1 Samuel 20:12

12 Then Jonathan spoke to David. He said, "I promise you that I'll find out what my father is planning to do. I'll find out by this time the day after tomorrow. The Lord, the God of Israel, is my witness. Suppose my father feels kind toward you. Then I'll send you a message and let you know.

1 Samuel 20:12 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 20:12

And Jonathan said unto David, O Lord God of Israel
Or by the Lord God of Israel, I swear unto thee; for this is the form of the oath, as Jarchi and Kimchi observe:

when I have sounded my father about tomorrow any time, [or] the third
[day];
searched, inquired, and found out how his disposition is:

and, behold, [if there be] good toward David;
if he is well disposed to him, as may appear by speaking respectfully of him, or kindly inquiring after him, and by being satisfied with the account given him:

and I then send not unto thee, and show it thee;
then let the vengeance of God fall upon me in some remarkable manner or another, as follows; or "shall I not then send unto thee, and show it thee" ^F20? certainly I will; that is, I will send a messenger to thee to acquaint thee with it, who shall tell it, and cause thee to hear it, as from myself.

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FOOTNOTES:

F20 (Kyla xlva za alw) "an non tune mitterem?" Junius & Tremellius; "nonne tunc mittam ad te?" so some in Vatablus.

1 Samuel 20:12 In-Context

10 David asked, "Who will tell me if your father answers you in a mean way?"

11 "Come on," Jonathan said. "Let's go out to the field." So they went there together.

12 Then Jonathan spoke to David. He said, "I promise you that I'll find out what my father is planning to do. I'll find out by this time the day after tomorrow. The Lord, the God of Israel, is my witness. Suppose my father feels kind toward you. Then I'll send you a message and let you know.

13 But suppose he wants to harm you. And I don't let you know about it. I don't help you get away safely. Then may the LORD punish me greatly. May he be with you, just as he has been with my father.

14 "But always be kind to me, just as the LORD is. Be kind to me as long as I live. Then I won't be killed.