3 And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.
3 Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.
3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul.
3 Jonathan, out of his deep love for David, made a covenant with him.
3 Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.
3 And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 18:3
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.