JONATHAN, SON OF KING SAUL
Jonathan, the eldest son of King Saul, stands out as a remarkable figure in the biblical narrative. His life, as depicted in the scriptures, demonstrates a deep loyalty and faithfulness, not only to his father but even more significantly to his friend David, the anointed second king of Israel.
Jonathan’s loyalty to David shines through when David’s popularity soared after his defeat of Goliath. Saul’s jealousy grew, leading him to make several attempts on David’s life. The escalating tension is captured in 1 Samuel 18:6-9: “When the men were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with timbrels and lyres. As they danced, they sang: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.’ Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly. ‘They have credited David with tens of thousands,’ he thought, ‘but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?’ And from that time on Saul kept a close eye on David.”
Despite Saul’s warning to Jonathan, “As long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingdom will be established. Now send someone to bring him to me, for he must die!” (1 Sam 20:31), Jonathan chose a path of righteousness and loyalty to David. Their bond was so profound that Jonathan repeatedly intervened to protect David from Saul’s wrath. He reassured David, saying, “Don’t be afraid. My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this” (1 Sam 23:17).
Jonathan’s friendship with David is one of the most touching examples of brotherly love and loyalty in the Bible. Their covenant is described in 1 Samuel 18:1-4: “After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return home to his family. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow, and his belt.” This covenant represented Jonathan’s recognition of God’s anointing on David and his willing submission to God’s plan.
REFLECTION
Jonathan’s story teaches us profound lessons about godly leadership, loyalty, and submission to God’s will. Despite being the heir to the throne, Jonathan acknowledged and embraced David’s divine appointment as the next king. His actions reflect the spirit of John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus and famously said, “He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30).
As Christians, we are called to recognize and respect God’s anointing and calling in our lives and the lives of others. Christian leadership is not a position to be competed for but a vocation to be fulfilled with humility and a spirit of servanthood. In Romans 12:10, Paul exhorts us to “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” This verse underscores the essence of Jonathan’s relationship with David and serves as a guiding principle for our interactions.
In our journey of faith, let us emulate Jonathan’s example by supporting and uplifting one another, recognizing the divine purpose in each person’s life, and working together to fulfill God’s will. By doing so, we contribute to the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth, living out our calling with humility, love, and unwavering faith.