Jonathan, the eldest son of King Saul, is a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, known for his valor, loyalty, and deep friendship with David. His account is interwoven with themes of faith, courage, and divine providence. One of the notable episodes in Jonathan's life is his rescue by the people of Israel, which underscores his popularity and the respect he commanded among the Israelites.

Background

Jonathan was the firstborn son of Saul, the first king of Israel, and was a courageous warrior and a leader in his own right. He is introduced in the biblical narrative as a man of faith and action, often taking bold initiatives in battle against the Philistines, Israel's perennial enemies. His exploits are recorded in the books of 1 Samuel, where he is depicted as a man of integrity and deep spiritual insight.

The Incident Leading to His Rescue

The incident that led to Jonathan's rescue by the people is recorded in 1 Samuel 14. During a battle against the Philistines, Jonathan, unbeknownst to his father, initiated a daring attack on a Philistine outpost, which resulted in a significant victory for Israel. In the aftermath, Saul, seeking divine favor, rashly imposed an oath on the troops, cursing anyone who ate food before evening. Jonathan, unaware of his father's command, ate some honey to refresh himself.

When Saul sought to inquire of God and received no answer, he realized that someone had broken the oath. Through casting lots, Jonathan was identified as the transgressor. Saul, bound by his own decree, declared that Jonathan must die. However, the people intervened, recognizing Jonathan's crucial role in the victory and his faithfulness to God.

Scriptural Account

The people’s response is recorded in 1 Samuel 14:45 : "But the people said to Saul, 'Must Jonathan die, who has accomplished this great deliverance in Israel? Never! As surely as the LORD lives, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground, for he worked with God today.' So the people rescued Jonathan, and he did not die."

Significance

This episode highlights several key aspects of Jonathan's character and the dynamics of his relationship with the people and his father, Saul. Firstly, it underscores Jonathan's faith and reliance on God, as he acted with divine guidance in his attack on the Philistines. Secondly, it reveals the tension between Saul's leadership and the will of the people, who recognized Jonathan's righteousness and God's hand in his actions. Lastly, it illustrates the people's loyalty to Jonathan, who had proven himself a true leader and servant of God.

Jonathan's rescue by the people is a testament to his integrity and the respect he commanded among the Israelites. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning leadership with divine will and the collective wisdom of the community.1 Samuel 14:43-45
Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what you have done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in my hand, and, see, I must die.
Nave's Topical Index

The History of David
... and bewailed much the death of Saul and of Jonathan. ... And when Ishbosheth, the son
of Saul, heard that Abner was ... be thy mouth and thy flesh, when Saul lived and ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of david.htm

The First Kings.
... The king's son, Jonathan, loved David devotedly, and more than ... to whom she had been
given by the unprincipled Saul. ... Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, was made king ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/the first kings.htm

2 Timothy iii. 7-Jan
... Jonathan, the son of Saul, loved David, and his soul was so ... "Very pleasant," he says,
"hast thou been to me, Jonathan; thou wast wounded unto death." (2 ...
/.../homily vii 2 timothy iii.htm

Abraham's Offering up his Son Isaac
... have forced him away, as in after-ages the soldiers rescued Jonathan out of the
hands of Saul. ... second verse God commanded him to offer up his son upon one ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/abrahams offering up his son.htm

The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ...
... And after the death of Saul, David the son of Jesse, of the tribe of Judah, reigned
next in Hebron, forty years, as is ... Then Jonathan the son of Ozias ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxi the jewish institutions and.htm

The Historical Books.
... elegy on the death of Saul and Jonathan was written ... Samuel give the history of Samuel,
Saul, and David ... division of Solomon's kingdom under his son Rehoboam into ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm

Questions.
... What was the end of Saul? 14. ... 3. Who was Zerubbabel? 4. Why is it supposed that his
father was only the adopted son of Jehoiachin? ... What became of Jonathan? 20. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... of moment is in contemplation"such as the war against Saul"they demand the ... "They
there set up for themselves the ephod: and Jonathan, the son of Gershom ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... [4790] Saul, as it ... a solemn fast once it was proclaimed to the Lord, that Jonathan,
to whom ... No difference was made between the son who had never left his father ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

A Traveler's Note-Book
... very blood and were transmitted from father to son. ... rage and compunction; the friendship
with Jonathan, more tender ... for the breach of faith by Saul, many years ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/iii a travelers note-book.htm

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