Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself — Jonathan's *karith berit*, made a covenant, establishes a formal bond with words and presumably ritual. The *ki ahafo k'nafsho*, because he loved him as himself, invokes the formula of covenantal love that transcends mere affection; Jonathan loves David with the intensity of loving his own soul. The covenant relationship is mutual obligation, sworn loyalty, a bonding that supersedes family ties and royal succession. This covenant will define Jonathan's loyalty in coming conflicts with Saul.

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