If clothing symbolizes person and position, then Jonathan is transferring the right of succession to David (see Numbers 20:24–28; 1 Kings 19:19–21; Isaiah 22:21).1 He would do so only if he was aware of David’s anointing, or if he recognized David as the king to replace his father.2 This was very unusual behaviour for a crown prince. Normally one would expect such an individual to kill a perceived challenger rather than honouring him.3 Whatever the precise implications of the clothing transfer may be, they certainly confirm that Jonathan had great respect for David.4
4 And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt.