Love, Covenant, and Providence in 1 Samuel 18:1-5
A Critique of Erotic Interpretations of the Relationship Between David and Jonathan
Keywords:
David, Jonathan, ahav, berith, divine providence, theological exegesisAbstract
This article analyzes the relationship between David and Jonathan in 1 Samuel 18:1–5 through an exegetical-theological approach in response to homoerotic interpretations that have developed in contemporary biblical studies. Several scholars interpret this passage as legitimizing same-sex relationships by emphasizing the intensity of affection between the two figures. This study argues that such interpretations tend to neglect the historical context, Ancient Near Eastern culture, and the broader narrative-theological structure of the book of Samuel. Using a library research method, this article conducts a lexical analysis of key Hebrew terms, particularly ahav (love) and berith (covenant), and places them within the literary and theological context of God’s providential anointing of David as king. The findings show that the relationship between David and Jonathan is more appropriately understood as friendship based on brotherly love, loyalty, and shared commitment to God and the nation of Israel. Furthermore, this relationship functions as a providential means through which God preserved Israel by protecting David during his journey toward kingship as the anointed king. Therefore, this article concludes that the David–Jonathan narrative does not support an erotic interpretation, but rather reflects the dynamics of friendship within the framework of providence and Israel’s salvation history.
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