The relationship between Jonathan and David has been hotly contested among Scripture scholars. Believed to be around the same age, both Jonathan and David have deeply rooted faith in God.

An illustration of David and Jonathan from 'Sunday at Home – A Family Magazine for Sabbath reading, 1883,' published by the Religious Tract Society in London.© whitemay/DigitalVision Vectors ...

Many translators read this passage to mean that Jonathan and David form a covenant, a pact. Jonathan immediately removes his clothing and weapons and gives them to the other young man.

Jonathan eventually dies in battle, and Saul commits suicide. David composes a beautiful eulogy poem mourning both men, but his description of Jonathan is particularly striking: ...