Character Study Of Jonathan Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF JONATHAN – SON OF SAUL, FRIEND OF DAVID

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Samuel 20:42

"Then Jonathan said to David, ‘Go in peace, since we have both sworn in the name of the Lord, saying, "May the Lord be between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants, forever."’ So he arose and departed, and Jonathan went into the city." –

Supporting Texts:

1 Samuel 13:2-22, 1 Samuel 14:1-46, 1 Samuel 18:1-4, 1 Samuel 19:1-7, 1 Samuel 20:1-42, 1 Samuel 23:16-18, 1 Samuel 31:1-6

BACKGROUND OF JONATHAN

Jonathan was the eldest son of King Saul and a valiant warrior in Israel. He was known for his deep faith in God, unwavering loyalty, and remarkable friendship with David. Unlike his father Saul, Jonathan displayed great humility and recognised God's will for David to be the next king, even though he was the heir to the throne.

Jonathan's life was marked by courage in battle, selflessness in relationships, and commitment to righteousness. He remained loyal to David despite his father’s jealousy and opposition, choosing to honour God rather than seek personal gain.

1. JONATHAN’S COURAGE AND FAITH IN GOD

Jonathan was a man of great faith and bravery.

a) He believed that God could save by many or by few (1 Samuel 14:6)

He took bold steps of faith, trusting in God’s power.

b) He initiated a daring attack against the Philistines (1 Samuel 14:1-14)

With just his armour-bearer, he defeated an entire Philistine garrison.

c) He inspired Israel’s army through his boldness (1 Samuel 14:15-23)

His courage led to a great victory for Israel.

d) He remained committed to God’s plans, not his own desires (1 Samuel 23:17)

He recognised that David, not himself, was God’s chosen king.

e) Biblical Example: Gideon also trusted God against overwhelming odds (Judges 7:7-22)

2. JONATHAN’S LOYALTY AND FRIENDSHIP WITH DAVID

Jonathan’s friendship with David was a model of selfless love and loyalty.

a) He loved David as his own soul (1 Samuel 18:1-3)

Their bond was based on mutual respect and faith in God.

b) He made a covenant with David (1 Samuel 18:4)

He gave David his royal robe, symbolising his willingness to yield the throne.

c) He defended David against his father, King Saul (1 Samuel 19:1-6)

He risked his own position to protect David’s life.

d) He reaffirmed his support for David’s future kingship (1 Samuel 23:16-18)

Instead of being jealous, he encouraged David in God’s plan.

e) Biblical Example: Ruth also showed deep loyalty to Naomi (Ruth 1:16-17)

3. JONATHAN’S HONOUR AND OBEDIENCE TO HIS FATHER

Despite Saul’s flaws, Jonathan remained respectful and obedient.

a) He obeyed his father in battle (1 Samuel 13:2)

He fought courageously under Saul’s command.

b) He tried to mediate between Saul and David (1 Samuel 19:4-6)

He sought to maintain peace between them.

c) He suffered under his father’s rash vows (1 Samuel 14:24-29)

He unknowingly broke a foolish oath made by Saul.

d) He died fighting alongside his father in battle (1 Samuel 31:1-2)

He remained faithful to his duty as a prince of Israel.

e) Biblical Example: Isaac also honoured his father, Abraham, even in sacrifice (Genesis 22:9-10)

4. JONATHAN’S TRAGIC DEATH IN BATTLE

Despite his righteousness, Jonathan’s life was cut short due to Saul’s failures.

a) He remained faithful to Israel even in difficult times (1 Samuel 31:1-2)

He did not abandon his father, despite Saul’s mistakes.

b) He fought courageously against the Philistines (1 Samuel 31:3)

He died as a warrior, defending his people.

c) His death was a great loss to Israel and David (2 Samuel 1:25-26)

David mourned deeply for Jonathan, calling him a brother.

d) His legacy lived on through David’s kindness to his son, Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:1-7)

David honoured their covenant by caring for Jonathan’s descendant.

e) Biblical Example: John the Baptist also died for righteousness’ sake (Mark 6:27-28)

5. STRENGTHS OF JONATHAN

Jonathan’s character was defined by godly virtues.

a) He was courageous and full of faith in God (1 Samuel 14:6)

b) He was selfless and humble (1 Samuel 18:4)

c) He was a true and loyal friend (1 Samuel 20:42)

d) He was honourable and obedient (1 Samuel 19:4)

e) He showed integrity in all his actions (1 Samuel 23:16)

6. WEAKNESSES OF JONATHAN

Though he was a great man, Jonathan had limitations.

a) He failed to separate himself from Saul’s downfall (1 Samuel 31:1-2)

b) He lacked the ability to change his father’s heart (1 Samuel 19:1-7)

c) He was caught between his love for David and loyalty to Saul (1 Samuel 20:30-34)

d) His loyalty to his father led to his premature death (1 Samuel 31:6)

7. LESSONS TO LEARN FROM JONATHAN

Jonathan’s life teaches several powerful lessons.

a) True friendship is selfless and sacrificial (Proverbs 17:17)