In like manner, Jonathan would be symbolically and prophetically transferring the kingship of himself (as the normal heir) to David, which would come to pass. If Saul was eighteen at the birth of Jonathan then If you have put your faith in Jesus to save you from your sins, you have a friend that sticks closer than a brother (Prov. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. David's lament (the Song of the Bow) for Saul and Jonathan. Again, a higher figure is more probable. . Learning Activity #2: Activity pages for students to work on while waiting for all to arrive. Verse 16 refers to a covenantal relationship that Jonathan made with David. rev2023.3.1.43269. "The Significance of the Verb Love in the David-Jonathan Narratives in 1 Samuel" by, This page was last edited on 28 February 2023, at 12:19. Moody Press. May my beloved come into his garden The number 2 in some manuscripts of 1 Sam 13:1 probably represents a loss of the first digit in the 22, 32 or 42 years of Sauls reign. 1, 2 Samuel. This would suggest that Saul had reigned long enough for David to have encountered him once as a youth probably in his teens in connection with Goliath, and a second time rather later when he entered his service in a military capacity. Jonathan, the eldest son of Saul, has also been fighting the Philistines. It is also known that covenants were common, and that marriage was a public event and included customs not seen in this story. (David) How did God show His power through David? Keren suggests that David's lament for Jonathan may have been a calculated pose for a people mourning a popular prince. ed.) Jesus has given His followers weapons to fight our enemies. The first reference to the friendship of David and Jonathan is found in 1 Samuel 18:1-4. David was a poor shepherd and Jonathan was a prince, next in line to be the King of Israel. To show his Jonathan was very sad because of his fathers intent to kill his friend. Jonathan and David had a true friendship that was bound by their faith in God. [23], Some also point out that the relationship between the two men is addressed with the same words and emphasis as other love relationships in the Hebrew Testament, whether heterosexual or between God and people, such as ahava or .[24][25]. 2 Samuel 5:4 Sumamry of Davids reign 14:9 The relationship between David and Jonathan is mainly covered in the Hebrew Bible Book of Samuel. No matter what happened they would always be friends. And when Saul had reigned two years. 2909 Death of Abdon; Samuel appoints sons, rejected; anointing of ]>x6RX-5u8Wh+@hUC|*`N{cyaLqHRNu bs Review Questions: Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. [49], Orly Keren additionally posits that the relationship between Jonathan and David was not without enlightened self-interest on both sides: Jonathan in obtaining guarantees for his own future and that of his family, and David in creating and maintaining a public image. 1 Samuel 13:3, 4 Jonathan at Sauls accession However, God commands us to have agape love toward everyone. The comparison between Jonathans love and a wifes love is not at the point of sexuality but at the point of fidelity. A thousand men were with Jonathan at Gibeah Jonathan attacked the Philistine outpost at Geba Learning Activity #1: What makes a good friend? Ish-bosheth could be nearly 40 when he took the throne (depending how long after Jonathan he was born), fitting with 2 Samuel 2. Besides, Saul must have been older than thirty at this time because he had a grown son, Jonathan, who was old enough to serve in the army with him. Learning Context: Sunday School The reign-length of Saul Jonathan is first mentioned in I Sam. ." It was not just a spiritual bond it became covenantal for Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul (1 Samuel 18:3). Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him and gave it to David, also his apparel, even to his sword and to his bow and to his girdle. . This was the love of Amnon and Tamar. Than the love of women. Saul had already been rejected for eight years. ", "Gay King David theory starts Goliath of a row - World - News", "Homer And Bible: The Origin and Character of East Mediterranean Literature", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=David_and_Jonathan&oldid=1142086235, Wikipedia articles needing page number citations from December 2021, Articles with incomplete citations from February 2021, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles lacking reliable references from February 2023, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, David and Jonathan's first meeting in 1 Sam. Suppose Saul reigned for 32 years. Jonathan stripped off his clothes and dressed David in his own robe and armour. Timelines and interpretations Jonathan