DAVID

&

JONATHAN

The existence throughout all recorded human history of fraternal relationships between men of profound emotional intensity and deep ethical import is a stubborn fact that no amount of theological or other tabu can obliterate from warp and woof of society's cultural heritage.

Perhaps nowhere in literature has such a relationship been described with more touching, yet authentic power and simplicity than in the biblical story of Jonathan and David.

Picture young David, eighth son of Jesse, a wealthy stockman and rancher of the little town of Bethlehem, who is described as "ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to." Healthy, outdoor living had given him not only good looks but a vigorously masculine courage that enabled him to neatly dispose of attacks made upon his father's herds by bear and lions.

Jonathan, on the other hand was a young prince, grown to manhood among the sophistications of his father's court, and palace, self-assured in his social position and educational poise, but when David was brought to the palace, as he listened to him, speaking clear-eyed in quiet simplicity before the king, something fundamental must have taken place within him, an emotional reaction reaching to the very foundations of his nature, for we read, in the inimitable language of the Bible:

"And 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. Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. And 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."

Shortly after this solemn pledge had been made, the substance of Jonathan's character and affection were placed under severe stress. Political jealousies and intrigue in the court sought to undermine David's position with the king, succeeding to the extent that the king ordered both the secret police and Jonathan to kill David, who was quite innocent of any offense against the court.

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