1 Samuel 20:14-17

14 "If I am still alive, will you not show me the lovingkindness of the LORD, that I may not die?
15 "1You shall not cut off your lovingkindness from my house forever *, not even when the LORD cuts off every one of the enemies of David from the face of the earth."
16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, "2May the LORD require it at the hands of David's enemies."
17 Jonathan made David vow again because of his love for him, because 3he loved him as he loved his own life.

1 Samuel 20:14-17 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 3

  • 1. 2 Samuel 9:1, 3
  • 2. Deuteronomy 23:21; 1 Samuel 25:22
  • 3. 1 Samuel 18:1
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