Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 28:3-25; 31; 2 Samuel 1:1-27; 4:4; 1 Chronicles 10:13-14

Many who promote homosexuality as an “alternative lifestyle” try to support their position by explaining David’s relationship to Jonathan as more than just friendship. David sang, in 2 Samuel 1:26, “I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women.” (See also the statements of Jonathan’s love for David in 1 Samuel 18:3 and 20:17.)

So, what do we say to that?

Well, the word translated “love” in each of these passages is the Hebrew word “aheb,” which is never used to describe homosexual desire or activity in the Bible. When homosexuality is referred to in scripture, the Hebrew word “yada”, translated “know” (with the idea of “have sex with”), is used (see Genesis 19:5 and Judges 19:22). Therefore, despite the allegations that David and Jonathan had a sexual relationship, theirs was a pure, deep friendship and commitment to one another and to the Lord.

Oh, that we in the Church would seek to develop deeper relationships like that with one another!

(With help from Dr. Tom Constable’s “Notes on 1 & 2 Samuel”)