1Sa 18:1 | TNotes | STEP | 18:1 David and Jonathan had much in common: both were young and capable, were military heroes, had a robust faith in God, and had a claim to the throne of Israel. It is a testimony to Jonathan’s true character that he recognized and supported God’s choice of David to be the next king of Israel (see 18:3-4 ; 20:12-17 ). • Jonathan loved David: See 20:17 ; 2 Sam 1:26 . Others in this chapter are also said to love David: all Israel and Judah (1 Sam 18:16 ), Saul’s daughter Michal (18:20 ), and Saul’s servants (18:22 ). Some modern interpreters see a homosexual relationship between David and Jonathan, but the text implies nothing other than a deep and loyal friendship.

a18:1►

b18:3-4►

c20:12-17►

d20:17►

e2 Sam 1:26►

f1 Sam 18:16►

g18:20►

h18:22►

‏ 1 Samuel 18:1

18:1 ^a David and Jonathan had much in common: both were young and capable, were military heroes, had a robust faith in God, and had a claim to the throne of Israel. It is a testimony to Jonathan’s true character that he recognized and supported God’s choice of David to be the next king of Israel (see 18:3-4 ^b; 20:12-17 ^c).

• Jonathan loved David: See 20:17 ^d; 2 Sam 1:26 ^e. Others in this chapter are also said to love David: all Israel and Judah (1 Sam 18:16 ^f), Saul’s daughter Michal (18:20 ^g), and Saul’s servants (18:22 ^h). Some modern interpreters see a homosexual relationship between David and Jonathan, but the text implies nothing other than a deep and loyal friendship.