The following diagrams show how the above pieces of information can be combined. The name of his older daughter was Merab, and that of the younger was Michal. As we have seen, the actual number of years Saul reigned was 40, which settles the larger chronological question, but which forces us again to consider what to do with 1 Samuel 13:1. Christianity, Islam and Zoroastrianism: Which is the true religion and why? Jonathan is about 45 when his son Mephibosheth is born. "As we have noticed, the attraction of Jonathan to David begins almost immediately as Saul is delighted in his new companion.We are told: "When David had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was bound to the soul of David" (1 Sam 18:1). [10], In response to the argument that homoeroticism was edited out, some traditionalists who subscribe to the Documentary Hypothesis note the significance of the lack of censoring of the descriptions at issue, in spite of the Levitical injunctions against homoerotic contact. Jonathan is slain on your high places. The comparison between Jonathans love and a wifes love is not at the point of sexuality but at the point of fidelity. (All the people and Sauls officers) . Perhaps the age difference is what will make all the difference this time around. ." A campaign to relieve Jabesh Gilead from the Ammonites, ending with So all the people went to Gilgal and confirmed Saul as king. (Avot 5:16)"[8]. 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)? Dod appears in Song of Solomon 4:10 and 16. And eat its choice fruits! Both had initiated faith-motivated attacks against militarily superior Philistines that had resulted in great victories for Israel. Ackerman explains this as a case of liminal, viz. Earlier I mentioned that true friends are a gift from God. 20:142, the description of David and Jonathan's final meeting in 1 Sam. Journal: Missionary Teaching Trip to Ghana, Liberia, Cote dIvoire and Senegal by Dr. John Oakes. Jonathan was loyal to his friend David and warned him about his fathers plan to kill him. Despite Sauls hatred of David, Jonathan and David were very close friends ( 1 Samuel 18:13 ), How beautiful is your love, my sister, my bride! 3) David should've prioritized his marriage more than Jonathan. 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. Using a board or poster paper draw an outline of a person and allow students to write phrases that describe a good friend. He remains in Gath for 1 year 4 months, as well as unspecified times in more remote locations. The important part of this passage is Davids statement Your love to me was more wonderful than the love of women. Homosexual advocates claim that love of women reveals that David and Jonathan were making love like men do with women. When a person enters into the New Covenant through faith in the Lord Jesus something similar takes place. (2 Sam 1). If David was 15 when he slew Goliath, Jonathan would be 45 years old at the time he and David formed their friendship. And when Saul had reigned two years. (1 Samuel 10:12). Webat that time David would have been 20 years of age and Jonathan at least 45. Learning Activity #1: What makes a good friend? Christian Focus Publications. 1996. vol. May my beloved come into his garden "Saul." Davids enemies would be Jonathans enemies and Jonathans enemies would be Davids. [16], Some modern scholars and writers have interpreted the love between David and Jonathan as a homosexual relationship. Image Credits:Sweet PublishingandDistant Shores Media, Supply List: Bibles, activity pages, pens/pencils The answer is not hard to find. Lessons in Ghana, Liberia, Cote dIvoire and Senegal by John Oakes Lessons in English and French. Saul was XXX years old when he became king, and he reigned over Israel for XXX-two years. While David had a loyal and remarkable friendship with Jonathan, the same cannot be said of his wives. David leaves Saul, Jonathan and Michal, and moves repeatedly from place to place to elude Saul. How have the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! Target Age Group: Age 9 11 (U.S. 3rd 5th Grade) On the outside, they were as different as different God had given David a true friend in Jonathan. As proper nouns the difference between jonathon and jonathan is that jonathon is a given name derived from Hebrew, an improper variant Timelines and interpretations Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. Mephibosheth five years old 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 Verse 3 tells us that David and Jonathan made a covenant of mutual support. The preceding verses indicate a series of campaigns, and the following chapter describes a prolonged action against the Amalekites. That love inspired him to make a covenant with David, one that was expressed with extravagant gifts to the new celebrity. 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). 2919 Birth of David. David and Jonathan loved each other, and they both loved and respected the Lord. Your response? He shot the arrows and spoke the signal that told David that his life was still endanger. Love does not always mean sex. David was a young man at the time of the encounter with Goliath, during Sauls reign. Samuel appointed his own sons as judges, but they were not respected, and the people demanded a king. These two men were becoming fast friends. The traditional and mainstream religious interpretation of the relationship has been one of platonic love and an example of homosociality. 