1 Samuel 20:16

16 if Jonathan's name is also eliminated, then the LORD will seek retribution from David!"

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

15 don't ever stop being loyal to my household. Once the LORD has eliminated all of David's enemies from the earth,

16 if Jonathan's name is also eliminated, then the LORD will seek retribution from David!"

17 So Jonathan again made a pledge to David because he cared about David as much as he cared about himself.

18 "Tomorrow is the festival of the new moon," Jonathan told David. "You will be missed because your seat will be empty.

Footnotes

• [a]. 20:14-16 follows LXX.