1
David fled from Naioth in Ramah. He came before Jonathan and said, "What have I done? What is my guilt? And what is my sin against your father that he is trying to take my life?"
2
He said to him, "Far from it! You shall not die. My father does nothing either great or small without disclosing it to me; and why should my father hide this from me? Never!"
3
But David also swore, "Your father knows well that you like me; and he thinks, "Do not let Jonathan know this, or he will be grieved.' But truly, as the Lord lives and as you yourself live, there is but a step between me and death."
4
Then Jonathan said to David, "Whatever you say, I will do for you."
5
David said to Jonathan, "Tomorrow is the new moon, and I should not fail to sit with the king at the meal; but let me go, so that I may hide in the field until the third evening.
6
If your father misses me at all, then say, "David earnestly asked leave of me to run to Bethlehem his city; for there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the family.'
7
If he says, "Good!' it will be well with your servant; but if he is angry, then know that evil has been determined by him.
8
Therefore deal kindly with your servant, for you have brought your servant into a sacred covenant with you. But if there is guilt in me, kill me yourself; why should you bring me to your father?"
9
Jonathan said, "Far be it from you! If I knew that it was decided by my father that evil should come upon you, would I not tell you?"
10
Then David said to Jonathan, "Who will tell me if your father answers you harshly?"
11
Jonathan replied to David, "Come, let us go out into the field." So they both went out into the field.