Congregation Bible Study for the Week of December 21-27, 2026

Chapter 22: He Needed Courage to Be Loyal

In what ways did Jonathan show courage?

Comment 1: Jonathan showed courage when he attacked a Philistine outpost accompanied only by his armor-bearer. They had to climb rocky, steep terrain to face enemy soldiers. But he did not focus only on the difference in numbers. He was convinced that Jehovah could save his people with many men or with few. With Jehovah’s help, they defeated about 20 soldiers. His courage was not based simply on his ability as a warrior, but on his trust in God.

Comment 2: He was also courageous when defending David before Saul. He was not contradicting just anyone, but his father, who was also the king and a powerful warrior. Even so, he explained that David was innocent and had done much good for Israel. On another occasion, Saul even tried to kill him with a spear. Jonathan did not allow that danger to lead him to abandon his friend. For him, doing what was right before Jehovah was more important than avoiding his father’s disapproval.

Comment 3: A less obvious form of courage was accepting that David, not he, would be the next king. As Saul’s son, Jonathan might have viewed David as a rival. In addition, his father tried to make him see David as a threat to his future. However, Jonathan supported the man whom Jehovah had chosen. This shows that courage is also needed to give up a personal advantage and maintain a right decision when someone very close to us pressures us to think differently.

Comment 4: Jonathan took the initiative to visit David when he was living in hiding because of Saul. He did not merely feel affection for him from a distance. He went to see him and helped him strengthen his trust in Jehovah. He encouraged him by reminding him that he would become king, just as God had determined. This teaches me that being courageous does not always mean confronting someone. At times it means approaching a person who is going through a difficult situation and giving him the spiritual support he needs.

1. Who were the Philistines? (w95 2/1 p. 31).

Amos 9:7 — ‘Are you not like the sons of the Cushites to me, O people of Israel?’ declares Jehovah. ‘Did I not bring Israel up out of the land of Egypt, The Philistines out of Crete, and Syria out of Kir?’

Comment 1: Amos links the origin of the Philistines with Crete. They were an ancient people who settled along the southwestern coast of Canaan, in a region that came to be known as Philistia. So when we read about them, we are not dealing with an imaginary group or with a threat lacking a definite location. They had their own territory and cities. Knowing this background helps us understand why they appear so often in the accounts of Israel and, particularly, in the story of Jonathan.

Comment 2: The Philistines were adversaries of God’s people for a long time. David’s confrontation with Goliath is a well-known example, but their influence was not limited to that episode. In Saul’s day they controlled metalworking to such an extent that the Israelites depended on them to sharpen their tools. This left many Israelites without swords or spears. That detail helps us better appreciate the disadvantaged situation in which Jonathan acted and the trust he needed to have in Jehovah.

Comment 3: Their important cities included Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Gath, and Ekron. They continued to be a powerful presence for centuries, but in time they disappeared as a people. It is also appropriate to distinguish those ancient Philistines from present-day Palestinians. The similarity between some names does not mean that we should identify the two peoples.

2. How does the word “pim”—found at 1 Samuel 13:21—show that the Bible is accurate and reliable? (w05 3/15 p. 29). A

1 Samuel 13:21 — The price for sharpening was a pim for the plowshares, for the mattocks, for the three-toothed instruments, for the axes, and for fixing fast the oxgoad.

Comment 1: The verse uses the word pim when indicating what the Philistines charged for sharpening certain tools. For a long time, its meaning was unknown. But in 1907 a weight bearing that word was found at Gezer. It became clear that the pim was a weight measure of approximately 7.82 grams, about two-thirds of a shekel. The discovery confirmed that the account preserved a real detail of life in that period, even though later readers had stopped understanding it.

Comment 2: Interestingly, the pim had disappeared and fallen into oblivion long before the period when some critics claim that these accounts were invented. Thus, its presence in First Samuel supports the historical authenticity of the text. This is not a vague description of the past, but a specific measure used in an everyday transaction. A small detail can provide important information about the accuracy of an account, and this is a good example.

Comment 3: It teaches me not to confuse a fact I do not yet understand with an error in the Bible. The word pim was in the text before the weight was found that made its meaning clear. This encourages me to investigate patiently when a Bible expression is difficult for me. It does not mean that archaeology has explained every detail, but it does show that a lack of information may be resolved with time. In this case, the discovery strengthened confidence in the accuracy of the account.

