Jonathan יְהוֹנָתָן
Son of Abiathar the priest during David's reign
Who is Jonathan in the Bible?
The most prominent Jonathan in the Bible is the son of Abiathar the priest, who served as a messenger and informant for King David during Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 15.27, 17.17). Working alongside Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok, Jonathan remained in Jerusalem after David fled the city and relayed crucial information about Absalom's military movements back to the king through a servant girl stationed at En-rogel (2 Samuel 15.27-29, 17.17). When Absalom's forces pursued Jonathan and Ahimaaz to capture them, a woman hid them in a well and deceived their pursuers, allowing them to escape and deliver their vital intelligence to David (2 Samuel 17.18-20). Jonathan's faithful service during this turbulent period demonstrates the loyalty of those who supported David's kingship and highlights God's protection of his anointed king during times of rebellion.
Biography
Jonathan, the son of Abiathar the priest, appears in the biblical narrative during the reign of King David. He served as a messenger and informant alongside Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok, during the time of Absalom's rebellion against David (2Sa.15.27,36).
When David was forced to flee Jerusalem due to Absalom's coup, he instructed Jonathan and Ahimaaz to remain in the city and send word to him about any developments (2Sa.15.27-29). The two young men stayed near En-rogel, outside the city, to avoid detection (2Sa.17.17). A servant girl would relay messages to them, which they would then deliver to David (2Sa.17.17).
When Absalom's men came searching for Jonathan and Ahimaaz, a woman hid them in a well and covered it, misleading the pursuers (2Sa.17.18-20). The two then escaped and informed David of Ahithophel's advice to Absalom (2Sa.17.21).
Later, during the tensions surrounding Solomon's succession to the throne, Jonathan brought news to Adonijah and his supporters that Solomon had been anointed king (1Ki.1.42-48). This report led to the disbanding of Adonijah's faction.
Jonathan's role as a messenger and informant highlights the importance of loyalty and communication during times of political upheaval. His service to David, along with that of Ahimaaz, was crucial in helping the king navigate the challenges posed by Absalom's rebellion and the uncertainties of the royal succession.
Family
In Scripture
2 biblical books2 Samuel 4 verses
- 2 Samuel 15:27
"The king also said to Zadok the priest, “Are you not a seer? Return to the city in peace—you with your son Ahimaaz, and Abiathar with his son Jonathan."
- 2 Samuel 15:36
"Indeed, their two sons, Ahimaaz son of Zadok and Jonathan son of Abiathar, are there with them. Send them to me with everything you hear.”"
- 2 Samuel 17:17
"Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying at En-rogel, where a servant girl would come and pass along information to them. They in turn would go and inform King David, for they dared not be seen entering the city."
- 2 Samuel 17:20
"When Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house, they asked, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” “They have crossed over the brook,” she replied. The men searched but did not find them, so they returned to Jerusalem."
1 Kings 2 verses
- 1 Kings 1:42
"As he was speaking, suddenly Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest arrived. “Come in,” said Adonijah, “for you are a man of valor. You must be bringing good news.”"
- 1 Kings 1:43
"“Not at all,” Jonathan replied. “Our lord King David has made Solomon king."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | יְהוֹנָתָן |
| Spelled | Hebrew | יוֹנָתָן |