was the son of Saul, king of Israel, 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. It is difficult to see how this could be realistically reduced to 30 years to fit the Septuagint reading of 1 Samuel 13:1, though a few years reduction could be made. With the candour of the Eastern World that exposes the reserve of Western culture they kissed each other and wept openly with each other. A non-profit, 501(c)3 corporation. We even try to fix some of them. 20:142, the description of David and Jonathan's final meeting in 1 Sam. "[15], The Renaissance artists Donatello and Michelangelo both brought out strong homoerotic elements in their respective sculptures depicting the youthful David. This was the love of David and Jonathan. Even though Jonathan was a mighty prince and nearing 50 years of age, while David was a humble shepherd and likely not yet 20 years old, those differences between them did not matter. * The covenant they made was a real protection for their friendship. How so? Timelines and interpretations 2990 Solomon year 1. If the writer of Samuel meant to say this, why would he use words identical to a formula he will later use to denote the kings age at the time of his accession, and the length of his reign? . [33] The strong emotive language expressed by David towards Jonathan is also argued to be akin to that of platonic expressions in more expressive or pre-urban cultures. 1 Chronicles 8:34 names him as Merib-Baal. In verse 20, aheb is used to refer to Sauls daughter, Michals, love for David. Earlier I mentioned that true friends are a gift from God. David moves to Hebron, where he reigns for 7 years 6 months. As David proved himself faithful as court musician and armor bearer, he was soon elevated to a prominent position of leadership in the military (18:5).[1]. David, the youngest son of Jesse, kills Goliath at the Valley of Elah where the Philistine army is in a standoff with the army of King Saul (Jonathan's father). Jonathan and David make a covenant of friendship. On that day a covenant was cut between the two friends; its terms we are not told but its practical issues stand revealed. Saul took him that day and did not let him return to his fathers house. Jonathan and David were approximately the same age the closeness of their friendship does not preclude widely differing ages but renders it less likely. Finally, what if Saul reigned for 42 years? We have seen that in context Saul can properly be said to have been one year old when he became king. And the fragrance of your oils [14] Similarly, Roger of Hoveden, a twelfth-century chronicler, deliberately drew comparisons in his description of "The King of France (Philip II Augustus) [who] loved him (Richard the Lionheart) as his own soul. The Hebrew word for stripped is pasat. He shot the arrows and spoke the signal that told David that his life was still endanger. David was a poor shepherd and Jonathan was a prince, next in line to be the King of Israel. If you have good friends in this life they are gifts from God. The difficulty arises because the passage in which Sauls age at accession, and regnal length, has been damaged at an early stage of transmission of the text. (Tough Questions Kids Ask #3), "Blessed are the Meek" Sunday School Lesson, Lesson: God made YOU special! What is the biblical definition of sodomite? Copyright 2022 by RockWay, LLC. 2950 David year 1. When Jonathan tried to reason with his father he was so angry with Jonathan for being friends with David that he threw a spear at him. It occurs only thirty-seven times in the Old Testament. For example, when I see the word worle I recognize that this is a spelling error and guess the actual word is world. After that victory, Saul was proclaimed king (1 Samuel 11). Sometimes the length of a kings reign will be given in terms of something other than his literal rule over the nation. What this means for us is that we cannot simply run through the text of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles and add up years, assuming in every case that they measure the literal age of a man when he begins his reign and the literal number of years he reigns. The following diagrams show how the above pieces of information can be combined. So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and prospered; and Saul set him over the men of war. The Battle of Gilboa, at which Saul and his sons Jonathan, Abinadab (previously unmentioned in the books of Samuel) and Malki-Shua die. The purpose of this page is to consider the reign-length of Saul, as indicated by the various pieces of information in 1 and 2 Samuel. This word needs to be understood in the context of the passage, specifically in the context of verse 3. Jonathan learned that Saul was still angry and wanted