Leadership principles from 1 Samuel

Leaders come in all shapes, sizes, and personality types. Nothing brings this into sharper focus than reading the Bible.

I’m in a group of men studying 1 Samuel, anticipating the life lessons we’d learn from David. Yet we’ve been struck most vividly by the example set by Jonathan, Saul’s son and heir to the throne.

Before David arrived in the narrative, Jonathan proved himself a leader and war hero. With vastly inferior numbers, he initiated a commando raid on the Philistines at Micmash that some might describe as youthful rash bravado. But at every turn, Jonathan left his next move in the Lord’s hands, motivated by a deep-seated faith, believing, “Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving.”

The Lord led, Jonathan followed, and the rout was on. Jonathan’s men recognized his leadership and saved his life when Saul made a rash vow. Here’s how they argued, “As the LORD lives, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground, for he has worked with God this day.”

Yet after David slew Goliath, Jonathan made a covenant with David, offering his love and loyalty. But that is not the best part: Jonathan realized David was God’s next anointed king and gave him his robe, tunic, sword, bow, and belt—symbolically acknowledging he’d ceded his succession to the kingdom as well. No one but God could’ve motivated such an unnatural act.

Eventually, Saul put a bounty on David’s head and saw his son as a fool for siding with his challenger. Saul ranted, “For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established.” Yet that intimidating rant and the spear that accompanied it could not sway Jonathan’s loyalty from God’s anointed.

So what can we learn about leadership from Jonathan?

These lessons may cause problems in the corridors of certain companies, as pastor Dale Ralph Davis warns in his commentary on 1 Samuel, “Handle with care.” But on the golden streets of heaven they will be celebrated and liberating.