2 Kingdoms (2 Samuel) 1:26Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Rather, he sought to shield his father from treachery and wrongdoing. Jonathan chose to protect him, preventing him from acts of injustice. He was willing to risk his life for his friend; he not only refrained from accusations but also intervened with his father on David's behalf. Not only did he reject envy, but he also endorsed David’s cause. He offered him support and safeguarded his life. In fact, he was willing to sacrifice everything for David. He did not feel embarrassed by his father’s actions, especially as he was unaware of any wrongdoing on David's part. This exemplifies the depth of his loyalty to a righteous person and the essence of Jonathan’s character.

Now, turning to David, we see that he had little opportunity to repay Jonathan. Death took Jonathan before David ascended to the throne; the benefactor passed away before the one who benefited could fully express gratitude. How, then, did the righteous man reciprocate this friendship? David proclaimed, "Thou art marvellous to me, Jonathan," lamenting the deep wound caused by Jonathan's absence. Yet, the importance of this bond went beyond personal grief; David continually safeguarded Jonathan’s family, recalling his father’s love, and consistently protected his descendants as if they were his own. May such love blossom in the hearts of all, for both the living and the departed.

Indeed, the unity between husband and wife is unparalleled, reflecting a bond that cannot be replicated unless one is lawfully joined to another. This is why a certain blessed husband, feeling an overwhelming sorrow for one he deeply cherished, drew upon the love not of a parent, child, sibling, or friend, but rather expressed, "Fall 'thy love upon me' as the love of a woman." In truth, this affection surpasses the might of any oppression. Other passions may be powerful, but this one holds such strength that it never wavers.

What can be said of the grieving? David, who shed abundant tears for Jonathan’s father, his opponent who had sought his demise countless times, must have experienced profound pain upon learning that the man who had shared in his trials, who had saved him from his father's schemes, and who had entered into alliances with him, had lost his life just as David might have had the opportunity to repay him for his past kindnesses.

He lamented for Saul, expressing sorrow for his dear friend Jonathan, whose affection surpassed even that of women. "How the mighty have fallen! The weapons of war are broken!" he cried. What mother could grieve for her only son as deeply as he mourned for his enemy? Who else would extol the virtues of one who sought his own demise as fervently as David honored the man who plotted against him? His mourning was sincere, and his sorrow profound. The mountains trembled at the prophet's curse, and the power of God enacted judgment upon those who heard it. Thus, even the natural world delivered consequences in response to the death of the king.

Individuals of limited understanding often misconceive it as something belonging to our sphere and consider the words spoken to be inappropriate: ‘My affection for you has come upon me, as my affection for women’. Yet those who discern the divine truths accurately will recognize that in elucidating these sacred mysteries, the esteemed theologians attribute the same significance to the terms Pleasure and Love.