1 Samuel 13:1-2 Character

 ”Saul reigned one year; and when he had reigned two years over Israel, Saul chose for himself three thousand men of Israel. Two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in the mountains of Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin. The rest of the people he sent away, every man to his tent.“

‭‭I Samuel‬ ‭13‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

a. Saul chose for himself three thousand men of Israel: This was the first “regular” army for Israel. Previously Israel only had a militia that assembled in times of national threat. Now for the first time Israel had a professional army.

b. A thousand were with Jonathan: This is the first mention of Saul’s son Jonathan. He will be a prominent and wonderful part of 1 Samuel.

i. “This is the first place in which this brave and excellent man appears; a man who bears one of the most amiable characters in the Bible.” (Clarke)

(Guzik)

Character 

“Jonathan’s good character contrasted with his father’s foolishness”

“Jonathan was known for his deep love, loyal friendship, and faith in God”

Got questions.org

When we accept Jesus, He slowly changes our hearts which affects our character for the better. Jonathon’s good character was the exception in the Bible.

I pray that I could be more like Jonathon and have the heart of Jesus.

What about you?

Below is the chronology of Saul, Jonathon and David. I never realized the age difference between Jonathon and David!

Blessings

2.       Timeline and chronology:

a.       In 1082 BC, Saul is born.

b.      In Jonathan is likely born around 1067 BC since he is Saul’s oldest son.

                                                                           i.      It is important to note that Jonathan was old enough to lead the defeat of the Philistines at Geba and then singlehandedly defeat them at Michmash with his armor bearer. 

                                                                         ii.      So Saul was only 30 years old when he became king, yet he had a son old enough to lead a battle against the philistines.

                                                                        iii.      He would have to be at least 15 years old but not much older than that, given Saul is 30 when Jonathan defeats the Philistines at Michmash.

                                                                       iv.      This would mean that Saul was 15 when he became the father of Jonathan and that Jonathan was 15 when Saul became king.

                                                                         v.      David was about 15 when he killed Goliath some 27 years later. David is born in the 10^th year of Saul’s reign.

                                                                       vi.      So here we have the portrait of three 15 year olds.

1.       Saul who became the father of Jonathan at age 15 in 1067 BC.

2.       Then 15 years later, Jonathan who defeated the philistines at age 15 in 1052 BC.

3.       Then 25 years later, David kills Goliath at age 15 in 1025 BC.

4.       Although Jonathan was 45 years old when David killed Goliath, it was probably this youthful valiancy of faith that formed the bond of love the friendship between David and Jonathan.

c.       In 1052 BC, Samuel was 52 years old when he anointed Saul at age 30 year old as king. 1 Sam 13:1

                                                                           i.      Jonathan is 15 years old. 

                                                                         ii.      David is not born for ten more years.

https://bible.ca/archeology/bible-archeology-maps-timeline-chronology-1samuel-16-20-saul-jonathan-david-1019-1012bc.htm