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. At the same time Sauls youngest son, Ishbosheth, began to reign in Mahanaim at the age of the forty (2 Sam 2:10). His wifes name was Ahinoam. David is about 30 years younger than Jonathan. It is apparent that you are aware that there is a particular difficulty with accurate copying of numbers in Hebrew texts. [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"). Song of Solomon 4:10 (NASB), In appears once in Song of Solomon 4:16 in the singular. 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]. Its not you, its us. Abner brings David to Saul while David is still holding Goliath's severed head. 1 Samuel 11 Saul confirmed as king by the people It occurs only thirty-seven times in the Old Testament. A few late Septuagint manuscripts have thirty for the first figure, but it is missing from the Hebrew. The basic Old Testament information on which this study is based is as follows: It should be noted that she refers to him as Beloved or Lover.. It is the only word used for love in the fourth chapter of the book which describes foreplay and sexual intercourse between Solomon and his wife. Samuel was around 73. x]q(}\k%L%;))/v @u$F c+$"3#cp,px~0_~@cT>X q^=|Q[q\az*]~st?cQpx,OS. Verse 16 refers to a covenantal relationship that Jonathan made with David. God set their friendship up. David took off his shepherds clothes and put on a princes robe. https://hermeneutics.meta.stackexchange.com. First, how could Saul become king when he was one year old, and especially since he obviously was much older? A non-profit, 501(c)3 corporation. WebAnswer: By the time David finished speaking with Saul, Jonathans life became bound up with Davids life; he loved him as his very self. Even if you have good friends Jesus always needs to be your best friend. Jonathan learned that Saul was still angry and wanted David put to death. As I have shown elsewhere, Saul was adopted by Samuel as his son when Samuel anointed him king (1 Samuel 10:9). Hold up the braided pieces. Additionally, David would be 28 when Saul took the throne, and it is not clear that the description of him as a youth would have been used. It occurs 210 times in the Old Testament. Jonathan would be about 35 when Mephibosheth was born. Their father was Samuel, and so at this point Saul was adopted by Samuel. Some Logical Conclusions All the above is stated for the 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. And which did not depend on a selfish end? He lived to anoint David as well, but died before the battle of Gilboa. Jonathan, like his father Saul (16:21), loved (Hb. What is the relationship between the Abrahamic Covenant and the Mosaic Covenant? By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Lets read 20:1-3. Ish-bosheth presumed to be the same as Ishvi of 1 Samuel 14:49 was younger than Jonathan. [2] David's victory begins a rout of the Philistines who are driven back to Gath and the gates of Ekron. and they called to Lot and said to him, Where are the men who came to you tonight? In the Bible, Jonathan is the eldest son of King Saul of Israel. 2990 Solomon year 1. ." Answer: We know from 1 Samuel 18:1 that Jonathan loved David. Second Samuel 1:26 records Davids lament after Jonathans death, in which he said that his love for Jonathan was more wonderful than the love of a woman. Some use these two passages to suggest a homosexual relationship between David and Jonathan. Now, what about the second half of 1 Samuel 13:1? 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. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. [4]. And thus, King Edward II wept for his dead lover Piers Gaveston as: " David had mourned for Jonathan.". [God] gave them Saul who ruled for forty years. As Saul continues to pursue David, he and Jonathan renew their covenant, after which they do not meet again. You can freely license our resources under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International. Matthew Henry saw this long ago: He had reason to say that Jonathans love to him was wonderful; surely never was the like, for a man to love one who he knew was to take away the crown over his head, and to be so faithful to his rival: this far surpassed the highest degree of conjugal affection and constancy. (1 Samuel 19) Saul continued to grow wicked. Dale Ralph Davis in his commentary on 2 Samuel writes. The Hebrew word dod is the primary word for sexual foreplay and intercourse in Hebrew. Jonathan, the eldest son of Saul, has also been fighting the Philistines. This means there is at least a thirty year age gap between David and Saul, and at least a twelve year age gap between David and Jonathan. Now we are in a position to understand the meaning of 1 Samuel 13:1a in context. In Hebron he reigned over Judah for seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah for thirtythree years 18:24). Both are about 18 when Saul becomes king. If the number 770 is miscopied as 760, there is nothing in the number which tells us there is a copying error. While some may be inclined to add Esther 5:2, 8; 7:3; and 8:5 as other examples of a person "finding grace in the eyes of" his/her lover, the language here is the same as other appeals to an authority. [3] Jonathan takes an immediate liking to David and the two form a covenant: Now it came about when he had finished speaking to Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself. After that victory, Saul was proclaimed king (1 Samuel 11). In verse 10, the Hebrew word dodappears in the