1 Samuel 20:12-17

12 Then Jonathan said to David, “I swear by the LORD, the God of Israel, that I will surely sound out my father by this time the day after tomorrow! If he is favorably disposed toward you, will I not send you word and let you know?

13 But if my father intends to harm you, may the LORD deal with Jonathan, be it ever so severely, if I do not let you know and send you away in peace. May the LORD be with you as he has been with my father.

14 But show me unfailing kindness like the LORD’s kindness as long as I live, so that I may not be killed,

15 and do not ever cut off your kindness from my family—not even when the LORD has cut off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.”

16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD call David’s enemies to account.”

17 And Jonathan had David reaffirm his oath out of love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself.

1 Samuel 20:12-17 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST SAMUEL 20

David fleeing from Naioth came to Jonathan, and acquainted him with his circumstances, and entreated his favour, 1Sa 20:1-8; which Jonathan promised, and renewed the covenant with him, 1Sa 20:9-17; a scheme was formed between them, by which David might know whether Saul was reconciled to him, and he might come to court, 1Sa 20:18-23; which being tried, Jonathan found it was not safe for him to appear, 1Sa 20:24-34; of which he gave notice by the signals agreed on, 1Sa 20:35-40; and they took their leave of one another with strong expressions of affection and attachment to each other, 1Sa 20:41,42.

Cross References

• 1. 1 Samuel 19:3
• 2. S Ruth 1:17; 1 Samuel 3:17
• 3. S 1 Samuel 16:18; S 1 Samuel 18:12">1 Samuel 18:12; Joshua 1:5; 1 Samuel 17:37; 1 Samuel 18:12">1 Samuel 18:12; 1 Chronicles 22:11,16
• 4. S Genesis 40:14
• 5. 1 Samuel 24:21; 2 Samuel 9:7
• 6. S 1 Samuel 18:1
• 7. S 1 Samuel 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:22
• 8. S Joshua 22:23
• 9. S Joshua 9:18; S 1 Samuel 18:3