It is a Christian’s obligation to study the Bible and learn more about his religion’s history. Not only is it helpful in day-to-day life, but it gives you a fantastic insight into what life used to look like at that time. David and Jonathan in the Bible for an alliance “because he (Jonathan) loved him (David) as himself.”
The story we will dive into today is one that only a few Christians are familiar with. Nor do they know. It is said that David, after killing Goliath when his army was battling the army of Jonathan’s father, was spotted by Jonathan. He was instantly impressed by David. Despite being rivals, Jonathan immediately shares everything he has with David and proves that he trusts him from day one.
“Jonathan stripped himself of the robe on him and gave it to David, with his armor, including his sword and his bow and his belt.” This story teaches us what selfless love means, regardless of the title: friendship or relationship.
Although throughout the year, historians claim the two were like brothers from the start. Also, modern scholars argue that their love was much more profound. As we can see in the following passage when avid learns about Jonathan’s death, “You have been very pleasant to me. Your love for me was more wonderful than the love of women.”
Is There a Deeper Meaning in David and Jonathan’s Story?
There is a much deeper meaning behind the sad story of David and Jonathan in the Bible. While in their lives, they had an incredible bond that could never be shaken, one of them was killed. Leaving the other with only his memories. Nevertheless, the story of David and Jonathan shows us that unconditional, unexpected, and selfless love exists. And sometimes you want to avoid searching for it.
Before their meeting, none of the men knew they could feel such feelings. Yet, the second they saw each other, they felt an incredible connection that not even death could take from them.
David and Jonathan in the Bible are remembered by Christianity today for their selfless love for one another. Although both David and Jonathan were warriors who were supposed to fight against each other, they decided to form a unity in the eyes of the Lord.
Avot 5:16 makes sure to highlight their love “Whenever … (love) does not depend on some selfish end, and it will never pass away. This was the love of David and Jonathan.” From this passage, we understand their love was unlike any other. Love is so deep that it can never die, not even after passing.
The story of David and Jonathan in the Bible teaches us that no matter who we are or where we come from, despite one’s background, love finds its way, no questions asked. Therefore, don’t run away from God’s plan.
Let love guide you. Move and act only with passion and love selflessly, and this way, your love will never die, just as the love David and Jonathan had for each other. “… the soul of Jonathan was bound to the soul of David” (1 Sam 18:1)
Why Did Jonathan Love David?
Love can never be explained. Although we might never know why Jonathan felt such a deep connection to David the second they saw each other, many scholars compare his feelings to those one feels when falling in love at first sight. It is also important to note that love has no gender.
And the genuine kind of love, the one that you give to someone without ever asking for anything back, is the one unexplained thing in the world that can never vanish or diminish. David and Jonathan in the Bible had that special something. People talk about them and their significant love to this day.
It is mentioned in the Bible that Jonathan loved David “as he loved himself.” The thing we take away and should never forget is that no matter what situation you find yourself in, when you find someone that deserves your love, giving your love to them will feel like Jonathan felt.
Like you are giving them a part of yourself and trusting them to provide you with a piece of themselves so that this exchange will unite you and make you one, but without expecting them to give anything back just because you love them.
As a devout Christian, this story can only remind us of God’s love for us. He never wants anything in return but hopes we share His love so we can sit together in His kingdom and achieve eternal life. Remember, God, sacrificed His one and only Son to show humanity how big His love is.
He loved the world He created so much that He let humankind disrespect Jesus to show He exists and everything He ever taught us was true all along.
What Do David and Jonathan Represent?
David and Jonathan in the Bible are studied today for their odd relationship. Born to be rivals, they agreed before the Lord Himself that they would forever be friends and would not harm each other. “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship to each other in the eyes of the Lord … The Lord is witness between you and me and your descendants and my descendants, forever.”
They are both remembered for their impressive love and friendship and are ultimately living proof of pure love and companionship. So refined that it transcends through time.
When God tells us to love our neighbor and to spread love and kindness around us and to all that we come in contact with, this is the kind of love we should consider when living our lives. One that, even in death, still lives on. So let the story of David and Jonathan be forever imprinted in your memory.
And always try to achieve this “perfect love” they had for each other. Don’t try to explain love or fight it. And always love with your entire heart.