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
3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul.