1 Samuel 20:16

16 Then Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David,^[a] saying, "May the Lord hold David's enemies accountable."^[b]

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 continue to live, treat me with the Lord's faithful love, but if I die,

15 don't ever withdraw your faithful love from my household-not even when the Lord cuts off every one of David's enemies from the face of the earth."

16 Then Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, "May the Lord hold David's enemies accountable."

17 Jonathan once again swore to David in his love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself.

18 Then Jonathan said to him, "Tomorrow is the New Moon; you'll be missed because your seat will be empty.

Footnotes

• [a]. 1 Sm 18:3; 23:18
• [b]. Lit Lord require it from the hand of David's enemies