1 Samuel 20:16

16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD hold David’s enemies accountable.”

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 as long as I live, treat me with the LORD’s loving devotion, that I may not die,

15 and do not ever cut off your loving devotion from my household—not even when the LORD cuts off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.”

16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD hold David’s enemies accountable.”

17 And Jonathan had David reaffirm his vow out of love for him, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself.

18 Then Jonathan said to David, “Tomorrow is the New Moon, and you will be missed, because your seat will be empty.