Hebrew Bible: David & Jonathan

In the Bible, David and Jonathan have a very close relationship. Some have interpreted it as a same-sex romantic relationship.

Here's the story of their relationship:

David defeated Goliath and killed lots of Philistines. King Saul was impressed and went to meet David, accompanied by his son Jonathan.

'As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father's house. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt. And David went out and was successful wherever Saul sent him.'

Saul became jealous of David's popularity. He gave David the option of marrying his daughter, as long as he slaughtered more Philistines and brought 100 Philistine foreskins as proof of his military prowess.

David brought 200 Philistine foreskins and married Saul's daughter.

Saul decided to kill David. 'But Jonathan, Saul's son, delighted much in David. And Jonathan told David' to be on his guard. David's wife helped him escape when the assassins came.

Jonathan met up with David and tried to cheer him up; they chatted about Saul, God, and the future. 'And Jonathan made David swear again by his love for him, for he loved him as he loved his own soul.'

Jonathan went home and had an awkward meal with his father. 'Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said to him, “You son of a perverse, rebellious woman, do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame, and to the shame of your mother's nakedness? For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Therefore send and bring him to me, for he shall surely die.”

Then Jonathan answered Saul his father, “Why should he be put to death? What has he done?” But Saul hurled his spear at him to strike him. So Jonathan knew that his father was determined to put David to death. And Jonathan rose from the table in fierce anger and ate no food the second day of the month, for he was grieved for David, because his father had disgraced him.'

The next morning, D&J met in secret. 'And they kissed one another and wept with one another, David weeping the most. Then Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, because we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord shall be between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, forever.’” And he rose and departed, and Jonathan went into the city.'

David went into hiding and constantly had to flee Saul's soldiers. There were lots of battles. David got some more wives. Saul and Jonathan died in battle. David lamented for Jonathan:

“Jonathan lies slain on your high places. I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; very pleasant have you been to me; your love to me was extraordinary, surpassing the love of women."

David became king.

What do you think? Close friends or chaste lovers?