1 Samuel 20 16

1 Samuel 20:16 kjv

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 nkjv

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

1 Samuel 20:16 niv

So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, "May the LORD call David's enemies to account."

1 Samuel 20:16 esv

And Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, "May the LORD take vengeance on David's enemies."

1 Samuel 20:16 nlt

So Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, saying, "May the LORD destroy all your enemies!"

1 Samuel 20 verses

1 Samuel 20 16 Meaning

Jonathan formally sealed a covenant with David, binding their households, specifically affirming that the Lord would exact justice upon any enemies who might seek to harm David's dynasty or thwart his divinely ordained reign. This solemn oath underscored Jonathan's unwavering loyalty and prophetic insight into David's future kingship, even recognizing the threats that would accompany it.

1 Samuel 20 16 Context

1 Samuel 20 is a pivotal chapter marking the final separation between David and Jonathan, driven by Saul's increasing paranoia and murderous intent against David. Following Saul's repeated attempts to kill David, David flees to Jonathan, seeking clarity and a test of Saul's intentions during the New Moon festival. Jonathan, though bound by filial duty to his father, demonstrates extraordinary loyalty and spiritual discernment in recognizing God's hand on David.

The chapter describes their elaborate plan to ascertain Saul's true intentions and the profound grief they share over their impending parting. This verse occurs after Jonathan reassures David of his love and support (vv. 12-15) and expresses his own desire for kindness towards his house when David assumes the throne (a clear recognition of David's destiny). Jonathan's act of making a covenant here solidifies his promise, emphasizing the binding nature of their friendship beyond the current circumstances, extending it to their descendants and acknowledging the future power dynamics. The imprecation against David's enemies is part of this covenant, signifying a shared commitment against those who oppose God's chosen path.

1 Samuel 20 16 Word analysis

• So Jonathan made a covenant (וַיִּכְרֹת יְהוֹנָתָן בְּרִית - vayikhrot Yahonatan berit):

  • וַיִּכְרֹת (vayikhrot): "And he cut." The Hebrew idiom "to cut a covenant" (כרת ברית - karath berit) denotes a solemn, binding agreement, often involving the cutting of animals in halves through which the parties would walk (see Gen 15). This symbolizes the grave consequences of breaking the agreement, that the violator would become like the divided animals. It signifies a profoundly serious and legally binding commitment in ancient Israel. Jonathan is not merely agreeing but making a foundational oath.
  • יְהוֹנָתָן (Yahōnathān): "Jonathan." His name means "The Lord has given." His actions here truly embody a divine gifting of loyalty and friendship to David. Jonathan's insight and action reflect a deep spiritual understanding of God's plan.
  • בְּרִית (berit): "Covenant, treaty, oath." More than a simple promise, a berit invoked divine oversight, implying both blessings for faithfulness and curses for betrayal. This elevates their personal bond to a sacred obligation before God.

• with the house of David (עִם־בֵּית דָּוִד - 'im bet David):

  • בֵּית דָּוִד (bet David): "House of David." "House" in this context extends beyond David himself to include his family, descendants, and future dynasty. Jonathan understands that David will not just be a king but will establish a lasting lineage, divinely sanctioned (as confirmed later in 2 Sam 7). Jonathan's concern is for the safety and prosperity of his own "house" under David's future rule, acknowledging David's impending supremacy. This points to the recognition of David's future kingdom even by Jonathan, who was heir apparent.

• saying, 'May the Lord require it' (וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה יְבַקֵּשׁ - vaYomer Yahweh yibbaqēsh):

  • וַיֹּאמֶר (vaYomer): "And he said." Indicates the spoken content of the covenant.
  • יְהוָה (Yahweh): "The Lord." The personal name of God, indicating His direct involvement and invocation as witness and enforcer of the covenant. By invoking Yahweh, Jonathan appeals to the highest divine authority.
  • יְבַקֵּשׁ (yibbaqēsh): "He shall require/seek/exact." This is an active and judicial term. It implies God's pursuit of justice, His demand for accountability, and His enforcement of judgment. Jonathan is essentially praying for divine retribution to be exacted upon any who would violate this sacred bond by harming David or his line. This is an imprecation, a curse or malediction often part of ancient Near Eastern treaties to deter betrayal.

• at the hand of David's enemies (מִיַּד אֹיְבֵי דָוִד - miyyad oyebhey David):

  • מִיַּד (miyyad): "From the hand of." The phrase "at the hand of" (יד - yad) is an idiom meaning "by the power of," "from the power of," or "from the control of." In this context, it signifies the source or object of divine retribution. God would take retribution from the enemies, or the requirement would fall upon them.
  • אֹיְבֵי דָוִד (oyebhey David): "Enemies of David." This is not an imprecation against David, but for David against those who would rise against him and his legitimate, divinely appointed rule. It encompasses Saul, the Philistines, and any future adversaries of the nascent Davidic kingdom. Jonathan's loyalty extends to shared animosity towards those who would oppose David's success and secure a future for David's rule without hindrance from personal malice or external threats.

1 Samuel 20 16 Bonus section

This covenant is often seen by scholars as a prophetic acknowledgment of the eventual transfer of kingship from Saul's house to David's. Jonathan's explicit reference to "the house of David" demonstrates a remarkable understanding of God's anointing on David, perceiving that David would establish a lasting dynasty, not merely become a king. The imprecation itself reflects ancient covenant formulary where curses were called upon those who might break the treaty or upon enemies who sought to undermine its terms, ensuring its sanctity and deterring opposition. Jonathan, in effect, pledges loyalty not just to David, but to the Davidic covenant and the future kingdom of God it would embody. This deeply contrasted with his father Saul's rebellion against God's decree, highlighting Jonathan's righteousness and wisdom.

1 Samuel 20 16 Commentary

Jonathan, through this profound act, moved beyond mere friendship to establish a dynastic alliance with David, fully acknowledging God's intention for David's ascent to kingship. This was not a plea for a temporary peace, but a structured and lasting pact for the future stability and safety of David's lineage. His invocation of Yahweh to "require it" from David's enemies was a deeply significant component, aligning their personal agreement with divine judgment. This highlighted Jonathan's selfless nature and his spiritual astuteness; he did not simply step aside, but actively participated in God's plan by seeking the divine protection of the very person destined to replace his own father and ultimately, himself. It set the stage for David's later kindness to Mephibosheth (Jonathan's son), fulfilling the compassionate spirit of this extraordinary covenant, demonstrating the enduring nature of loyalty established under God's watchful eye. This selfless loyalty from Jonathan provided a moral and spiritual cornerstone for David’s subsequent reign.