The Relationship Between David And Jonathan, As Depicted In The Old Testament, Is Often Interpreted As

The relationship between David and Jonathan, as depicted in the Old Testament, is often interpreted as a powerful example of friendship, but some contemporary interpretations suggest a deeper, potentially romantic, connection, leading to the idea of them being gay or homosexual. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Here's a more detailed look: [2, 3, 5]

• Biblical Context: The story of David and Jonathan is found in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, where they form a close bond and covenant, with Jonathan showing great affection and loyalty to David, even risking his own position to protect him. [2, 3, 5]

• Modern Interpretations: Some interpretations of the text, particularly in light of modern understanding of LGBTQ+ relationships, suggest that the depth of their connection could be interpreted as something beyond platonic friendship, leading to the idea of them being gay or homosexual. [1, 2, 3]

• Examples of Interpretation: [3]

• "David loved Jonathan more than women" (2 Samuel 1:26): This phrase is often cited as evidence of a strong, potentially romantic, connection between the two men. [3]

• Covenants and Rituals: The covenants and rituals they shared, such as Jonathan stripping off his robe and giving it to David, are seen by some as symbols of a deeper bond. [2, 3, 5]

• Biblical Scholars: Some biblical scholars, such as Susan Ackerman and Jean-Fabrice Nardelli, have argued that the narrators of the books of Samuel may have encrypted same-sex allusions in the text, suggesting a romantic relationship between David and Jonathan. [2]

• Counterarguments: Others argue that the relationship was simply a strong example of male bonding and loyalty, common in ancient cultures, and that it should not be interpreted as a romantic or sexual relationship. [1, 4]

• Contemporary LGBTQ+ Christians: Some contemporary LGBTQ+ Christians see David and Jonathan as positive examples of same-sex love and covenant, using their story to counter those who claim the Bible condemns homosexuality. [3]

• David's other relationships: The Hebrew scriptures also recount how David committed adultery with Bathsheba and later made her one of his eight wives, which is seen by some as evidence that David was not homosexual. [3]

• Jonathan's other relationships: Jonathan also had a wife, which is seen by some as evidence that Jonathan was not homosexual. [3]

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[1] https://blog.smu.edu/ot8317/2016/05/09/1-samuel-18-23-the-queerness-of-david-and-jonathan/[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_and_Jonathan[3] https://qspirit.net/david-jonathan-same-sex-love/[4] https://english.katholisch.de/artikel/51012-david-and-jonathan-on-men-and-their-relationships[5] https://wellwateredwomen.com/be-a-jonathan-a-new-perspective-on-friendship/