1 Samuel 20:16

16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, "Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David's enemies."

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 thou shalt not only show me the kindness of the LORD while yet I live, that I die not,

15 but also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever -- no, not when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth."

16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, "Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David's enemies."

17 And Jonathan caused David to swear 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.