Difference between revisions of "Jonathan"

<p> ("Jehovah's gift".) </p> <p> 1. Son of Gershom. (See GERSHOM.) [[Sprung]] from [[Moses]] (changed to "Manasseh" in the keri or margin Hebrew): Judges 18:30. It marks how prone to idolatry were the Israelites, that the priest to Micah's images and afterward to the [[Danites]] was a Levite, whose special duty it was to maintain pure Jehovah's worship, and he a descendant of Moses himself! [[Idolatry]] begins with the people, it being natural to our sensuous cravings; then it seeks the sanction of the church. Micah began with robbery of his own mother; her curses extorted restitution; she as a meritorious act consecrated the money for a "graven image" (pecel ) and the "molten pedestal" (massecah ) on which it stood like Aaron's calf (Exodus 32:4), to be a representation of Jehovah; it was the forerunner of Jeroboam's calves long after and idol. (See CALVES; IDOL.) </p> <p> Micah had a domestic sanctuary in which he consecrated his son as priest; here the image was set. The ephod was an imitation of the high priest's shoulder dress. The teraphim or household gods were also worshipped as givers of prosperity and as oracles. The time was very shortly after Joshua's death, an age when there was no king, and the law and the judges were not as yet well established (Judges 17:1-6). Micah afterwards found a [[Levite]] for the service, who had sojourned in [[Bethlehem]] [[Judah]] and left it to seek maintenance where he could, in Mount Ephraim. It was Jonathan. With the self deceiving folly of idolaters Micah then said, "now I know that [[Jehovah]] will do me good seeing I have a Levite to my priest," as if a Levite's presence could bless where both priest and patron were apostates from the God of all blessing. </p> <p> Five [[Danite]] spies, on their way to search for a settlement in the far N. for their tribe, recognized Jonathan. At their request he consulted God for them and promised them success. Six hundred Danites of [[Zorah]] and Eshtaol, led by the spies' report, marched to Dan or Laish. (See DAN.) On their way the live carried off the graven image, ephod, teraphim, and molten (cast) pedestal (Keil). [[Jonathan]] at their invitation was. "glad" to accompany them; ambition readily prompted the desire to be priest to a tribe and clan rather than to one individual. Micah with self convicting folly expostulated in vain, "ye have taken away my gods which I made (!) and the priest, ... and what have I more?" His loss was his gain, and their gain a fatal loss, if only he and they knew it. The priesthood remained hereditary in the family of Jonathan "until the captivity of the ark" (the taking of the ark by the Philistines), and Micah's images of his own making remained set up "all the time that the house of God was in Shiloh." Their idolatry was in the land of spiritual light and privileges (Luke 12:47-48). </p> <p> 2. Saul's oldest son. About 30 when first introduced, commanding a thousand at [[Gibeah]] (1 Samuel 13:2; compare 2 Samuel 2:8; 2 Samuel 2:10, which shows that [[Ishbosheth]] his younger brother was 40 at Saul's death). Meribbaal, or Mephibosheth, was born to him five years before his death (2 Samuel 4:4; 1 Chronicles 8:34). Famed for swiftness and strength as a warrior (2 Samuel 1:23); and especially for skill with the bow (2 Samuel 1:22; 1 Chronicles 12:2). His "bow turned not back," his invariable accoutrement (1 Samuel 18:4; 1 Samuel 20:35). Dutifully devoted to his father, whose constant companion he was (1 Samuel 20:2; 1 Samuel 20:25), yet true to his bosom friend David, whose modest:, youthful beauty, and heroic bravery won his whole heart at their first meeting after Goliath's fall, against whom nevertheless [[Saul]] cherished such deadly spite. He knew David's loyalty amidst all his father's suspicions. </p> <p> [[Knowing]] also God's revealed will to exalt David to Saul's forfeited throne, Jonathan bowed to it with pious submission. Instead of jealousy, unselfish love made him rejoice in his friend's prospective exaltation at his own cost, and only covet to be next in rank to David: as