6
If your father really misses me, tell him, 'David repeatedly begged me to let him run to Bethlehem, his hometown, because his relatives are offering the annual sacrifice there.'
7
If he says, 'Good!' then I will be safe. But if he gets really angry, then you'll know for sure that he has decided to harm me.
8
Now, be kind to me. After all, you forced me into an agreement with the LORD. If I have committed any crime, kill me yourself. Why bother taking me to your father?"
9
Jonathan answered, "That's unthinkable! If I knew for sure that my father had decided to harm you, I would have told you about it."
10
Then David asked, "Who will tell me whether or not your father gives you a harsh answer?"
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Jonathan said, "Let's go out into the country." So they went out into the country.
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"As the LORD God of Israel [is my witness]," Jonathan continued, "I'll find out in the next two or three days how my father feels about you. If he does feel kindly toward you, then I will send someone to tell you.
13
If my father plans to harm you and I fail to tell you and send you away safely, may the LORD harm me even more. May the LORD be with you as he used to be with my father.
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But as long as I live, [promise me that you will] show me kindness because of the LORD. And even when I die,
15
never stop being kind to my family. The Lord will wipe each of David's enemies off the face of the earth.
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At that time, if Jonathan's name is cut off from David's family, then may the LORD punish David's house."