Jonathan (1 Samuel)

Lore & Background

Jonathan first appears as the victor of Geba, a Philistine stronghold. He later carries out a lone and secret attack on another Philistine garrison, demonstrating prowess and courage as a warrior. However, he unknowingly eats honey after his father Saul had cursed any man who ate food before evening, leading Saul to initially sentence him to death, though the soldiers protest and Saul relents. Jonathan disagrees with the wisdom of his father's oath, as it weakens the soldiers in pursuit of the enemy.

The story of David and Jonathan is introduced when Jonathan becomes one in spirit with David and loves him as himself, before they exchange a single word. Saul suspects Jonathan of colluding with David, whom Saul believes is conspiring to overthrow him. Saul insults Jonathan, calling him the son of a perverse and rebellious woman, and attempts to kill him by throwing a javelin during a fit of paranoid rage. Jonathan had only asked his father what David had done to deserve death, suggesting David never wronged Saul. The last meeting between Jonathan and David takes place in a forest of Ziph at Horesh, where they make a covenant before the Lord.

Reader's Guide

Jonathan's significance lies in his portrayal as a model of loyalty to truth and friendship. His relationship with David is described as philia, a Greek term for friendship, and is marked by mutual love and covenant. Despite being the son of King Saul, Jonathan supports David against his father's paranoid pursuit, even at personal risk. His death at the battle of Mount Gilboa alongside his father and brothers ends his story, but his legacy continues through David's special kindness to Jonathan's son Mephibosheth. Jonathan's skill in archery and slinging is noted in the biblical narrative, and his actions as a warrior against the Philistines demonstrate his courage. The cultural symbolism of Jonathan as a model of loyalty has persisted, and his character has been subject to literary reassessment, including critical examination of his relationships with Saul and David.

Did You Know?

• Jonathan is described as excelling in both archery and slinging.
• He unknowingly broke his father Saul's oath by eating honey, leading to a death sentence that was later revoked.
• Saul attempted to kill Jonathan by throwing a javelin at him during a fit of paranoid rage.
• Jonathan's bones were first buried at Jabesh-gilead and later moved to Zelah.