Jonathan – noble friend, torn

King David is one of the most famous characters in the Old Testament world. He had many noble characteristics.

He was part of one of the greatest love stories between two friends, himself and Jonathan. Jonathan was the son of King Saul, a tormented man.

After David had beheaded Goliath the Philistine champion, he was shown to King Saul from the battle scene. Saul was amazed at the valour of this young man David. Saul had already made David his amourbearer and companion, from this time forward David was to remain permanently in the court of King Saul. Jonathan was Saul’s oldest son and heir apparent to the throne. A tremendous friendship developed between these two young men. Below it says that Jonathan loved David as his own soul. (see 1 Samuel chapter 18, the first four verses)

1 And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.
2 And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father’s house.
3 Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.
4 And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.

Verse 4 is evidence of Jonathan’s love for David. He actually gave David his robe and all his weapons and armour. I don’t think that Jonathan was aware that David had been anointed to become the next king of Israel, but the symbolism is apparent that Saul’s heir had given all his clothes and weapons to David, almost like he was aware of David’s future leadership role. The love they had for each other was also based upon their love for God, and they included their worship of God in their close relationship. Their covenant of friendship included looking after the posterity of each other’s families.

King Saul became insanely jealous of David and repeatedly tried to kill him. The irony is that Saul's children repeatedly saved David from their father.

Jonathan later did become aware of David’s anointing by Samuel, yet he never deviated from his friendship with David. Jonathan tried to discourage his royal father from trying to kill David. One time the maddened King Saul tried to even kill his own son. (see 1 Samuel chapter 20, verses 27 to 34)

27 And it came to pass on the morrow, which was the second day of the month, that David’s place was empty: and Saul said unto Jonathan his son, Wherefore cometh not the son of Jesse to meat, neither yesterday, nor to day?
28 And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Beth-lehem:
29 And he said, Let me go, I pray thee; for our family hath a sacrifice in the city; and my brother, he hath commanded me to be there: and now, if I have found favour in thine eyes, let me get away, I pray thee, and see my brethren. Therefore he cometh not unto the king’s table.
30 Then Saul’s anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother’s nakedness?
31 For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die.
32 And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done?
33 And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David.
34 So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no meat the second day of the month: for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame.

To summarise the above passage of scripture; David and Jonathan had set up a plan to find out if King Saul was still intent on killing David. King Saul was no fool and knew that Jonathan was protecting David. Saul cursed Jonathan’s mother vilely as the King knew of this. When Jonathan asked the King what was David guilty of, the maddened king threw a javelin at his own son! Jonathan was furious at his father and grieved at the injustice shown to David. Jonathan was also a man of valour and a mighty warrior, he too could have been jealous of David or even annoyed at his father for not acknowledging his own feats of valour, for example, see 1 Samuel, chapter 14.

Poor David became a fugitive to King Saul. On the one hand he was fleeing from Saul and on the other he was also fighting the enemies of Israel.

Even though Jonathan was the son of King Saul, he remained true to his friendship and covenant with David. When Saul was hunting David to kill him, Jonathan warned him and gave his support for David’s future role of King of Israel. (See 1 Samuel chapter 23, verses 16 to 18)

16 ¶ And Jonathan Saul’s son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.
17 And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth.
18 And they two made a covenant before the Lord: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.

Poor Jonathan must have been torn between loyalty to his father, the mad King Saul and his much loved friend, David. He knew his father was doomed, yet he supported his father to the bitter end. In the one great battle, Saul and his three sons, including the noble Jonathan, were slain by the Philistines.

Not too much is said of Jonathan in the Old Testament, but to me he is one of the noblest characters found therein. Never do I recall reading of him committing any major sin. He never was jealous of David and he never rebelled against his wicked father, King Saul. He may have been slain in battle but I am certain his reward on High is assured.

A question I ask myself, can I be as noble a friend to others, like Jonathan was to David?