Jonathan
Share
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 showing in attacking the garrison of the Philistines, in company with is 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, ch. ( 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. ch. ( 1 Samuel 14:24-45 ) The chief interest of Jonathans career is derived from the friendship with David, which began on the day of Davids return from the victory over the champion of Gath, and continued till his death. Their last meeting was in and forest of Ziph, during Sauls 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, ch. ( 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. [MEPHIBOSHETH]
[N] indicates this entry was also found in Nave's Topical Bible
[E] indicates this entry was also found in Easton's Bible Dictionary
[H] indicates this entry was also found in Hitchcock's Bible Names
Bibliography InformationSmith, William, Dr. "Entry for 'Jonathan,'". "Smith's Bible Dictionary".