1 Samuel 20:16

16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, "1May the LORD require it at the hands 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 "If I am still alive, will you not show me the lovingkindness of the LORD , that I may not die?
15 "You 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, "May the LORD require it at the hands of David's enemies."
17 Jonathan made David vow again because of his love for him, because he loved him as he loved his own life.
18 Then Jonathan said to him, "Tomorrow is the new moon, and you will be missed because your seat will be empty.

Cross References 1

  • 1. Deuteronomy 23:21; 1 Samuel 25:22
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