Old Testament Characters: Jonathan 1 Samuel 18:1-4

Jonathan had Heroic Faith

He was not afraid to fight. Then Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armor, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; it may be that the Lord will work for us. 1 Samuel 14:6a

He knew that God had the power to do whatever He pleased. For nothing restrains the Lord from saving by many or by few.” 1 Samuel 14:6b

He knew that God had the power to do whatever He pleased. Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Isaiah 59:1a

Jonathan had Undaunted Courage

Jonathan had a faithful companion with him. 7 So his armorbearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart. Go then; here I am with you, according to your heart.” 1 Samuel 14:7

The Plot to Fight Then Jonathan said, “Very well, let us cross over to these men, and we will show ourselves to them. 9 If they say thus to us, ‘Wait until we come to you,’ then we will stand still in our place and not go up to them. 10 But if they say thus, ‘Come up to us,’ then we will go up. For the Lord has delivered them into our hand, and this will be a sign to us.”

The Plot to Fight 11 So both of them showed themselves to the garrison of the Philistines. And the Philistines said, “Look, the Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they have hidden.” 12 Then the men of the garrison called to Jonathan and his armorbearer, and said, “Come up to us, and we will show you something.” Jonathan said to his armorbearer, “Come up after me, for the Lord has delivered them into the hand of Israel.”

The Plot to Fight 13 And Jonathan climbed up on his hands and knees with his armorbearer after him; and they fell before Jonathan. And as he came after him, his armorbearer killed them. 1 Samuel 14:8-13

The Plot to Fight 14 That first slaughter which Jonathan and his armorbearer made was about twenty men within about half an acre of land. 1 Samuel 14:14

Jonathan was a Self-Sacrificing Friend

He honored David after his slaying of Goliath. 3 Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. 4 And Jonathan took off the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, even to his sword and his bow and his belt. 1 Samuel 18:3-4

What Jonathan & David had in common. 16 Then Jonathan, Saul's son, arose and went to David in the woods and strengthened his hand in God. 17 And he said to him, “Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Even my father Saul knows that.” 18 So the two of them made a covenant before the Lord. And David stayed in the woods, and Jonathan went to his own house. 1 Samuel 23:16-18

Lessons for us today

Faith & Courage like Bible Heroes. 29 A wicked man hardens his face, But as for the upright, he establishes his way. 30 There is no wisdom or understanding Or counsel against the Lord. 31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But deliverance is of the Lord. Proverbs 21:29-31

Bonding friendship over devotion to God & for righteousness. 1. Jonathon & David possessed common faith, hope & love of God. 2. Today are close friends shouldn’t be the unfaithful but the faithful. a. We should enjoy a like precious faith with our friends this surpasses any friendship with a worldly person.

Conclusion David mourned Jonathan’s death because Jonathan was a man of devotion to God and a close friend. I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; You have been very pleasant to me; Your love to me was wonderful, Surpassing the love of women. 2 Samuel 1:26

Conclusion David mourned Jonathan’s death because Jonathan was a man of devotion to God and a close friend. Jonathan was a man of heroic faith and courage.