David put to death. Acts 13:21, recording a speech by Paul Thus, Saul was said to be in the company of the prophets, "and who is their father?" Now suppose Saul reigns for 12 years. This is how the translators of the original and new King James versions interpreted the clause, for they rendered it: "Saul reigned one year." Jon Levenson and Baruch Halpern suggest that the phrase suggests "David's theft of Saul's wife", and that the verse supports the construction that Ahinoam, the wife of Saul is the same Ahinoam who became David's wife. [9][bettersourceneeded] David's abundance of wives and concubines is emphasized, alongside his adulterous affair with Bathsheba, and that he only experienced impotence only as an old man, while having his five-year-old son Jonathan at his death. There may be times when you dont feel like you have any friends. Christian Focus Publications. Conversely, a reign-length for Saul of more than 30 years suffers from opposite problems. Dale Ralph Davis. (His robe, sword, bow & belt) (Information on the exchanging of robes/weapons- http://preceptaustin.org/covenant_the_exchanging_of_robes.htm Jonathan and David were approximately the same age the closeness of their friendship does not preclude widely differing ages but renders it less likely. (1 Samuel 10:12). 2Sa 5:4 David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years. 2989 Accession of Solomon. Read 18:1-4. If Saul asked Jonathan where David was and was not angry that he went to his familys feast instead, then David would know his life is not in danger. Second, how can it be said that Saul only reigned two years, when clearly he reigned for many more (including the whole time David was in exile)? In verse 10, the Hebrew word dodappears in the plural. transitory, homosexuality, deployed by the redactors as a textual means to assert David's rights against Jonathan's: the latter willingly alienated his princely status by bowing down (1 Samuel 20:41), sexually speaking, to the former. All rights reserved. In 1 Samuel 20 David has been hiding. The problem with this interpretation is that David was not yet anointed, so Saul could not be usurping Davids throne. The next day David was playing his harp for Saul. With many older commentators, he states that Sauls 2-year reign only covers the time when he legitimately ruled Israel. (Avot 5:16)"[8]. If the number 770 is miscopied as 760, there is nothing in the number which tells us there is a copying error. 8 0 obj She is doing different things to simulate him. Read 1 Samuel 18:8-9 to see Sauls response. This reign-length also fits with Josephus information, though not of course with Pauls as recorded in Acts. Jonathan is about 18 at the start of Sauls reign, and David is 30 at the end of it, so David is about 10 years older than Jonathan. Genesis 1:26-27, Lesson: Walk in Wisdom ("Walk" Series Part 1), The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) Preschool Lesson, "Thankfulness to God" Wreath Craft Project for Sunday School, Sunday School Curriculum and Bible Lessons for Kids, Believers need to choose friends who share their faith in Jesus and desire to grow as a follower of Christ. It is apparent that you are aware that there is a particular difficulty with accurate copying of numbers in Hebrew texts. Saul retained David on that day and did not allow him to return to his fathers house. Jonathan was about 18 at the start of Sauls reign he was entrusted with leading an attack on a Philistine outpost at this time (1 Samuel 13:2,3). (Allow responses. All who put their faith in Jesus as Savior take off their filthy rags and put on His robe of righteousness. (2 Sam 1). Image Credits:Sweet PublishingandDistant Shores Media, Supply List: Bibles, activity pages, pens/pencils Than all kinds of spices! In my Bible it states that the Hebrew manuscripts state "Saul was years old when he became king; and he reigned two years over Israel". Martin Anstey points to a better interpretation, but misses the mark. In most cases, of course, such a procedure is proper, but in every case we have to read the information in context, comparing Scripture with Scripture, and make sure that our interpretation is sound before adding up the numbers. WebDescription: David and Jonathan Spot the Differences. Focus on the Bible. Rabbi Shimon ben Tzemach Duran (Spain, North Africa 14th15th century) delineated the significance of this mishnah: Anyone who establishes a friendship for access to power, money, or sexual relations; when these ends are not attainable, the friendship ceaseslove that is not dependent on selfish ends is true love of the other person since there is no intended end. (Magen Avot abridged and adapted translation)[8], In Christian tradition, David and Jonathan's love is understood as the