Kings I 20:11

11 And Jonathan said to David, Go, and abide in the field. And they went out both into the field.

Kings I 20:11 Meaning and Commentary

Ver. 11 And the king of Israel answered and said
Very mildly and very wisely:

tell him, let not him that girdeth on his harness boast himself as he
that putteth it off;
that is, he that prepares for the battle as he that has got the victory; the sense is, let no man triumph before the battle is over and the victory won; the events of war are uncertain; the battle is not always to the strong.

Kings I 20:11 In-Context

9 And Jonathan said, That be far from thee: for if I surely know that evil is determined by my father to come upon thee, although it should not be against thy cities, I will tell thee.

10 And David said to Jonathan, Who can tell me if thy father should answer roughly?

11 And Jonathan said to David, Go, and abide in the field. And they went out both into the field.

12 And Jonathan said to David, the Lord God of Israel knows that I will sound my father as I have an opportunity, three several times, and, behold, should be determined concerning David, and I do not send to thee to the field,

13 God do so to Jonathan and more also: as I shall report the evil to thee, and make it known to thee, and I will let thee go; and thou shalt depart in peace, and the Lord shall be with thee, as he was with my father.