1 Samuel 23:18

18 Both of them made a pledge in the LORD's presence. David stayed in Horesh, and Jonathan went home.

1 Samuel 23:18 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 23:18

And they two made a covenant before the Lord
Renewed the covenant they had before made in the name and fear of God, and before him as a witness of it. Kimchi and Abarbinel interpret this phrase,

before the Lord,
of the covenant being made before Abiathar, with the Urim and Thummim in his hand; and so Jerom ^F16, before Gad the prophet, and Abiathar who wore the ephod:

and David abode in the wood;
being a proper place for him for secrecy and safety:

and Jonathan went to his house;
in Gibeah; and these two dear and cordial friends never saw one another more, as is highly probable.

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FOOTNOTES:

F16 Trad. Heb. in lib. Reg. fol. 76. K.

1 Samuel 23:18 In-Context

16 Saul's son Jonathan came to David at Horesh. He strengthened David's [faith] in the LORD.

17 "Don't be afraid," he told David, "my father Saul won't find you. You will rule Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this."

18 Both of them made a pledge in the LORD's presence. David stayed in Horesh, and Jonathan went home.

19 Then the men of Ziph went to Saul in Gibeah. They said, "David is hiding with us in fortified camps at Horesh on the hills of Hachilah, south of Jeshimon.

20 Come, Your Majesty, whenever you want. We will hand him over to you."