181 Now it came about when he had finished speaking to Saul , that the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David , and Jonathan loved him as himself . 2 Saul took him that day and did not let him return to his father's house . 3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself . 4 Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David , with his armor , including his sword and his bow and his belt .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:1-4
Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:1-5
(Read 1 Samuel 18:1-5)
The friendship of David and Jonathan was the effect of Divine grace, which produces in true believers one heart and one soul, and causes them to love each other. This union of souls is from partaking in the Spirit of Christ. Where God unites hearts, carnal matters are too weak to separate them. Those who love Christ as their own souls, will be willing to join themselves to him in an everlasting covenant. It was certainly a great proof of the power of God's grace in David, that he was able to bear all this respect and honour, without being lifted up above measure.