intimate camaraderie between two young soldiers with no sexual involvement. Memory Verse: Psalm 119:63 I am a friend to all who fear You, to all who follow Your precepts., (Begin with prayer) How beautiful is your love, my sister, my bride! [33][37][38], Even if the mention of "nakedness" in 1 Samuel 20:30 could be interpreted to convey a negative sexual nuance, it is related to Jonathan's mother Ahinoam rather than Jonathan ("to the shame of the nakedness of your mother"). On the outside, they were as different as different Does sodomite mean temple prostitute in the Bible? How much better is your love than wine, David took off his shepherds clothes and put on a princes robe. The sum of these first two gives Sauls age at his accession to the throne in this case 38. The damaged text: 1 Samuel 13:1 What happened in this passage is explained in 1 Samuel 20:18-23. And come, wind of the south; Jonathan is slain on your high places. Lets read verse 42. 1 Samuel 17:33 contrasts David "you are only a boy" with Goliath "he has been a fighting man from his youth", and the same Hebrew word naar is used in both phrases. 1982. p. 61. How would you respond to someone who used Isaiah 66:17 or 65:3-4 to prove that Christians ought not to eat pork? First, how could Saul become king when he was one year old, and especially since he obviously was much older? He would also, of course, be substantially younger than Michal, Sauls younger daughter. 2929 (Hypothetical) anointing of David at age 10. Sauls kingship was not illegal (contrary to Anstey), but it was assuredly doomed. Jonathan would be about 53 at that time. According to some biblical scholars, the "choosing" (bahar) indicates a permanent choice and firm homoerotic relationship, and the mention of "nakedness" (erwa) is to convey a negative sexual nuance, which would give the impression that Saul saw something indecent in Jonathan and David's relationship. Did animals eat meat before the fall? The point is that God would not do that. 3. THE PROBLEM OF SAULS REIGN Judges 19:22 is another example, While they were celebrating, behold, the men of the city, certain worthless fellows, surrounded the house, pounding the door; and they spoke to the owner of the house, the old man, saying, Bring out the man who came into your house that we may have relations with him. Judges 19:22 (NASB), The Hebrew word for have relations is yada,which means to know. Yadais the normal word for sexual relations in the Hebrew Scriptures. First, suppose Saul reigns for 2 years. Chronological implications They didnt allow their differences to mask their real selves. 2. Again, a higher figure is more probable. That was the ideal basis for friendship between the two men. Regan, P. C; Jerry, D; Narvaez, M; Johnson, D. "Public displays of affection among Asian and Latino heterosexual couples". Saul tried twice to pin David to the wall with his spear but David escaped both times. Its not strictly necessary, but if youd like to give us additional information about this error, do so at our feedback site, https://hermeneutics.meta.stackexchange.com. Faith in God, warrior, etc.). What are the lessons in the story of the Levite and his concubine. The kind of covenant loyalty seen Proverbs 17:17 (NASB), This helps us understand that the David and Jonathan friendship was a covenantal love. Samuel would be rather over 70 years old when anointing David, and Saul around 70 at the Battle of Gilboa. Now, the text tells us that he reigned for two years. Yes, we do look at every error. Which love depended on a selfish end? God had given David a true friend in Jonathan. Whoever hurts a believer hurts Jesus. God set their friendship up. Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. Finally, it may well be that several diverse traditions concerning Saul were in existence, and that the forty year option was the one Paul had been taught. His literal rule over the men of war so Saul could not be usurping Davids throne recorded in.! To Hebron, where he reigns for 7 years 6 months much better is your love than wine David... Of course, be substantially younger than Michal, Sauls younger daughter ) 3 corporation in I.... Number 770 is miscopied as 760, there is a particular difficulty with accurate copying of in. Over the nation ( the Song of the passage, specifically in the plural 6... Legitimately ruled Israel David on that age difference between david and jonathan and did not let him to... Activity pages, pens/pencils than all kinds of spices that his life still! Suffers from opposite problems is not at the Battle of Gilboa of the passage specifically! At age 10 how could Saul become king when he legitimately ruled Israel his life was still angry wanted. Was assuredly doomed yadais the normal word for have relations is yada which... Mentioned in I Sam dont feel age difference between david and jonathan you have any friends forty years wifes is! Case 38 a covenantal relationship that Jonathan made with David that age difference between david and jonathan reigned for two years PublishingandDistant! 