3. Why might it have been difficult for Jonathan to cross the ravine of Michmash, and what must have helped him do so? (it “Michmash” par. 4). B

Comment 1: The terrain was a major obstacle. If that ravine corresponds to Wadi Suweinit, there were almost vertical cliffs and very steep rocky slopes. For someone unfamiliar with the area, finding a passage among so many hills and rocks would have been very difficult. Jonathan had to face the enemy, but first he had to overcome an exhausting climb.

Comment 2: Knowing the region well must have helped him. Jonathan had grown up in the territory of Benjamin and had opportunities to become familiar with the surroundings of Michmash and Geba. So his trust in Jehovah did not prevent him from using what he knew about the terrain. I find this detail practical: trusting in God does not mean despising preparation or experience. When we have a difficult responsibility, we can rely on Jehovah while carefully using the knowledge and resources available to us.

1 Samuel 14:1-7 — One day Jonathan the son of Saul said to the attendant carrying his weapons: “Come and let us cross over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.” But he did not tell his father. Saul was staying on the outskirts of Gibeah under the pomegranate tree in Migron, and there were about 600 men with him. (And Ahijah the son of Ahitub, the brother of Ichabod, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the priest of Jehovah in Shiloh, was carrying the ephod.) And the people did not know that Jonathan had gone. Now between the passages that Jonathan was trying to cross over to reach the outpost of the Philistines, there was a toothlike crag on one side and a toothlike crag on the other side; the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other was Seneh. The one crag was a pillar on the north facing Michmash, and the other was on the south facing Geba. So Jonathan said to his armor-bearer: “Come and let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps Jehovah will act in our behalf, for nothing can hinder Jehovah from saving by many or by few.” At this his armor-bearer said to him: “Do whatever your heart impels you to do. Turn wherever you wish, and I will follow you wherever your heart impels you.”

Comment 3: In addition to knowing the terrain, Jonathan had firm confidence in Jehovah’s power. The account mentions the two rocky crags that made passage difficult, but it also records Jonathan’s conviction that God did not depend on the number of combatants in order to save. His armor-bearer was willing to accompany him. Thus we see both the obstacles and what helped him move forward: his faith in Jehovah and the support of a determined companion. He was not simply a man relying on his own strength.

4. How did David fulfill his promise to care for Jonathan’s family? (it “Mephibosheth” No. 2 par. 1).

Comment 1: David took the initiative to find out whether any relative of Jonathan remained to whom he could show loyal love. When he learned that Mephibosheth was alive and living at Lo-debar, he sent for him. I am struck by the fact that he did not wait for his friend’s son to come and ask for help. He remembered his commitment and looked for a way to fulfill it. His example shows that a sincere promise should not remain merely a pleasant memory; it moves us to act when the time comes to do what we said.

2 Samuel 4:4 — Now Saul’s son Jonathan had a son whose feet were crippled. He was five years old when the report about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel, and his nurse picked him up and fled, but as she was fleeing in panic, he fell and was crippled. His name was Mephibosheth.

Comment 2: This passage explains that Mephibosheth had become crippled in both feet when he was five years old, on the same day that news arrived of the death of his father and grandfather. David showed kindness to someone who had suffered from a very young age. He did not stop fulfilling his promise because Jonathan was no longer alive to remind him of it. He had Mephibosheth brought to Jerusalem and cared for him. This helps us see that his loyal love included taking a genuine interest in the circumstances of his friend’s family.

Comment 3: David’s help was concrete and lasting. He returned Saul’s properties to Mephibosheth, arranged for Ziba and his household to serve him, and allowed him to eat continually at the king’s table. It was not an isolated gift to discharge an obligation. Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem and received care from then on. This teaches me that caring for someone involves thinking about both his material needs and the dignity and companionship we can offer him.

Jonathan was loyal to his father, but he put his loyalty to Jehovah first. In what similar situations might our loyalty to Jehovah be tested? C

Comment 1: One situation could arise when a family member expects us to participate in a religious practice that does not agree with worship of Jehovah. The illustration shows a sister whose husband is standing before a Buddhist altar. She can love and respect her husband without participating in his worship. Jonathan too had to distinguish between affection for his father and obedience to God. His example helps us maintain a firm stand without turning a religious difference into disrespect for the family.

Comment 2: Our loyalty could be tested if someone very close wanted us to support his unjust treatment of another person. Saul expected Jonathan to share his rejection of David, but Jonathan did not adopt his jealousy or hatred. We too should not consider someone an enemy merely because a family member or friend is upset with him. Before taking sides, we need to think about what is just before Jehovah. Love for a person does not oblige us to approve everything he says or does.

