1. 1 Samuel 18:3 (NEG79)
  2. Explication du texte

What does it mean for Jonathan to love David as himself (ESV: his own soul)?

1 Samuel 18:3 (NEG79)

3 Jonathan fit alliance avec David, parce qu'il l'aimait comme son âme.

The love in view is not that of a homosexual relationship, but rather political1 and diplomatic allegiance (see 1 Kings 5:1).2 An allegiance that is based on the fact that Jonathan and David were like-minded in their observance of God’s law and concern for Israel. David draws love from Jonathan (and later also Michal), but from Saul he draws envy. Similar to Jesus, he brings division to families (Matthew 10:34–36).3