The Nature and Motive of the Love Between Jonathan and David: An Exegesis of 1 Samuel 18:1–5
Keywords:
David, Jonathan, Love, Motive, אָהַב,Abstract
The Jonathan–David relationship in 1 Samuel 18:1–5 has attracted different interpretations among scholars. Exegetes have tried to examine the nature and motive of the love Jonathan and David shared and have arrived at different conclusions. Among the prominent views is that their love was political, for personal gain, homoerotic, or characterized by brotherly love. The key verb in this discussion is אָהַב. This study examines the broad semantic range of this verb in its context to determine the nature and motive of the love Jonathan and David shared and its implications. Love is a significant theme in the Bible. It provides both the stability and consistency in which life thrives; thus, it is relevant and essential even for believers today. The exegesis of 1 Samuel 18:1–5 sheds light on understanding the original context and the possible meaning of the problematic Hebrew word that has been the center of disagreement among biblical scholars. Therefore, through grammatical-historical analysis and discourse analysis approach, the researcher explores different views of love in this text and concludes that the love between Jonathan and David was brotherly.