Comment 3: It can also be difficult to remain loyal when we fear losing the approval of someone we love very much. Saul made Jonathan feel that supporting David was against his family and his own future. Even so, Jonathan did not change his position. If we face similar pressure, his example reminds us that we can continue showing affection without compromising our obedience to Jehovah. Firmness does not mean that affection has disappeared; it means that we clearly understand which loyalty must come first.

… friendship?

Comment 1: The friendship of Jonathan and David shows that a great difference in age does not prevent two people from coming to love each other deeply. Jonathan was about 50 years old, and David was about 30 years younger. Nevertheless, they recognized what they had in common and formed a very strong friendship. This encourages me not to look for friends only among those my age. In the congregation I can find older or younger brothers whose love for Jehovah can greatly help me and whom I can also encourage.

Comment 2: A good friend helps us trust Jehovah more. When Jonathan visited David while he was hiding, he did not merely keep him company. He encouraged him by reminding him of the future Jehovah had arranged for him. This is a good standard by which to examine our friendships and also the kind of friend we are. We can listen lovingly to someone who is worried and, in addition, help him remember reasons to trust God. In this way our support does not merely relieve his sadness for a moment.

Comment 3: True friendship does not view another person’s success as a threat. When David defeated Goliath, Jonathan did not react with jealousy, but gave him his armor and bow. Later he continued supporting him even though he knew David would become king. This makes me think about how I react when a friend receives a responsibility or does something very well. If I sincerely congratulate him and help him, I show that I care about his well-being. A healthy friendship leaves room to rejoice over the good things that happen to the other person.

… humility?

Comment 1: Jonathan was humble because he accepted that Jehovah had chosen David as the next king. He did not think that being Saul’s son gave him the right to oppose that decision. He even expressed his willingness to occupy a position after David. His attitude teaches us that humility is especially evident when our desires do not coincide with the responsibility we receive. We can recognize the good others do and support them, without feeling that their appointment or ability diminishes our value as servants of Jehovah.

Comment 2: He was also humble in recognizing the qualities of someone much younger. Jonathan already had experience as a warrior when David defeated Goliath. Even so, he did not look down on him because of his age or feel the need to prove that he was more important. This attitude can help us when a young brother has good abilities or receives a responsibility. Rather than comparing ourselves, we can value his faith and offer our support. Experience is more useful when we put it at the service of others, not when we use it to feel superior.

Comment 3: Jonathan did not attribute a possible victory over the Philistines solely to his own ability. He recognized that Jehovah could save by many or by few. Although he was a courageous warrior, he knew on whom he depended. This teaches me that we can act decisively and at the same time be humble. Having abilities does not eliminate our need to trust in Jehovah.

… loyalty?

Comment 1: The account teaches that loyalty to a person does not mean approving everything he does. Jonathan was loyal to Saul, but he did not support him when he wanted to kill David. He understood that his loyalty to Jehovah had to come before any other. This helps us avoid a mistaken view of friendship or family affection. We can love someone very much and, precisely because we respect what is right, refuse to join him in a decision that displeases God.

Comment 2: Loyalty is shown when maintaining a relationship ceases to be easy. Jonathan did not abandon David when Saul began pursuing him, although defending him caused serious problems. He warned him of the danger and continued to show concern for him. This makes me think that it is not enough to be a good friend when everything is going well. If a faithful brother faces difficulties, our loyalty will be seen in continuing to treat him with affection and looking for ways to help him, rather than distancing ourselves because his situation makes us uncomfortable.

Comment 3: David showed that loyalty can remain even after a friend’s death. When Jonathan died, he did not forget the covenant they had made, but looked for someone in his family to care for. Mephibosheth received the benefits of that friendship. For me, the lesson is that our word should continue to have value even when circumstances change. We keep a commitment not merely because the other person can demand it, but because we want to be trustworthy people and show loyal love consistently.

In what other ways can you imitate Jonathan’s example of courage?

Comment 1: I can imitate him by speaking respectfully when someone is being treated unjustly. Jonathan did not merely think that David was innocent; he explained to Saul why he should not harm him. Similarly, if I hear an unjust comment about a brother, I can avoid joining in and, when appropriate, calmly point out what I know to be true. It takes courage not to follow the group’s opinion. But Jonathan shows that defending what is right can be done with reasons, not insults.