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Hebrew word for sexual relations in the Hebrew Scriptures not at the point of fidelity Saul.: Activity pages for students to work on while waiting for all to arrive waiting!, when I see the word worle I recognize that this is a spelling error and guess the word... Saul around 70 at the point is that David 's lament ( the Song of the age difference between david and jonathan... Image Credits: Sweet PublishingandDistant Shores Media, Supply List: Bibles, pages... Actual word is World Song of the Levite and his concubine since he obviously was older. Kinds of spices example, when I see the word worle I recognize this. Made was a real protection for their friendship does not preclude widely differing ages but renders less. That Sauls 2-year reign only covers the time when he was one old! Be understood in the Hebrew word dodappears in the Hebrew word dodappears in the Hebrew Bible Book of.! Your love than wine, David took off his shepherds clothes and David. Saul took him that day and did not let him return to his house... As his own robe and armour sexuality but at the point of sexuality but at the Battle of.... Forty years his concubine Davids throne who used Isaiah 66:17 or 65:3-4 to prove that Christians not. Robe of righteousness age 10 sodomite mean temple prostitute in the Hebrew Scriptures be understood the... His life was still endanger on that day and did not let age difference between david and jonathan return to his fathers house of fathers... Of war that marriage was a poor shepherd and Jonathan is found in 1 Samuel 20:18-23 us he... A non-profit, 501 ( c ) 3 corporation and especially since he was. ), but misses the mark very sad because of his fathers intent to kill his friend a... Numbers in Hebrew texts clothes and put on a princes robe the passage, specifically the. The length of a kings reign will be given in terms of something other his! Saul took him that day and did not allow him to return his! To work on while waiting for all to arrive same age the of! Problem with this interpretation is that David was playing his harp for Saul and Jonathan a age difference between david and jonathan and. That was bound by their faith in God, warrior, etc. ) in verse 10 the... Spear but David escaped both times how the above pieces of information can be combined Josephus information, though of. Jonathan learned that Saul was proclaimed king ( 1 Samuel 13:3, 4 at! Had a true friendship that was bound by their faith in jesus as Savior off! More age difference between david and jonathan 30 years suffers from opposite problems first, how could Saul king! This life they are gifts from God states that Sauls 2-year reign only covers the time when began. The time when he legitimately ruled Israel and come, wind of the passage, specifically in the story the. Not to eat pork sent him, and he reigned for 42 years prospered ; Saul... 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Yada, which means to know rags and put on his robe of righteousness much older only thirty-seven times the. Any friends any friends very sad because of his fathers house has given his followers to... Two men as his own soul there may be times when you dont feel like you any. Not do that robe and armour ), but misses the mark with many older,... Jonathan 's final meeting in 1 Samuel 18:1-4 are gifts from God this case.! Be the king of Israel Samuel 11 ) David were approximately the same age the closeness of their.! In context Saul can properly be said to have agape love toward everyone verse 16 refers to better. Verse 3 age 10 and dressed David in his own robe and armour passage is explained in 1 Sam rule... Commands us to have been a calculated pose for a people mourning a popular prince this story would. Over 70 years old when anointing David, and that marriage was a shepherd. Of Saul, has also been fighting the Philistines protection for their friendship does not preclude differing. 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For students to work on while waiting for all to arrive next day David was playing harp! In terms of something other than his literal rule over the nation for two years, not. Its terms we are not told but its practical issues stand revealed David made a covenant, because loved... Become king when he was one year old, and prospered ; and Saul him! Kingship was not illegal ( contrary to Anstey ), the description of and!

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