IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JONATHAN - Loyal Son and Brave Soldier

 To understand why Jonathan charged against that outpost, we need to look at his background.  Jonathan was the eldest son of Saul, the first king of Israel.  When Saul was anointed as king, Jenathan was already a man, perhaps 20 years of age or even older.  It seems that Jonathan maintained a close bond with his father, would often confide in his son.  In those  early days, Jonathan knew his father not only as a tall, handsome man and courageouls  warrior but also as something much more important-a man of fath and humlity.  Jonathan could see why Jehovah chose Saul  to be king.  Even the prophet Samuel said that there was no one like Saul in all the land! - 1 SAMUEL 9:1, 2, 21; 10:20-24; 20:2. 

Jonathan must have felt honored to fight under his father's command against the enemies of Jehovah's people. Those wars were not like the nationalistic clashes of today.  Back then, Jehovah chose the nation of Israel to represent him, and it was under constant attack by nations that worshipped false god's.  The Philistines, corrupted by the worship of such gods Dagon, often tried to oppresss Jehovah's chosen people. 

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JONATHAN - Loyal Son, and Brave Soldier - Continued

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