Jonathan

About Jonathan Written by AI

Jonathan, the son of Shammah the Hararite, is mentioned in the lists of David's mighty men in both 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. These lists commemorate the valiant warriors who fought alongside David and played significant roles in establishing and defending his kingdom. Although no specific details are provided about Jonathan's individual exploits, his inclusion in the list of mighty men indicates that he was a skilled warrior who demonstrated exceptional bravery and loyalty to David. The mighty men were known for their military prowess and their ability to perform great feats in battle (2 Samuel 23:8 to 39; 1 Chronicles 11:10 to 47). The fact that Jonathan is identified as the son of Shammah the Hararite suggests that he came from a family or clan known for producing warriors. The Hararites were likely a group or region associated with the production of skilled fighters. While little is known about Jonathan's personal life or the specific battles he fought, his presence in the list of David's mighty men serves as a testament to his valor and the important role he played in supporting David's reign. The recognition given to these warriors underscores the significance of military strength and loyalty in establishing and maintaining the Israelite monarchy.

Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.

Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897

This entry is on the name Jonathan, and may cover more than one person or place by that name.

Whom Jehovah gave, the name of fifteen or more persons that are mentioned in Scripture. The chief of these are, (1.) A Levite descended from Gershom (Judg. 18:30). His history is recorded in 17:7-13 and 18:30. The Rabbins changed this name into Manasseh “to screen the memory of the great lawgiver from the stain of having so unworthy an apostate among his near descendants.” He became priest of the idol image at Dan, and this office continued in his family till the Captivity.

(2.) The eldest son of king Saul, and the bosom friend of David. He is first mentioned when he was about thirty years of age, some time after his father’s accession to the throne (1 Sam. 13:2). Like his father, he was a man of great strength and activity (2 Sam. 1:23), and excelled in archery and slinging (1 Chr. 12:2;2 Sam. 1:22). The affection that evidently subsisted between him and his father was interrupted by the growth of Saul’s insanity. At length, “in fierce anger,” he left his father’s presence and cast in his lot with the cause of David (1 Sam. 20:34). After an eventful career, interwoven to a great extent with that of David, he fell, along with his father and his two brothers, on the fatal field of Gilboa (1 Sam. 31:2, 8). He was first buried at Jabesh-gilead, but his remains were afterwards removed with those of his father to Zelah, in Benjamin (2 Sam. 21:12-14). His death was the occasion of David’s famous elegy of “the Song of the Bow” (2 Sam. 1:17-27). He left one son five years old, Merib-baal, or Mephibosheth (2 Sam. 4:4; comp. 1 Chr. 8:34).

M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.