he said when he went to David "and strengthened his hand in God," his last interview with him in the wood of [[Ziph]] (1 Samuel 23:16-17). [[Loving]] David "as his own soul" (1 Samuel 20:17; 1 Samuel 20:42), he withstood his father's reproaches and attempts to alienate his affections by representing "as long as the son of [[Jesse]] liveth ... thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom." He privately intimated to David his father's resolve to kill him (1 Samuel 19:2); but at the intercession of Jonathan (1 Samuel 19:4-6) Saul for the present gave up his design, saying "as the Lord liveth, he shall not be slain." </p> <p> Soon he renewed his attempt, and David fled to Naioth. Jonathan then covenanted with David that he should show kindness to him and his house forever, when David's kingdom would be established (1 Samuel 20), a promise faithfully fulfilled by David to Mephibosheth. In vain he remonstrated with Saul in David's behalf; his father actually hurled a javelin at himself. Jonathan then only "rose from (his place beside his father at) table in fierce anger (the only time of his losing self command toward his father) and (did eat no meat," etc. Yet he clung to his father through life, and "in death they were not divided" (2 Samuel 1:23). The second last parting scene was especially touching; David and Jonathan "kissed one another and wept with one another until David exceeded" (1 Samuel 20:41). Jonathan by smiting the [[Philistine]] garrison (1 Samuel 13:2-3; or else an officer, Netzib, as [[William]] Tell rose against Gesler) at [[Geba]] gave the signal for a general revolt of [[Israel]] against its oppressors. (See GIBEAH.) </p> <p> The [[Philistines]] poured in marauding parties, and Israel's cause seemed more hopeless than ever (1 Samuel 13). Saul and he had but 600 men in Gibeah, who were without sword and spear (the Philistines having taken away all their smiths); many [[Israelites]] had fled beyond Jordan. As Jonathan had provoked this aggravation of Philistine tyranny in concert with Saul, so Jonathan determined alone to deliver Israel (1 Samuel 14). His armourbearer agreed with all his heart to join in the hazardous enterprise; Jonathan's strong faith in God inspired his companion in arms with the same chivalrous devotion; "there is no restraint to the Lord, to save by many or few." Having fixed on an omen from God of success, they received it in the scoffing invitation of the Philistine guards on the other side of the steep [[Michmash]] defile, the key to command the E. in ascending from the Philistine plain: "come up to us and we will show you a thing" (compare 2 Samuel 5:6). </p> <p> Jonathan and his armourbearer smote 20 of them in rapid succession. A panic ensued, the Philistines thought themselves outnumbered, and an earthquake completed the confusion; and the Israelites, with the Philistines in the camp an those hidden heretofore in Mount [[Ephraim]] and now emerging, joined in the pursuit as far W. as Ajalon. Saul, by his rash curse on any who should eat that day until the foe should be overthrown, retarded his own aim through weakening his people, involved them in violating the law by flying ravenously on the spoil at evening and eating flesh with the blood, and bound himself to put to death for tasting honey, and so receiving refreshment, his own beloved son, from which he was rescued only by the people's interposition. "Jonathan's soul was knit with David's," so that the latter testifies, "thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women"; like a Homeric hero, he gave his friend all his own arms, stripping himself (compare the Antitype, Philippians 2:7-8): 1 Samuel 18:1-4; 2 Samuel 1:26. </p> <p> Jonathan holds the chief place in David's touching elegy, "the bow song" (the song on Jonathan famed for the bow) on his death with Saul and his two brothers in the battle of [[Gilboa]] (1 Samuel 31). (See DAVID.) His corpse with the others was fastened to the wall of Bethsham; from whence the men of [[Jabesh]] [[Gilead]] rescued it. [[Finally]] it was removed to [[Zelah]] in [[Benjamin]] (2 Samuel 