Editing David and Jonathan (section)

== In the Bible ==
[[File:Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn 031.jpg|thumb|''[[David and Jonathan (Rembrandt)|David and Jonathan]]'' by [[Rembrandt]], c. 1642]]
The relationship between David and Jonathan is mainly covered in the [[Books of Samuel|First Book of Samuel]] of the [[Hebrew Bible]]. The episodes belong to David's ascent to power, commonly regarded as one of the sources of the [[Deuteronomist]]ic history and its later additions.<ref>Collins, John. ''Introduction to the Hebrew Bible'' Canada: Augsburg Fortress, 2004. (p. 225).{{ISBN?}}</ref>

David, the youngest son of [[Jesse (biblical figure)|Jesse]], kills [[Goliath]] at the [[Valley of Elah]] where the [[Philistines|Philistine]] army was in a standoff with the army of King [[Saul]], Jonathan's father.<ref>{{bibleverse|1 Sam|17|JPS}}</ref> David's victory begins a rout of the Philistines who are driven back to [[Gath (city)|Gath]] and the gates of [[Ekron]]. [[Abner]] brings David to Saul while David is still holding Goliath's severed head. Jonathan, the eldest son of Saul, has also been fighting the Philistines.<ref>{{bibleverse|1 Sam|14|JPS}}</ref> Jonathan takes an immediate liking to David, and the two form a [[Covenant (biblical)|covenant]]:

<blockquote>
Now it came about when he had finished speaking to Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself. Saul took him that day and did not let him return to his father's house. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, including his sword and his bow and his belt. So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and prospered; and Saul set him over the men of war.<ref>{{bibleverse|1 Samuel|18:1–5|NASB}}</ref>
</blockquote>

=== Death of Jonathan ===
David proved a successful commander, and as his popularity increased, so did Saul's jealousy. In the hope that the Philistines might kill David, Saul gives David his daughter [[Michal]] in marriage, provided that David slay a hundred Philistines and bring their [[foreskin]]s to him; David returns with two-fold the requirement. After the wedding, the disappointed Saul sends assassins to the newlyweds' quarters, but David escapes with the help of Michal. Despite several short-term reconciliations, David remains an exile and an outlaw.<ref name=Corbett>{{cite web |last1=Corbett |first1=John |title=CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: King David |url=https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04642b.htm |website=www.newadvent.org |access-date=25 November 2024}}{{PD-notice}}</ref>

As Saul continues to pursue David, David and Jonathan renew their covenant, after which they do not meet again. Jonathan is slain on [[Mount Gilboa]] along with his brothers [[Abinadab]] and [[Malchi-shua]], and Saul commits suicide.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Driscoll |first1=James F. "Saul" |title=CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Saul |url=http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13486d.htm |website=www.newadvent.org |access-date=25 November 2024}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> David learns of Saul and Jonathan's death and chants a lament,<ref name=Corbett/> which in part says:

<blockquote>
Saul and Jonathan, beloved and pleasant in their life, And in their death they were not parted; They were swifter than eagles, They were stronger than lions ... How have the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan is slain on your high places. I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; You have been very pleasant to me. Your love to me was more wonderful than the love of women. How have the mighty fallen, And the weapons of war perished!<ref>{{bibleverse|2 Samuel|1:23–27|NASB}}</ref>
</blockquote>