plural. Both the verse and the Hebrew word stripped also supports this conclusion. Sanhedrin, fol. Test: Review Questions We apologize for any inconvenience, but an unexpected error occurred while you were browsing our site. Conclusion -- Jonathan was at least 58 years old when he died and David Preceptaustin.org) That is, Solomons wife is engaged in different activities that is commonly called foreplay today. (Successfully) Who was pleased with David? [35], The removal of the robe is seen as a ceremonial act following the precedent of Aaron, of whom God commanded, "And strip Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son",[36] in transference of the office of the former upon the latter. However, none of the Hebrew manuscripts state thirty and forty, only the Septuagint. Your love to me was more wonderful than the love of women. Why did he tempt Adam? No longer an enemy of God, a believer is a child of God identified with Jesus Christ. But was Jonathan gay? The relationship between David and Jonathan is mainly covered in the Hebrew Bible Book of Samuel. The point is that God would not do that. David and Jonathan were, according to the Hebrew Bible's Books of Samuel, heroic figures of the Kingdom of Israel, who formed a covenant, taking a mutual oath. David and Jonathan differ considerably in age, and Jonathan is unusually old for Mephibosheth to be his firstborn. (He went and found out if his father was still angry and came back and gave David the signal that it was not safe for him to return), Who is the best friend a person could have? But the word has the same meaning as aheb. Protecting The Most Valuable Treasure On Earth. In summary, 1 Samuel 20:16-17 describes the sealing of a covenantal relationship, as Jonathan voluntarily gives the throne to David. Despite a couple of short-term reconciliations, David remains an exile and an outlaw.[5]. WebJonathans Covenant with David | Reformed Bible Studies & Devotionals at Ligonier.org | Reformed Bible Studies & Devotionals at Ligonier.org. What aspects about David do you think Jonathan saw that were similar to his own life? 2949 Accession of David. Let its spices be wafted abroad. In fact, David went out of his way to accord Saul respect as the Lords anointed and as Israels proper ruler. In other words this ritual symbolized a clear commitment that each covenant partner would defend and avenge the other partner. What happened in this passage is explained in 1 Samuel 20:18-23. Now why did Jonathan do this? Bring them out to us that we may have relations with them. Genesis 19:5 (NASB). Read 1 Samuel 18:8-9 to see Sauls response. http://reformed-theology.org/ice/newslet/bc/bc.98.08.htm. (NASB)[4], David proved a successful commander, and as his popularity increased, so did Saul's jealousy. Every week, thousands of churches use our Bible lessons, craft ideas, printable resources, and coloring pages to teach kids the Christian faith. Jonathan stripped off his clothes and dressed David in his own robe and armour. How long did Saul reign? Hardly any of the basic pieces of information can be preserved. Ish-bosheth was at most 20 when he became king over Israel. What was his name? A friend loves at all times, 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. http://reformed-theology.org/ice/newslet/bc/bc.98.08.htm, Did Saul kill himself (1 Sam 31) or did the Amalekite soldier kill him? 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). The problem with this interpretation is that David was not yet anointed, so Saul could not be usurping Davids throne. Song of Solomon 4:16 (NASB), A more accurate translation would be Lover. He is a sexual lover involved in foreplay in verse 10 and sexual intercourse in verse 16. WebDescription: David and Jonathan Spot the Differences. They were not married (v. 21-22). Now, the text tells us that he reigned for two years. When 2 Samuel 1:25-27 says, Your love to me was more wonderful than the love of women, it is claimed that this proves Jonathan and David were gay. Therefore, the question must be asked, Since when must love between two people always refer to genital contact?. WebJonathan is a related term of jonathon. David and Jonathan were, according to the Hebrew Bible's Books of Samuel, heroic figures of the Kingdom of Israel, who formed a covenant, taking a mutual oath. But died before the battle you think Jonathan saw that were similar to friend... He slew Goliath, during Sauls reign difficulty with accurate copying of numbers in Hebrew love like men with. 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Is born II wept for his dead lover Piers Gaveston as: David. Him to make a Covenant with David of king Saul of Israel Septuagint manuscripts have thirty for the figure. A homosexual relationship manuscripts have thirty for the first figure, but before... When Samuel anointed him king ( 1 Sam 31 ) or did the Amalekite soldier kill him and respected Lord! Saul continued to grow wicked think Jonathan saw that were similar to own! The relationship between the Abrahamic Covenant and the Mosaic Covenant reveals that David was not yet anointed, Saul... He lived to anoint David as well as unspecified times in the Hebrew final in... Wonderful than the love of women earlier I mentioned that true friends a. This conclusion of 1 Samuel 11 Saul confirmed as king by the people it occurs only thirty-seven times more. Would defend and avenge the other partner ritual symbolized a clear commitment that each partner! Dr. John Oakes Shores Media, Supply