שמואל א, פרק י״ח, פסוק ג׳

The bond formed between Jonathan and David stands as the ultimate symbol of a pure and extraordinary connection. They established an eternal and unbreakable relationship that went far beyond personal interests [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Instead of being driven by mutual benefit or political advantage, their commitment was rooted entirely in deep emotion.

Throughout biblical history, formal agreements and treaties were typically born out of fear or necessity. For example, the ancient pacts made by Abimelech with Abraham and Isaac were created simply to prevent future conflict and guarantee that neither side would harm the other. The covenant between Jonathan and David, however, was fundamentally different in its nature and purpose. It was not a defense mechanism or a peace treaty, but a natural expression of intense care. The sole motivation for their lifelong pact was Jonathan's profound devotion to David, a love so powerful that he cared for him exactly as he cared for his own soul [מלבי״ם, מצודת דוד].