21:12-14). Jonathan's pious and filial self devotion appears in his readiness (like Isaac) to die at his father's command because of the rash adjuration of the latter; type of the Son of God, volunteering to die for us because [[Adam]] by eating the forbidden fruit had his "eyes opened" (Genesis 3; 1 Samuel 14:27; 1 Samuel 14:43); again in his continuing to the last faithful to Saul, though his father had attempted his life, and though he knew that his father's kingdom was doomed to fall and David to succeed. </p> <p> 3. David's nephew, son of Shimeah, Jonadab's brother. At once "a wise man and learned scribe and counselor" (for the [[Hebrew]] dod , "uncle," means a relative and so "nephew": 1 Chronicles 27:32; 2 Samuel 21:21; 1 Chronicles 20:7), and a brave warrior who like David slew a giant Philistine, of Gath, remarkable for six toes and six fingers. </p> <p> 4. The high priest Abiathar's son. In Absalom's rebellion returned with his father from [[Olivet]] to act as David's spy with Ahimaaz, conveying the tidings from [[Abiathar]] and [[Hushai]] in the city (2 Samuel 15:36; 2 Samuel 15:2 Samuel 17). Announced at Adonijah's feast to the guests, including Abiathar, the unwelcome tidings of Solomon's being anointed (1 Kings 1:41-49). </p> <p> 5. Son of [[Shage]] the Ararite, i.e. mountaineer (1 Chronicles 11:34). "Shammah" in 2 Samuel 23:33 stands instead of "son of Shage," probably all error of the transcriber from ver. 11; Chronicles has the true reading. </p> <p> 6. Ezra 8:6. </p> <p> 7. Ezra 10:15. </p> <p> 8. Nehemiah 12:14. </p> <p> 9. Jeremiah 40:8. </p> <p> 10. The high priest Joiada's son and successor. The genealogies of the priests and [[Levites]] were kept in his high priesthood, and the national chronicles were continued to his time (Nehemiah 12:11-22-23). Notorious for murdering in the temple his own brother Jesus, who had tried to supplant him by the [[Persian]] general Bagoas' help. The latter in consequence entered and polluted the temple and imposed a tax of 50 shekels for every lamb sacrificed (Josephus, Ant. 11:7, section 1). Jonathan or John was high priest 32 years. </p> <p> 11. Nehemiah 12:35; of the course of [[Shemaiah]] (so Lord A.C. Hervey reads for "son of".) </p>

<p> <strong> JONATHAN </strong> (‘J″ [Note: Jahweh.] hath given’). <strong> 1. </strong> A Levite, the ‘son’ of [[Gershom]] (wh. see); according to Judges 18:30 he and his sons were priests to the tribe of Dan up to the Captivity. Jonathan was taken into the service of Micah as ‘father and priest’ ( Judges 17:10 ); but, not long after he had taken up his abode there, six hundred Danites came that way and induced Jonathan to leave Micah and join them as their priest ( Judges 18:11-31 ). <strong> 2. </strong> The eldest son of Saul; he appears, in the first instance, as a brave and successful leader in battle. 1 Samuel 13:1-23; 1 Samuel 14:1-52 contain a graphic account of the way in which the Israelites threw off the Philistine yoke; in this campaign Jonathan took a leading part. He first of all, at the head of a thousand men, smote the Philistine garrison in Geba; this was the signal for the outbreak of war. The Philistine army gathered together and encamped in Michmash. Jonathan, accompanied only by his armour-bearer, at great risk surprised an advanced post of the Philistines, and slew about twenty men; the suddenness and success of this <em> coup </em> so terrified the Philistines that the whole host of them fled in panic. The popularity of Jonathan is well illustrated by the fact that the people prevented Saul from carrying out a vow which would have cost Jonathan his life ( 1 Samuel 14:24-46 ). The implicit trust which Saul placed in Jonathan is seen in the words of the latter in 1 Samuel 20:2 : ‘Behold my father doeth nothing either great or small, but that he discloseth it unto me.’ The faithfulness and trustworthiness of Jonathan as here shown gives an insight into what must have been that friendship for David which has become proverbial. All the characteristics of truest friendship are seen in Jonathan in their full beauty love ( 1 Samuel 18:1 ), faithfulness ( 1 Samuel 20:2 ff). disinterestedness ( 1 Samuel 20:12 ). and self-sacrifice ( 1 Samuel 20:24-34 ). The last we hear of Jonathan is his death upon the battlefield, fighting the foes of his country. In David’s lament the spirit of the departed hero speaks in unison with his friend: ‘Thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women’ ( 2 Samuel 1:26 ). </p> <p> <strong> 3. </strong> The son of the priest Mattathias; the youngest of the four Maccabæan brothers ( 2Ma 8:22 ), who played an important part during the Maccabsan revolt (see Maccabees). <strong> 4. </strong> A nephew of David ( 2 Samuel 21:21; cf. prob. 1 Chronicles 27:32 ). <strong> 5. </strong> A son of Abiathar the priest ( 2 Samuel 15:27 ff; 2 Samuel 17:17-20 , 1 Kings 1:42 ). <strong> 6. </strong> A scribe in whose house Jeremiah was imprisoned ( Jeremiah 37:15-20; Jeremiah 38:26 ). <strong> 7. </strong> A high priest ( Nehemiah 12:11 ): called in Nehemiah 12:22 f. <strong> Johanan. 8. </strong> One of David’s heroes ( 2 Samuel 23:32 , 1 Chronicles 11:34 ). <strong> 9. </strong> A Levite ( Nehemiah 12:35 ). <strong> 10. </strong> The son of [[Kareah]] ( Jeremiah 40:8 ). <strong> 11. </strong> The father of [[Peleth]] and [[Zaza]] ( 1 Chronicles 2:32 f.). <strong> 12. </strong> One of David’s treasurers ( 1 Chronicles 27:25 ). <strong> 13. </strong> Father of [[Ebed]] ( Ezra 8:6 ). <strong> 14. </strong> One of those who opposed (RV [Note: Revised Version.] ) or assisted (AV [Note: Authorized Version.] ) Ezra in the matter of the foreign marriages ( Ezra 10:15 ). <strong> 15. </strong> A priest ( Nehemiah 12:14 ). <strong> 16. </strong> Son of Absalom, in the time of [[Simon]] the [[Maccabee]] ( 1Ma 13:11 ). <strong> 17 </strong> . A priest who led the prayer at the first sacrifice after the [[Return]] ( 2Ma 1:23 ). </p> <p> W. O. E. Oesterley. </p>

Judges 17-182 <p> Jonathan possessed courage, fidelity, and friendship. He led 1,000 soldiers to defeat the Philistines at Geba (Gibeah) (1 Samuel 13:2-3 ). Then Jonathan took only his armor-bearer to the rocky crags at Michmash and brought panic to the Philistines by killing twenty of them (1 Samuel 14:1-16 ). Saul discovered that Jonathan was missing, called for the ark of God, went to battle, and defeated the Philistines. Jonathan ate honey, unaware that Saul had forbidden the people to eat that day. Saul would have had Jonathan put to death, but the people spoke in praise of Jonathan and ransomed him from death (1 Samuel 14:27-46 ). </p> <p> The next four accounts about Jonathan focus on his friendship with David. First, Jonathan formed a close friendship with David by giving him his robe, armor, sword, bow, and girdle (1 Samuel 18:1-5 ). Second, Jonathan pleaded successfully with Saul to reinstate David (1 Samuel 19:1-7 ). Third, Jonathan left Saul's table angrily to inform David that the king would never receive David again (1 Samuel 20:1-42 ). Fourth, Jonathan held a final meeting with David at Horesh. They made covenant with one another as Jonathan acknowledged David as the next king (1 Samuel 23:16-18 ). </p> <p> The end of 1Samuel reports the end of Saul and three of his sons, Jonathan, Abinadab, and Melchishua, at Mount Gilboa (1 Samuel 31:1-13 ). Their bodies were first hung on the wall of Beth-shan and later retrieved to Jabesh. Eventually, David had the bones buried in the land of Benjamin, in [[Zela]] in the tomb of Kish, Jonathan's grandfather (2 Samuel 21:12-14 ). See [[Saul]]; [[David]]; [[Mephibosheth]] . </p> <p> 3. Son of Abiathar the priest in service to David (2 Samuel 15:24; 2Samuel 17:17,2 Samuel 17:20; 1 Kings 1:42-43 ). </p> <p> 4. An uncle of David who functioned as counselor and scribe in the royal court (1 Chronicles 27:32 ). </p> <p> 5. Son of [[Shimea]] or Shimeah, David's brother; slew a Philistine giant (2 Samuel 21:21; 1 Chronicles 20:7 ). </p> <p> 6. Son of Shammah; one of David's thirty mighty men (2 Samuel 23:32-33; 1 Chronicles 11:34 ). </p> <p> 7. Son of Uzziah, a royal treasurer in reign of David; called [[Jehonathan]] in 1 Chronicles 27:25 . </p> <p> 8. House of a scribe