Jonathan (Jon´uh-thuhn)

The most important son of the first king of Israel, Saul, and David’s bosom friend. Jonathan lived in the second half of the eleventh century BCE. This prince figures in (1Sam 13-31), and first appears in chaps. 13–14 as commander in chief directly under Saul. In his military capacity, Jonathan provoked war with the Philistines and distinguished himself in ways that provoked his father to jealousy. Later, Jonathan demonstrated deep friendship and loyalty to David, attempting to mediate on his behalf with his father. When David was forced to flee the court, Jonathan concluded a special covenant-pact with him, whom he recognized as God’s chosen one. In the final battle on Mt. Gilboa, where the Philistines settled accounts with Saul’s army, Jonathan did his duty as a warrior and died together with his father. David honored him as a hero and celebrated his noble character and selfless behavior by dedicating the climax of his dirge in (2Sam 1) to his friend: “Your love to me was wonderful, / passing the love of women.”