1 Samuel 20:16

16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of 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 And if I live, thou shalt show me the mercy of the LORD, but if I am dead,

15 thou shalt not cut off thy mercy from my house for ever. When the LORD has cut off one by one the enemies of David from the face of the earth, remove even Jonathan from thy house if I fail thee and require it at the hand of David’s enemies.

16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David.

17 And Jonathan swore unto David again because he loved him, for he loved him as he loved his own soul.

18 Then Jonathan said to David, Tomorrow is the new moon, and thou shalt be missed because thy seat will be empty.