or secretary where Jeremiah was imprisoned (Jeremiah 37:15 ,Jeremiah 37:15,37:20; Jeremiah 38:26 ). </p> <p> 9. Son of Kareah; “Johanan;” possibly same as 8. (Jeremiah 40:8 ). </p> <p> 10. Father of Ebed, a returned exile (Ezra 8:6; 1 [[Esdras]] 8:32 ). </p> <p> 11. [[Priest]] during high priesthood of [[Joiakim]] (Nehemiah 12:14 ). </p> <p> 12. Priest, son of [[Joiada]] (Nehemiah 12:11 ). </p> <p> 13. Priest, son of Shemaiah and father of Zechariah, in a group who played musical instruments (Nehemiah 12:35 ). </p> <p> 14. Son of [[Asahel]] who supported foreign marriages in time of Ezra (Ezra 10:15; 1 Esdras 9:14 ). </p> <p> 15. A descendant of [[Jerahmeel]] (1 Chronicles 2:32-33 ). </p> <p> [[Omer]] Hancock </p>

<p> 1. Son of Gershom and grandson of Moses or Manasseh, <i> q.v. </i> Though only a Levite he acted as priest in the house of Micah, who had a graven image, an ephod, and teraphim. He afterwards became priest to the tribe of Dan. He inquired of the Lord for them, and gave a reply as if God had answered him. Judges 17:7-13; Judges 18:1-30 . He was called 'a young man out of Beth-lehem-judah, of the family of Judah.' This may mean that he had merely resided there. Bethlehem was not a [[Levitical]] city. He had been sojourning where he could in those troublous times. </p> <p> 2. Son of Saul and friend of David. Jonathan was a valiant man, and a man of faith. He slew the garrison of the Philistines in Geba. 1 Samuel 13:2,3 . This caused the Philistines to gather together their armies; and Jonathan went secretly and alone with his armour-bearer, but in reliance on the Lord, up to their garrison, and the Philistines were smitten. But Jonathan, in pursuing them, tasted a little wild honey, not knowing that his father had pronounced a curse upon any that should taste food until evening. [[Desiring]] to follow up the victory, Saul inquired of God but received no reply, therefore lots were cast to discover why God would not answer — the lot fell on Jonathan and his father said he must die; but the army rescued him. 1 Samuel 14:1-46 . </p> <p> On David's slaying Goliath, Jonathan made a covenant with him because he 'loved him as his own soul,' and gave to David his robe and his weapons. 1 Samuel 18:1-4 . He afterwards sheltered David from the malice of Saul, and gave proof of his love in that though he was heir to the throne, he agreed that David should be king, and he would be next to him. 1 Samuel 19:1-7; 1 Samuel 20:1-42; 1 Samuel 23:16-18 . Nevertheless Jonathan remained with his father, rather than with the one who was anointed by God to be His king, and with his father he perished. In this he was a type of the future remnant, who, having left the true David, will go through the tribulation. 1 Samuel 31:2 . </p> <p> 3. Son of Abiathar the high priest. 2 Samuel 15:27,36; 2 Samuel 17:17,20; 1 Kings 1:42,43 . </p> <p> 4. Son of Shimeah, David's brother. He killed the giant who had twelve fingers and twelve toes. 2 Samuel 21:21; 1 Chronicles 20:7 . </p> <p> 5,6. Two of David's mighty men. 2 Samuel 23:32 : 1 Chronicles 11:34 . </p> <p> 7. Son of Jada, a descendant of Judah. 1 Chronicles 2:32,33 . </p> <p> 8. [[Uncle]] of David: his counsellor and secretary 1 Chronicles 27:32 . </p> <p> 9. Ancestor of some who returned from exile. Ezra 8:6 . </p> <p> 10. Son of Asahel: he superintended the separation of the [[Jews]] from their strange wives. Ezra 10:15 . </p> <p> 11. Son of Joiada, a priest. Nehemiah 12:11 . </p> <p> 12. Priest 'of Melicu.' Nehemiah 12:14 . </p> <p> 13. Son of Shemaiah, a priest. Nehemiah 12:35 . [[Apparently]] called JEHONATHAN in Nehemiah 12:18 . </p> <p> 14. The scribe in whose house Jeremiah was imprisoned. Jeremiah 37:15,20; Jeremiah 38:26 . </p> <p> 15. Son of Kareah. Jeremiah 40:8 . </p>

