Song: Akedat Yonatan - The Sacrifice of Jonathan

July 22, 2008

A song dedicated to Jonathan Pollard, based on Samuel 1:14:38-45:

"And the people redeemed Jonathan and he did not die"


CLICK HERE to play.

Production Team

  • Aiton Birnbaum: Vocal and Shofar blowing
  • Shai Dayan: Voices, base guitar and percussion instruments
  • Ilan Shalom: Accoustic guitar, recording and mix
  • Andre Karnin: Trumpet
  • Nir Gavish: Mastering
  • Shiri Argov: Image

With heartfelt thanks to Yosef Adar, Shai, Shiri, and Ilan for their support, help and professional contribution.


The lyrics of the song Akedat Yonatan are based on the following episode described in verses 38-45 of Samuel I: Chapter 14.

38 And Saul said: 'Draw nigh hither, all ye chiefs of the People; and know and see wherein this sin has been today.

39 For, as the LORD lives, who saves Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die.' But there was not a man among all the people that answered him.

40 Then said he unto all Israel: 'Be ye on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side.' And the people said unto Saul: 'Do what is good in your eyes.'

41 Therefore Saul said unto the LORD, the God of Israel: 'Declare the right.' And Jonathan and Saul were taken by lot; but the people escaped.

42 And Saul said: 'Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son.' And Jonathan was taken.

43 Then Saul said to Jonathan: 'Tell me what thou has done.' And Jonathan told him, and said: 'I did certainly taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in my hand. Here I am; I am prepared to die.

44 And Saul said: 'God do so and more also; thou shalt surely die, Jonathan.'

45 And the People said unto Saul: 'Shall Jonathan who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel die? Far be it! As the LORD lives, not one hair of his head shall fall to the ground; for he hath worked with God this day.' And the people redeemed Jonathan and he did not die.


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