David and Jonathan
Heroic covenant between David and Jonathan in the Hebrew Bible.
David and Jonathan were heroic figures of the Kingdom of Israel, according to the Hebrew Bible's Books of Samuel. They formed a covenant, taking a mutual oath. Jonathan was the son of King Saul of the tribe of Benjamin, and David was the son of Jesse of Bethlehem, of the tribe of Judah, and Jonathan's presumed rival for the crown. David eventually became king. The biblical text does not explicitly depict the nature of their relationship, which has been interpreted traditionally as platonic love and homosociality, while some scholars and writers from the late Middle Ages onward have emphasized elements of homoeroticism.
- field
- Biblical figures, Kingdom of Israel
- nationality
- Israelite
- known_for
- Covenant relationship; David's lament for Jonathan; David sparing Jonathan's son Mephibosheth
- role
- David: king; Jonathan: son of King Saul, military commander
Lore & Background
The relationship between David and Jonathan is mainly covered in the First Book of Samuel. David, the youngest son of Jesse, kills Goliath at the Valley of Elah. Jonathan, the eldest son of Saul, takes an immediate liking to David, and the two form a covenant: 'the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself.' Jonathan gives David his robe, armor, sword, bow, and belt. David becomes a successful commander, but Saul's jealousy grows. Despite several reconciliations, David remains an exile and outlaw. David and Jonathan renew their covenant before parting, and they do not meet again.
Reader's Guide
The story of David and Jonathan has been interpreted variously across traditions. In Jewish interpretation, the Mishnah characterizes their love as not depending on selfish ends, in contrast to the love of Amnon and Tamar. Rabbi Shimon ben Tzemach Duran explained that such love is true friendship without intended ends like power, money, or sexual relations. Traditional Christian interpretation views their love as intimate camaraderie between young soldiers with no sexual involvement, noting David's heterosexual relationships and the lack of censoring in the text despite Levitical injunctions. Medieval and Renaissance literature sometimes drew on their relationship to underline strong personal friendships or homoerotic relationships, as in the anonymous Vita Edwardi Secundi and the works of Donatello and Michelangelo. Modern interpretations, beginning in 1978, have argued that the covenant and deep relationship provide a biblical basis for same-sex marriage, with scholars noting parallels to homoerotic relationships in Near Eastern literature, such as Achilles and Patroclus or Gilgamesh and Enkidu.
Did You Know?
- Jonathan was the son of King Saul, of the tribe of Benjamin; David was the son of Jesse of Bethlehem, of the tribe of Judah.
- The biblical text does not explicitly depict the nature of the relationship between David and Jonathan.
- David's lament for Jonathan includes the line: 'Your love to me was more wonderful than the love of women.'
- After Jonathan's death, David seated Jonathan's son Mephibosheth at his own royal table instead of eradicating Saul's line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are David and Jonathan?
David and Jonathan are two central figures in the Books of Samuel in the Hebrew Bible. Jonathan is the eldest son of King Saul and a military commander of the tribe of Benjamin, while David is the son of Jesse from Bethlehem, of the tribe of Judah, who ultimately ascends to the Israelite throne.
What is the covenant between David and Jonathan?
The two men solemnly bind themselves to a mutual oath of loyalty and protection, a pact that Jonathan honors even as his father Saul pursues David as a rival for the crown. This covenant becomes the defining act of their partnership throughout the Samuel narratives.
How does the story of David and Jonathan end?
Jonathan is killed in battle against the Philistines, and the text records David composing a bitter lament over his fallen companion. After Jonathan's death, David fulfills his covenant by showing special kindness to Jonathan's disabled son, Mephibosheth.
Why is the David and Jonathan pairing significant in biblical literature?
Their bond is one of the most emotionally charged relationships in the Hebrew Bible, yet the text itself never explicitly labels its nature. Readers and scholars have debated the relationship's character for centuries, ranging from traditional readings of deep platonic loyalty to more recent interpretations that highlight its intimate or romantic dimensions.
What roles do David and Jonathan play in the Kingdom of Israel?
Jonathan serves as the heir-apparent and military commander under his father King Saul, while David transitions from a young warrior to the future king of all Israel. Their story traces the transfer of royal power from the house of Saul to the house of David.
More in Mythological duos 1-24
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