<p> Jon'athan. That is, "the gift of Jehovah", the eldest son of King Saul. (B.C. about 1095-1056). He was a man of great strength and activity. 2 Samuel 1:23. He was also famous as a warrior, 1 Chronicles 12:2, as is shown by the courage he showed, in attacking the garrison of the Philistines, in company with his armor-bearer only, slaying twenty men and putting an army to flight. 1 Samuel 14:6-16. During the pursuit, Jonathan, who had not heard of the rash curse, 1 Samuel 14:24, which Saul invoked on any one who ate before the evening, tasted the honey which lay on the ground. Saul would have sacrificed him; but the people interposed in behalf , of the hero of that great day, and Jonathan was saved. 1 Samuel 14:24-45. </p> <p> The chief interest of Jonathan's career is derived , from the friendship with David, which began on the day of David's return, from the victory over the champion of Gath, and continued till his death. Their last meeting was in a forest of Ziph, during Saul's pursuit of David. 1 Samuel 23:16-18. From this time forth, we hear no more till the battle of Gilboa. In that battle, he fell. 1 Samuel 31:2; 1 Samuel 31:8. (B.C. 1056). His ashes were buried first at Jabesh-gilead, 1 Samuel 31:13, but were afterward, removed with those of his father to Zelah in Benjamin. 2 Samuel 21:12. The news of his death occasioned the celebrated elegy of David. He left a son, Mephibosheth. See [[Mephibosheth]]. </p> <p> 1. A nephew of David. 2 Samuel 21:21; 1 Chronicles 20:7. He engaged in single combat with, and slew, a gigantic Philistine of Gath. 2 Samuel 21:21. (B.C. 1018). </p> <p> 2. The son of Abiathar, the high priest, is the last descendant of Eli, of whom we hear anything. 2 Samuel 15:36; 2 Samuel 17:15-21; 1 Kings 1:42-43. (B.C. 1023). </p> <p> 3. One of David's heroes. 2 Samuel 23:32; 1 Chronicles 11:34. </p> <p> 4. The son or descendant of Gershom, the son of Moses. Judges 18:30. See [[Micah]]. (B.C. about 1425). </p> <p> 5. One of the Bene-Adin, (that is, sons of Adin). Ezra 8:6. </p> <p> 6. A priest, the son of Asahel, in the time of Ezra. Ezra 10:15. (B.C. 459). </p> <p> 7. A priest, of the family of Melieu. Nehemiah 12:14. </p> <p> 8. One of the sons of Kareah, and brother of Johanan. Jeremiah 40:8. (B.C. 587). </p> <p> 9. Son of Joiada, and his successor in the high priesthood. Nehemiah 12:11; Nehemiah 12:22-23. (B.C. before 332). </p> <p> 10. Father of Zechariah, a priest, who blew the trumpet, at the dedication of the wall. Nehemiah 12:35. </p> <p> 11. 1 Esdras 8:32. See 6 Jonathan. (B.C. 446). </p>

<p> In the early days of Saul’s kingship, the [[Israelite]] army consisted of two main divisions, one under the command of Saul, the other under the command of his eldest son, Jonathan (1 Samuel 13:2; 1 Samuel 14:49). Early in his career, Jonathan showed his sharp thinking and his courage when he took his armour-bearer and carried out a daring raid that threw the enemy Philistines into confusion. Though it was a risky adventure, it resulted in a notable victory for Israel (1 Samuel 14:1-48). </p> <p> When David became a member of Saul’s court and then of his army, he and Jonathan became close friends (1 Samuel 18:1-4). David’s victories stirred up Saul’s jealousy and hatred, but Jonathan defended him and intervened on his behalf. He successfully pleaded with his father to stop trying to kill David (1 Samuel 19:1-7). </p> <p> [[Unknown]] to Jonathan, Saul renewed his attacks on David (1 Samuel 19:8-11). When Jonathan heard about this, he determined to find out Saul’s real intentions towards David (1 Samuel 20:1-23). Unlike his father, Jonathan showed no jealousy of David, even when his father reminded him that David was a threat to his own chances of becoming king (1 Samuel 20:30-34). </p> <p> Jonathan helped David escape, but neither he nor David plotted against the king. Their sole purpose was to save David’s life. While remaining loyal to the king, Jonathan reassured David that nothing could change the relationship between them. He knew that David would be the next king, and he would be happy to serve under him as chief minister (1 Samuel 23:16-18). </p> <p> Some years later Jonathan was tragically killed in a battle with the Philistines. David’s love for him is seen in the song of remembrance he wrote after his friend’s premature death (1 Samuel 31:2; 2 Samuel 1:17-27). </p>

