Teens in the Bible - Jonathan

Chapter 12 teen Jonathan 

As the son of King Saul, Jonathan was out fighting the enemy early on. His father took 3000 men out from Israel to fight. He led 2000 to Micmash (cool name) and the other 1000 were with Jonathan. Jonathan attacked the Philistines and things went from bad to worse. You can read the whole story in the book of 1^st Samuel chapters 13 and 14. After regrouping the entire contingent was down to 600 men.

Then young Jonathan did something totally impulsive and teen-like. He sneaked off with his armor-bearer intending to reach the Philistine outpost. Despite his youthful recklessness we can determine a couple more of his personality traits from the situation. First, Jonathan trusted God and second, his armor-bearer completely trusted him. Jonathan said, “Come on, let’s go. Maybe God will act on our behalf. Nothing can hinder Him from saving, whether by a lot or a few.” See his young faith in God? He knew that God could use just the two of them against the vast enemy.  His young companion said, “Let’s do it. I’m with you heart and soul.” Jonathan was someone worth following; he certainly had the respect of the armor-bearer. The two of them alone went on to rout the Philistines and put them into a state of confusion (thanks to God) that had the Philistines striking each other with their swords.

Soon after that Jonathan met and became fast friends with David. The bond they forged as teens served them both. It was so strong that the Bible describes it this way: “the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.” Jonathan was such an awesome friend to David that he saved his life twice and much later David took in and raised Jonathan’s lame son when Jonathan died.

(Next Saturday teen Esther)