King James Version (KJV)
1 Samuel 18:1-4
1And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.
2And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father's house.
3Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.
4And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.
2006-11-14 12:52:32 · 6 answers · asked by mike g 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No to your first question. The idea of formal same-sex marriage is very recent. It certainly did not exist in Biblical times.
Yes to your second question. It demonstrates the depth of love that is possible between two people of the same sex. However, we have no way of knowing whether this love took on a physical dimension as would occur between two gay men today. David later had many wives and concubines and lusted after Bathsheba, so he must have been either heterosexual or bi-sexual in today's terms.
2006-11-14 13:20:03 · answer #1 · answered by Marakey 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
hi,
Ive heard this question brought up before in relation to this story.
There is nothing in the text that would even imply a homosexual relationship. I think in our day and age men are too proud and cold to have close male friends. I believe that is all this was. Two men who loved each other as brothers.
The Bible never contradicts itself. In many places it does condemn homosexual relationships. So that's another reason this cant be whats going on.
Jonathon, being the son of a king, made a beautiful gesture to give David his robe. He also may have known that David would be king and not him. Or perhaps felt that David was a better choice for King.
Scott
2006-11-14 13:44:07 · answer #2 · answered by scottrc 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
No they made a bond of friendship. Not uncommon in Biblical times for men to make blood covenants with men to state that they have back up if somebody wishes to start war with them.
Jonathon knew Saul wanted to kill David and Jonathon vowed to protect him, and David vowed to protect Jonathon and his family.
The Robe, the sword, bow and girdle were all the items of a prince and Jonathon knew God appointed David successor of Saul's throne not Jonathon successor.
Brilliant question and well asked.
God Bless you in your searching.
2006-11-14 13:02:00 · answer #3 · answered by Abbasangel 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
No, just because they loved each other does not make them gay. David had many wives. Definately was not gay.
2006-11-14 12:59:07 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
They loved each other as good friends or brothers
2006-11-14 13:02:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Obviously, but the bangers will protest--and protest way too much
2006-11-14 13:02:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