Dictionaries :: Jonathan

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Jonathan:

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 (Jdg 18:30). His history is recorded in Jdg 17:7- 13 and Jdg 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 (1Sa 13:2). Like his father, he was a man of great strength and activity (2Sa 1:23), and excelled in archery and slinging (1Ch 12:2; 2Sa 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 (1Sa 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 (1Sa 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 (2Sa 21:12-14). His death was the occasion of David's famous elegy of "the Song of the Bow" (2Sa 1:17-27). He left one son five years old, Merib-baal, or Mephibosheth (2Sa 4:4; 1Ch 8:34).

(3.) Son of the high priest Abiathar, and one who adhered to David at the time of Absalom's rebellion (2Sa 15:27,36). He is the last descendant of Eli of whom there is any record.

(4.) Son of Shammah, and David's nephew, and also one of his chief warriors (2Sa 21:21). He slew a giant in Gath.

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

Jonathan:

given of God

Nave's Topical Bible

Jonathan: 1. A Levite of Bethlehem

Who becomes a priest for Micah; accepts idolatry; joins the Danites,

Jdg 17:7-13; 18:1-30.

Jonathan: 2. Son of Saul

1Sa 14:49

Victory of, over the Philistine garrison of Geba,

1Sa 13:3, 4, 16;

over the Philistines at Michmash,

1Sa 14:1-18.

Under Saul's curse pronounced against anyone who might take food before Saul was avenged of his enemies,

1Sa 14:24-30, 43.

Rescued by the people,

1Sa 14:43-45.

Love of, for David,

1Sa 18:1-4; 19:1-7; 20; 23:16-18.

Killed in the battle with the Philistines,

1Sa 31:2, 6; 1Ch 10:2; 2Sa 21:12-14.

Buried by inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead,

1Sa 31:11-13.

Mourned by David,

2Sa 1:12, 17-27.

Son of, cared for by David,

2Sa 4:4; 9; 1Ch 8:34.

Jonathan: 3. Son of Abiathar

2Sa 15:27

Acts as a spy for David,

2Sa 15:27, 28; 17:17-22.

Informs Adonijah of Solomon's succession to David,

1Ki 1:42-48.

Jonathan: 4. Nephew of David

Kills a giant, and becomes one of David's chief warriors,

2Sa 21:21; 1Ch 20:7.

Jonathan: 5. One of David's Heroes

2Sa 23:32; 1Ch 11:34

Jonathan: 6. A Son of Jada

1Ch 2:32, 33

Jonathan: 7. Secretary of the Cabinet of David

1Ch 27:32

Jonathan: 8. Father of Ebed

Ezr 8:6

Jonathan: 9. Son of Asahel

Ezr 10:15

Jonathan: 10. Called also Johanan

A descendant of Jeshua,

Neh 12:11, 22.

Jonathan: 11. The Name of Two Priests

Neh 12:14, 35

Jonathan: 12. A Scribe

Jer 37:15, 20; 38:26

Jonathan: 13. Son of Kareah

Jer 40:8

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Jonathan:

(that is, "the gift of Jehovah")

(1.) the eldest son of King Saul. (B.C. about 1095‐1056.) He was a man of great strength and activity (2 Samuel 1:23). He was also famous as a warrior (1 Chronicles 12:2) as is shown by the courage he showing in attacking the garrison of the Philistines, in company with is armor‐bearer only, slaying twenty men and putting an army to flight (1 Samuel 14:6-16). During the pursuit, Jonathan, who had not heard of the rash curse (1 Samuel 14:24) which Saul invoked on any one who ate before the evening, tasted the honey which lay on the ground. Saul would have sacrificed him; but the people interposed in behalf of the hero of that great day, and Jonathan was saved (1 Samuel 14:24-45). The chief interest of Jonathan's career is derived from the friendship with David, which began on the day of David's return from the victory over the champion of Gath, and continued till his death. Their last meeting was in and forest of Ziph, during Saul's pursuit of David (1 Samuel 23:16-18). From this time forth we hear no more till the battle of Gilboa. In that battle he fell (1 Samuel 31:2; 31:8). (B.C. 1056) his ashes were buried first at Jabesh‐gilead (1 Samuel 31:13) but were afterward removed with those of his father to Zelah in Benjamin (2 Samuel 21:12). The news of his death occasioned the celebrated elegy of David. He left a son, Mephibosheth. SEE [MEPHIBOSHETH].

(2.) A nephew of David (2 Samuel 21:21; 1 Chronicles 20:7). He engaged in single combat with and slew a gigantic Philistine of Gath (2 Samuel 21:21). (B.C. 1018)

(3.) The son of Abiathar, the high priest, is the last descendant of Eli of whom we hear anything (2 Samuel 15:36; 17:15-21; 1 Kings 1:42-43). (B.C. 1023)

(4.) One of David's heroes (2 Samuel 23:32; 1 Chronicles 11:34).

(5.) The son or descendant of Gershom the son of Moses (Judges 18:30). SEE [MICAH]. (B.C. about 1425)

(6.) One of the Bene‐Adin (Ezra 8:6).

(7.) A priest, the son of Asahel, in the time of Ezra (Ezra 10:15). (B.C. 459)

(8.) A priest of the family of Melieu (Nehemiah 12:14).

(9.) One of the sons of Kareah, and brother of Johanan (Jeremiah 40:8). (B.C. 587)

(10.) Son of Joiada, and his successor in the high priesthood (Nehemiah 12:11; 12:22; 12:23). (B.C. before 332)

(11.) Father of Zechariah, a priest who blew the trumpet at the dedication of the wall (Nehemiah 12:35).

(12.) 1 Esdras 8:32. See No. 7. (B.C. 446)