Let not the king sin. Bound to his friend by ties even closer than those of blood relationship, with a love “passing the love of women” (2 Sam. 1:26), and knowing the innermost thoughts of David’s heart, Jonathan was ideally fitted to mediate between him and Saul. In Jonathan’s plea to his father, respect for authority and strict regard for principle were both manifested. As Saul’s son, he knew the arguments that would have the most weight with the king — David’s victory over Goliath and his continued, loyal service to the king personally on all occasions.