“Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.”
King James Version (KJV)
18:1 Loved him - For his excellent virtues and endowments, which shone forth both in his speeches and actions; for the service he had done to God and to his people; and for the similitude of their age and qualities.
18:2 Took him, &c. - By which it appears, that before this David had not his constant residence at court.
18:5 Went - Upon military expeditions, of which that word is often used.