Jonathan יוֹנָתָן
Opposed divorcing foreigners, with Jahzeiah and Meshullam
Who is Jonathan in the Bible?
The most prominent Jonathan mentioned in the Bible is the son of King Saul, known for his deep friendship with David and his role in Israel's early monarchy (1 Samuel 13-31). However, another Jonathan appears in the postexilic period during the time of Ezra, when he opposed Ezra's command that Jewish men divorce their foreign wives (Ezra 10:15). This Jonathan, along with Jahzeiah and Meshullam, stood against the majority in refusing to support the separation from non-Jewish spouses, making their position a notable minority voice in a religiously significant moment. The Jonathans of Scripture represent contrasting responses to God's commands, with David's friend Jonathan exemplifying loyalty and courage, while the later Jonathan demonstrates resistance to strict religious enforcement during Israel's restoration from exile.
Biography
In the time of Ezra, a Jonathan is mentioned as one of the men who opposed Ezra's demand that Jewish men put away their foreign wives (Ezr.10.15). After the return from Babylonian exile, some Jewish men had married non-Jewish women, which Ezra saw as a violation of God's law. Ezra called for the people to separate themselves from the peoples around them and from their foreign wives (Ezr.10.11). However, Jonathan, along with Jahzeiah and Meshullam, took a stand against this. The text states that only these three men opposed Ezra in this matter, suggesting it was an unpopular minority position.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentEzra 1 verse
- Ezra 10:15
"(Only Jonathan son of Asahel and Jahzeiah son of Tikvah, supported by Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite, opposed this plan.)"
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | יוֹנָתָן |