Bible Character Explorer
United Kingdom • d. c. 1010 BC
Jonathan
The Truest of FriendsSaul's son and heir to the throne, whose covenant friendship with David set aside his own claim to the kingdom.
"The soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul."
1 Samuel 18:1 (KJV)
Overview
Jonathan was the eldest son of King Saul and heir apparent to Israel's throne, a courageous warrior who once single-handedly attacked a Philistine garrison with only his armor-bearer, trusting that the Lord could save by many or by few. After David's victory over Goliath, Jonathan's soul was 'knit' with David's, and he entered into a covenant of friendship with him, giving David his robe, armor, sword, and bow as tokens of that bond. As Saul grew increasingly jealous and murderous toward David, Jonathan repeatedly protected his friend, warning him of Saul's plots and helping him escape, even though doing so meant surrendering his own right to inherit the throne, which he openly acknowledged David would one day hold instead. Jonathan died alongside his father in battle against the Philistines on Mount Gilboa, and David's lament over his death remains one of Scripture's most moving expressions of grief and love between friends.
Gospel Connection
Jonathan's covenant love that led him to give up his own royal privilege and even risk his life for another's good offers a striking picture of the self-giving love Christ commands and embodies, laying down what was rightfully his so that another might receive the kingdom, a foretaste of the far greater surrender the true King would make for those he calls friends.
Discover More
See how this life points to Christ in the Gospel Connection section above.