1 Samuel 20:16

16 So Jonathan {made a covenant} with the house of David, [saying,] "May Yahweh {call the enemies of David to account}."

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 not while I am still alive, will you not show the loyal love of Yahweh with me, that I may not die?

15 And do not cut off your loyal love from {my family} forever, not [even] when Yahweh {exterminates} each of the enemies of David from the face of the earth."

16 So Jonathan {made a covenant} with the house of David, [saying,] "May Yahweh {call the enemies of David to account}."

17 And Jonathan again made David swear an oath, because he loved him; for with the love of his soul he loved him.

18 Then Jonathan said to him, "Tomorrow [is] the new moon, and you will be missed, for your seat will stay empty.

Footnotes

• [a]. Literally "cut [a covenant]"
• [b]. Literally "seek from the hand of the enemies of David"