1 Samuel 20:16

16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, [saying], Yahweh will 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 You shall not only while yet I live show me the lovingkindness of Yahweh, that I not die;

15 but also you shall not cut off your kindness from my house forever; no, not when Yahweh has cut off the enemies of David everyone from the surface of the earth.

16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, [saying], Yahweh will require it at the hand of David's enemies.

17 Jonathan caused David to swear again, for the love that he had to him; for he loved him as he loved his own soul.

18 Then Jonathan said to him, Tomorrow is the new moon: and you will be missed, because your seat will be empty.