Jonathan’s special friendship with David dates from soon after he killed Goliath. That fearless act in defense of Jehovah’s people must have particularly moved Jonathan. Hearing David’s account of it, “Jonathan’s very soul became bound up with the soul of David, and Jonathan began to love him as his own soul.” (1Sa 18:1) The two courageous warriors and devoted servants of God “proceeded to conclude a covenant” of friendship. Jonathan could see that David had God’s spirit. (1Sa 18:3) He did not jealously view him as a rival, as did Saul. Instead, his respect for God’s way of handling matters was a fine example for his younger friend. He did not act on Saul’s desire to kill David but, rather, warned David and tried to intercede. When David was forced to flee, Jonathan met him and made a covenant to the effect that David would protect him and his household.​—1Sa 19:1–20:17.

Jonathan again spoke to Saul about David, but it nearly cost him his life, for in a fit of rage Saul hurled a spear at his own son. According to arrangement, Jonathan and David met in a field where ostensibly the king’s son had gone to practice archery. (1Sa 20:24-40) The two friends renewed their bond of affection and “began kissing each other and weeping for each other,” as other men are noted to have done and even as is done in some lands today. (1Sa 20:41; Ge 29:13; 45:15; Ac 20:37) Later Jonathan was able to contact David for the last time at Horesh and he strengthened “his hand in regard to God”; they renewed their covenant.​—1Sa 23:16-18.

There is no Biblical indication that Jonathan shared with his father in his expeditions against David. But in the battle against God’s enemies, the Philistines, Jonathan fought to the death, dying on the same day as two of his brothers and his father. The Philistines hung the corpses on the walls at Beth-shan. However, valiant men of Jabesh-gilead removed them and buried them at Jabesh. Later David moved the bones of Saul and Jonathan to Zela. (1Sa 31:1-13; 2Sa 21:12-14; 1Ch 10:1-12) David deeply lamented the death of his close friend Jonathan, even chanting over Saul and Jonathan the dirge entitled “The Bow.” (2Sa 1:17-27) King David showed special kindness to Jonathan’s lame son Mephibosheth, who was five years old at his father’s death. He eventually had a permanent place at the king’s table. (2Sa 4:4; 9:10-13)

His manly qualities may have especially endeared him to Saul. It is apparent that they were very close. (1Sa 20:2) This did not, though, overshadow Jonathan’s zeal for God and loyalty to his friend David.