Bible Figure
Jonathan
heroic figure in 1 Samuel
Jonathan was the son of King Saul, a courageous warrior, and David's closest friend who recognized David's future kingship despite his own position as royal heir.
Biography
Jonathan first appears as a successful commander against the Philistines. In a remarkable act of faith, he and his armor-bearer attacked a Philistine outpost, trusting that nothing could hinder the Lord from saving by many or few. After David defeated Goliath, Jonathan formed a deep covenant friendship with him and gave David his robe and weapons. As Saul's jealousy intensified, Jonathan repeatedly defended David, tested his father's intentions, warned David of danger, and renewed their covenant. He acknowledged that David would become king and asked that David preserve kindness toward his family. Jonathan died with Saul and his brothers in battle on Mount Gilboa. David mourned him deeply and later showed covenant kindness to Jonathan's disabled son Mephibosheth.