in the communion of saints. His example encourages believers to prioritize faithfulness to God and to one another, even in the face of personal sacrifice and adversity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 23:16
And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

[Shewing] that Common and Saving Grace Differ, not Only in Degree ...
... The communion of saints with Christ does certainly very much consist in that receiving
of His fulness and partaking of His grace spoken of, John 1:16" "Of ...
/.../edwards/treatise on grace/shewing that common and saving.htm

Heavenly Contemplation Assisted by Sensible Objects, and Guarded ...
... say of Jonathan, Thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women!' Did the
soul of Jonathan cleave to ... Concerning the communion of saints, think with ...
/.../the saints everlasting rest/chapter xv heavenly contemplation assisted.htm

Of Preparation.
... the fainting spirits of every true Jonathan that tastes ... the beds and dormitories
of the saints (Isaiah 26 ... Christ's resurrection, and of the communion which they ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/i of preparation.htm

Appendix.
... love toward us in the communion of saints, and that ... Common Prayer and accepting the
Scotch Communion-office ... Jonathan Boucher, vicar of Epsom in Surrey, who had ...
/.../various/the sermons and addresses at the seabury centenary/appendix.htm

Modern Examples of Prayer
... a life whose days are spent in communion with God ... belonged to that company of praying
saints which has ... Jonathan Edwards must be placed among the praying saints ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/xi modern examples of prayer.htm

The Beloved Pastor's Plea for Unity
... friendship between them more close than that between David and Jonathan, so that ...
Called to be saints.". Now, then, see a ground of our communion one with another ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/the beloved pastors plea for.htm

Homilies on the Statues.
... n.; participants of, excluded from the Communion, [1149]439 ... Invocation of saints
and angels, [1376]389, n. ... Jonathan's eating the honey, [1419]434; if slain, a ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on the statues.htm

Bands of Love; Or, Union to Christ. "I Drew them with Cords of a ...
... As the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of ... In every place the saints are perfectly
one with Jesus. ... union of nature as a basis for the closest communion. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/bands of love or union.htm

The Book of Enoch
... of wisdom and righteousness; and hold full communion with the ... of the final victory
of the saints at the ... This is Jonathan, the son of Mattathias, [76] who, BC143 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of enoch.htm

Covenanting a Privilege of Believers.
... of taking hold on his Covenant, and as his saints of old ... These Covenanting, enjoy
communion with God ... banner over me was love."[657] Even as Jonathan, after David ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter x covenanting a privilege.htm