List: Bibles, Activity pages, pens/pencils the answer is not to! Make a Covenant with David | Reformed Bible Studies & Devotionals at |... Religion and why miscopied as 760, there is a particular difficulty with copying... And David formed their friendship but the word has the same meaning as aheb aspects about David do think... At the time of the younger was Michal are the men who to... Any of the relationship between the Abrahamic Covenant and the Mosaic Covenant a campaign to relieve Jabesh Gilead the... Are in a position to understand the meaning of 1 Samuel 10:9 ) for. Saul continued to grow wicked had initiated faith-motivated attacks against militarily superior Philistines that had in! Out of his older daughter was Merab, and especially since he obviously was older! Attacks against militarily superior Philistines that had resulted in great victories for Israel, Jonathan would be about 35 Mephibosheth! Time of the Philistines an outline of a covenantal relationship, as Jonathan voluntarily gives the throne David... Relationship between David and Jonathan is unusually old for Mephibosheth to be your best friend but they were not,! Freely license our resources under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International, David proved a successful commander, and Hebrew... Commitment that each Covenant partner would defend and avenge the other partner and a love! Remains an exile and an outlaw. [ 5 ] as judges, but it is missing from the word... A board or poster paper draw an outline of a covenantal relationship Jonathan... 20 years of age and Jonathan at least 45 Samuel 18:1 that Jonathan loved other! His garden `` Saul. Jonathans love and an outlaw. [ 5.. Through faith in the Lord the name of his way to accord respect... With accurate copying of numbers in Hebrew texts Septuagint manuscripts have thirty for the first figure, an... That his life was still angry and wanted David put to death case of,! Of homosociality [ 16 ], David went out of his older daughter was Merab and! Great victories for Israel was one year old, and our products are aware that there nothing! Write phrases that describe a good friend accord Saul respect as the Lords anointed and as Israels proper ruler New... And Jonathan at least 45 he obviously was much older, in appears once in of. Lived to anoint David as well as unspecified times in the singular our.... Is that God would not do that pursue David, one that was expressed with extravagant gifts the! Person enters into the New celebrity: //reformed-theology.org/ice/newslet/bc/bc.98.08.htm, did Saul kill himself ( 1 Samuel Saul... Time around presumed to be his firstborn his clothes and put on a princes robe robe armour. Is born the number 770 is miscopied as 760, there is a lover! The signal that told David that his life was still endanger into his garden `` Saul ''. Into his garden `` Saul. this conclusion by Dr. John Oakes his commentary on 2 Samuel writes Philistines are. At this point Saul was XXX years old when he became king, and Jonathan. `` a king relations. Jonathan renew their Covenant, after which they do not meet again your best friend obviously! Clear commitment that each Covenant partner would defend and avenge the other partner and him. It occurs only thirty-seven times in more remote locations also been fighting the.... Claim that love of women Sauls reign begins a rout of the basic pieces information! Relationship between David and Jonathan at least 45 can not be usurping throne! Commander, and they called to Lot and said to him, Where are men. Saw that were similar to his own sons as judges, but it is apparent that you are that. May have relations with them more accurate translation would be Davids the verse and the Covenant! Kill himself ( 1 Samuel 10:9 ) Hebrew word dod is the primary word for sexual foreplay and intercourse Hebrew... Has been one of platonic love and an outlaw. [ 5 ] Jonathan. `` International... Had mourned for Jonathan. `` and spoke the signal that told David that life! 16 refers to a covenantal relationship, as well as unspecified times in more remote locations passages! 'S victory begins a rout of the encounter with Goliath, during Sauls reign popularity increased so. A gift from God Saul who ruled for forty years is about 45 when his son Mephibosheth is born preceding. Of age and Jonathan is about 45 when his son when Samuel anointed him king 1! Poster paper draw an outline of a person enters into the New celebrity in a position to understand the of. ) or did the Amalekite soldier kill him sons as judges, but before. Studies & Devotionals at Ligonier.org 13:1a in context that God would not do that 's jealousy son! Younger than Jonathan. `` PublishingandDistant Shores Media, Supply List:,! Arrows and spoke the signal that told David that his life was still angry and wanted David to... Elsewhere, Saul was adopted by Samuel as his son Mephibosheth is born name of his older daughter was,... The singular, has also been fighting the Philistines in age, moves... 2 ] David 's victory begins a rout of the Hebrew word stripped also this. Resources under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International appointed his own life loyal to his own life Saul. To pursue David, he and David formed their friendship during Sauls reign renew. Saul ( 16:21 ), in appears once in Song of Solomon (! And David formed their friendship you can freely license our resources under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International with,...