Comment 2: Another way to imitate him is to take the initiative to encourage someone. Sometimes we know that a brother is going through a trial, but we hesitate to approach him because we do not know what to say. Jonathan went to David and helped him strengthen his trust in Jehovah. His example encourages me to overcome that hesitation. I do not need to solve all my brother’s problems to be useful to him. I can listen with interest and share a Bible-based reason that will help him continue trusting in Jehovah.

Comment 3: I can imitate his courage when I have to do what is right without everyone’s approval. Jonathan had the support of his armor-bearer, but in defending David he could not depend on his father’s agreement. This reminds me that my decision to be loyal to Jehovah must be personal. The support of others is very valuable, but it cannot be the only reason I obey God. I need to strengthen my own conviction before facing a pressured situation.

What does this account teach me about Jehovah?

Comment 1: It teaches me that Jehovah’s power is not limited by human resources. Jonathan and his armor-bearer were only two men facing an outpost of enemy soldiers, yet Jehovah helped them win. Jonathan understood that the number of combatants did not determine what God could do. This strengthens my trust when I see my own limitations. It does not mean that I should take unnecessary risks or expect everything to turn out as I want, but I should not measure Jehovah’s power by my possibilities.

Comment 2: The contrast between Saul and Jonathan teaches me that holding an important position does not replace obedience to Jehovah. Saul was still king, but he had turned away from God and eventually resorted to spiritism. Jehovah was no longer with him. Jonathan, on the other hand, put his loyalty to God above pressure from his father. For me, the lesson is very personal: what matters is not the position someone holds, but his willingness to obey Jehovah and respect His decisions.

Comment 3: I also learn that Jehovah is a God of loyal love. By seeking out a relative of Jonathan to help him, David expressed his desire to show God’s loyal love. What he did for Mephibosheth allows us to see one concrete way of reflecting that divine quality. It was not merely a matter of feeling compassion, but of offering and continuing to provide help. This encourages me to think about how my treatment of others can better reflect Jehovah’s loyal love, especially when they need ongoing attention.

How does this account relate to Jehovah’s purpose and the main theme of the Bible?

Comment 1: The account highlights Jehovah’s right to decide who would rule his people. Saul wanted his son to retain the possibility of reigning, but Jehovah had chosen David. Jonathan respected that choice even though it directly affected his future. Thus, his story helps us think about Jehovah’s sovereignty: it is not enough to recognize that God has authority; we must also accept his decisions when they do not agree with our preferences. Jonathan showed by his actions that Jehovah’s will was above his personal interests.

Comment 2: We also see that Saul’s opposition did not prevent David from becoming king. For a time, David had to live as a fugitive, and circumstances might have seemed contrary to what Jehovah had determined. Nevertheless, Jonathan continued trusting that his friend would reign, and the chapter shows that he eventually came to the throne. This helps us distinguish between a temporary difficulty and the outcome of Jehovah’s purpose. Human opposition can cause suffering, but it does not make trust in God futile.

Comment 3: Jonathan’s conduct shows what it means to support Jehovah’s authority in daily life. He did so not only with words: he supported the king God had chosen and rejected pressure to act against him. The account thus connects an important issue such as Jehovah’s sovereignty with personal decisions involving family, friendship, and the future. It helps me see that my loyalty to God is shown by concrete choices, especially when obeying him requires giving up something that could benefit me.

What would I like to ask Jonathan when he is resurrected?

Comment 1: I would like to ask him how he strengthened his trust in Jehovah before that confrontation with the Philistines. The account reveals very strong faith when he spoke with his armor-bearer, but it would be wonderful to hear from him what experiences helped him develop it. We do not know what details he would tell us. In the meantime, his example encourages me not to wait for a great trial before cultivating trust in God.

Comment 2: I would ask him how he managed to continue treating his father loyally without giving in to pressure to harm David. The account makes clear that it was a very painful situation and that Saul even tried to kill him. I would like to hear how he experienced those moments and what helped him maintain his priorities. It would not be to seek an answer that the Bible does not now provide, but to get to know better a man who showed such courage in an especially difficult family situation.

Comment 3: I would like to ask him which memories of his friendship with David he treasures most. We know about his gifts, the covenant they made, and the visit during which he strengthened his friend’s trust in Jehovah. But it would be very beautiful to hear how he remembers those moments. I would also like to talk with him about the care David later gave Mephibosheth. Thinking about those conversations makes the hope of the resurrection more real and encourages me to value from now on friendships based on love for Jehovah.

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