(5) And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabeshgilead, and said unto them, Blessed be ye of the LORD, that ye have shewed this kindness unto your lord, even unto Saul, and have buried him. (6) And now the LORD shew kindness and truth unto you: and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing. (7) Therefore now let your hands be strengthened, and be ye valiant: for your master Saul is dead, and also the house of Judah have anointed me king over them.
There was certainly a great affection of the mind in the person of David, and which manifested itself upon various occasions. This remembrance of the men of Jabesh Gilead perhaps more particularly, for the love they bore Saul and Jonathan is an instance of it. And there is another mentioned, 1 Chronicles 12:16-17.