<p> Jonathan (jŏn'a-than), the gift of Jehovah. 1. A son of Gershom and a Levite, who impiously served as a priest, first to Micah, and then to the Danites in [[Laish]] or Dan. Judges 17:1-8. 2. A son of Saul, 1 Chronicles 8:33 distinguished for his lovely character. His brilliant exploit in Michmash, 1 Samuel 13:1-23; 1 Samuel 14:1-52, illustrates his pious faith, his bravery, see also 1 Samuel 13:3, when he was about 30 years old, and his favor with the people, who would not suffer him to be put to death for violating Saul's foolish vow. This valiant and generous prince, "strong like a lion and swift like an eagle," 2 Samuel 1:23, loved David as his own soul. 1 Samuel 18:1-4; 1 Samuel 19:2; 1 Samuel 20:1-42. When he knew that David was chosen of God for the throne, he nobly yielded his own claims, and while holding to his father he had a pure and disinterested friendship for David. 1 Samuel 23:16-18. He was slain with his father, in battle with the Philistines at Mount Gilboa. The beauty and pathos of the elegy in which David laments his friend are unsurpassed in literature. 2 Samuel 1:1-27. David found and cared for the only son Mephibosheth. 2 Samuel 9:1-13. There are 14 persons of this name mentioned in the Bible. </p>

<p> Saul's son, David's dear friend, (1 Samuel 18:1) His death, with that of Saul, gave birth to one of the most poetical as well as devout elegies the world ever knew. (2 Samuel 1:17) His name is compounded of Nathan, a gift; and Jab, the Lord. There are many of this name in Scripture. </p> <p> ·Jonathan, a Levite, the son of Gershom, Judges 18:20. </p> <p> ·Jonathan, the son of Abiather the priest, 1 Kings 1:42. </p> <p> ·Jonathan, the son of Shage the Hararite, 1 Chronicles 11:34. </p> <p> ·Jonathan, the son of Shimeah, 1 Chronicles 20:7. </p> <p> ·Jonathan, or Jehonathan, the son of Uzziah, 1 Chronicles 27:25. </p> <p> ·Jonathan, the son of Ashel, Ezra 10:15. </p> <p> ·Jonathan, the High Preist, Nehemiah 12:10. </p> <p> ·Jonathan, the Scribe, Jeremiah 37:14-15. </p>

<p> 1. A Levite, son of Gershom, and grandson of Moses, who after the death of Joshua impiously served as a priest, first to Micah, and then to the Danites in Laish or Dan, where his posterity succeeded him until the captivity, Judges 17:1-18:31 . </p> <p> 2. The eldest son of Saul, and one of the loveliest characters in Old [[Testament]] history. The narrative of his brilliant exploit in Michmash, 1 Samuel 13:1-14:52 , illustrates his pious faith, his bravery, (see also 1 Samuel 13:3 ) and the favor borne him by the people, who would not suffer him to be put to death in consequence of Saul's foolish vow. This valiant and generous prince loved David as his own soul, 1 Samuel 18:1-4 19:2 20:1-42; and though convinced that his friend was chosen of God for the throne, nobly yielded his own pretensions, and reconciled fidelity to his father with the most pure and disinterested friendship for David. He perished with his father, in battle with the Philistines at mount Gilboa; and nothing can surpass the beauty and pathos of the elegy in which David laments his friend, 2 Samuel 1:1-27 , whose son [[Mephibosheth]] he afterwards sought out and befriended, 2 Samuel 9:1-13 . </p>

<li> Son of Shammah, and David's nephew, and also one of his chief warriors (2 Samuel 21:21 ). He slew a giant in Gath. <div> <p> Copyright StatementThese dictionary topics are from M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated [[Bible]] Dictionary, Third Edition, published by [[Thomas]] Nelson, 1897. Public Domain. </p> <p> Bibliography InformationEaston, Matthew George. Entry for 'Jonathan'. Easton's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/ebd/j/jonathan.html. 1897. </p> </div> </li>

<p> the son of Saul, a prince of an excellent disposition, and in all varieties of fortune a sincere and steady friend to David. Jonathan gave signal proofs of courage and conduct upon all occasions that offered, during the wars between his father and the Philistines. The death of Jonathan was lamented by David, in one of the noblest and most pathetic odes ever uttered by genius consecrated by pious friendship. See 1 Samuel 13:16 , &c; 1 Samuel 14:1-2 , &c. </p>