1 Samuel 20:16

16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David's enemies .

1 Samuel 20:16 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 20:16

So Jonathan made [a covenant] with the house of David
Not with David himself only, which was now renewed, but with his family also:

[saying], let the Lord even require [it] at the hand of David's
enemies;
take vengeance on Jonathan, or on any of his posterity, should they break this covenant, by showing themselves enemies to David, and his crown; and, on the other hand, also on David, and his posterity, should they not show kindness to Jonathan and his seed, according to the tenor of this covenant.

1 Samuel 20:16 In-Context

14 And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not:

15 But also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth.

16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David's enemies .

17 And Jonathan caused David to swear again , because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul.

18 Then Jonathan said to David, To morrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be missed , because thy seat will be empty .

Footnotes

• [a]. made: Heb. cut