In brief
Jonathan is the son of King Saul. A man of faith, he attacks a Philistine garrison with only his armor bearer, trusting in Yahweh. He then becomes David’s friend, makes a covenant with him and gives him his robe, his clothing and his weapons. He protects David despite his father’s anger. He dies with Saul on Mount Gilboa, and David composes a lament in his honor. He is remembered for a loyal friendship founded on Yahweh.
What does the name Jonathan mean?
His name is generally linked to the Hebrew meaning “Yahweh has given.” The Bible gives no explanation of this name in the passages that concern him. He is always introduced as Saul’s son, and it is his attitude that makes him famous.
The story of Jonathan
A feat of faith against the Philistines
1 Samuel 14:1-6, 45Jonathan invites the young man who carries his weapons to cross over to the outpost of the uncircumcised Philistines. He adds that nothing restrains Yahweh from saving by many or by few. Later, the people refuse to let Jonathan die, because he has worked with God that day, and he is saved.
A soul bound to David’s
1 Samuel 18:1-4When David has finished speaking to Saul, Jonathan’s soul is knit with David’s soul, and Jonathan loves him as his own soul. He makes a covenant with him. He strips off the robe he is wearing to give it to David, along with his clothing, his sword, his bow and his sash. The gesture shows that he recognizes David’s future.
The covenant and the protection
1 Samuel 20:1-17When Saul seeks to harm David, Jonathan says to him, “Whatever your soul desires, I will even do it for you.” He promises to inform him and to send him away in peace, praying that Yahweh be with him. He makes a covenant with the house of David and reaffirms his affection, for he loves him as he loves his own soul.
The farewell under Yahweh’s oath
1 Samuel 20:41-42David and Jonathan part after weeping together. Jonathan says to him, “Go in peace, because we have both sworn in Yahweh’s name.” They place Yahweh between them and between their descendants. David goes on his way, and Jonathan goes back into the city.
The death of Jonathan and David’s lament
2 Samuel 1:4-27A messenger tells David that Saul and Jonathan, his son, are dead. David composes a lament. He says that Saul and Jonathan, “in their death, they were not divided,” and he cries out, “I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan.” He pays tribute to the wonderful love of his friend.
What Jonathan teaches us
- Faith dares to act when circumstances seem unfavorable, because nothing restrains Yahweh from saving.
- A friendship according to God is a covenant: it gives, protects and stays faithful.
- Jonathan accepts the place God reserves for David without jealousy, and this humility is a model.
- To place Yahweh between us is to found our relationships on him rather than on our own interests.
Key verses
“There is no restraint on Yahweh to save by many or by few.” Jonathan trusts in the power of God, not in numbers or in weapons.
Jonathan makes a covenant with David because he loves him as his own soul. His friendship rests on a commitment and on love, even to the sacrifice of his own privileges.
David mourns his friend: “Your love to me was wonderful.” This lament shows that Jonathan’s faithfulness left a lasting mark on David, even after his death.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Jonathan in the Bible?
Jonathan was the son of King Saul and the loyal friend of David. He made a covenant with him, protected him from his father’s anger, then died with Saul at the battle of Gilboa. He is found in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel.
What does the name Jonathan mean?
His name is generally linked to the Hebrew meaning “Yahweh has given.” The Bible gives no explanation of this name in the passages that concern him. He is above all known for the quality of his friendship and of his faith.
Where can I find the story of Jonathan in the Bible?
It is found in 1 Samuel 14 (his feat against the Philistines), 1 Samuel 18 and 20 (his covenant with David), then in 2 Samuel 1, where David mourns his death in a lament.