1 Samuel 20:12

12 Then Jonathan told David, "I pledge by the LORD God of Israel that I will question my father by this time tomorrow or on the third day. If he seems favorable toward David, I will definitely send word and make sure you know.

1 Samuel 20:12 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 20:12

And Jonathan said unto David, O Lord God of Israel
Or by the Lord God of Israel, I swear unto thee; for this is the form of the oath, as Jarchi and Kimchi observe:

when I have sounded my father about tomorrow any time, [or] the third
[day];
searched, inquired, and found out how his disposition is:

and, behold, [if there be] good toward David;
if he is well disposed to him, as may appear by speaking respectfully of him, or kindly inquiring after him, and by being satisfied with the account given him:

and I then send not unto thee, and show it thee;
then let the vengeance of God fall upon me in some remarkable manner or another, as follows; or "shall I not then send unto thee, and show it thee" ^F20? certainly I will; that is, I will send a messenger to thee to acquaint thee with it, who shall tell it, and cause thee to hear it, as from myself.

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FOOTNOTES:

F20 (Kyla xlva za alw) "an non tune mitterem?" Junius & Tremellius; "nonne tunc mittam ad te?" so some in Vatablus.

1 Samuel 20:12 In-Context

10 "Who will tell me if your father responds harshly?" David asked Jonathan.

11 "Come on," Jonathan said to David. "Let's go into the field." So both of them went out into the field.

12 Then Jonathan told David, "I pledge by the LORD God of Israel that I will question my father by this time tomorrow or on the third day. If he seems favorable toward David, I will definitely send word and make sure you know.

13 But if my father intends to harm you, then may the LORD deal harshly with me, Jonathan, and worse still if I don't tell you right away so that you can escape safely. May the LORD be with you as he once was with my father.

14 If I remain alive, be loyal to me. But if I die,