TRV
Translation
King James Version
The LORD do so and much more to Jonathan: but if it please my father to do thee evil, then I will shew it thee, and send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace: and the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father.
KJV (with Strong's)
The LORD H3068 do H6213 so H3541 and much more H3254 to Jonathan H3083: but if it please H3190 my father H1 to do thee evil H7451, then I will shew H1540 H241 it thee, and send thee away H7971, that thou mayest go H1980 in peace H7965: and the LORD H3068 be with thee, as he hath been with my father H1.
Complete Jewish Bible
But if my father intends to do you harm, may ADONAI do as much and more to me if I don't let you know and send you away, so that you can go in peace. And may ADONAI be with you, just as he used to be with my father.
Berean Standard Bible
But if my father intends to bring evil on you, then may the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if I do not tell you and send you on your way in safety. May the LORD be with you, just as He has been with my father.
American Standard Version
Jehovah do so to Jonathan, and more also, should it please my father to do thee evil, if I disclose it not unto thee, and send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace: and Jehovah be with thee, as he hath been with my father.
World English Bible Messianic
The LORD do so to Jonathan, and more also, should it please my father to do you evil, if I don’t disclose it to you, and send you away, that you may go in peace: and the LORD be with you, as he has been with my father.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The Lord doe so and much more vnto Ionathan: but if my father haue minde to doe thee euill, I will shew thee also, and sende thee away, that thou mayest goe in peace: and the Lord be with thee as he hath bene with my father.
Young's Literal Translation
thus doth Jehovah do to Jonathan, and thus doth He add; when the evil concerning thee is good to my father, then I have uncovered thine ear, and sent thee away, and thou hast gone in peace, and Jehovah is with thee, as he was with my father;
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Commentary on 1 Samuel 20 verses 9–23
9 ¶ And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee: for if I knew certainly that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, then would not I tell it thee?
10 Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell me? or what if thy father answer thee roughly?
11 And Jonathan said unto David, Come, and let us go out into the field. And they went out both of them into the field.
12 And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee;
13 The LORD do so and much more to Jonathan: but if it please my father to do thee evil, then I will shew it thee, and send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace: and the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father.
14 And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD, 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, To morrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty.
19 And when thou hast stayed three days, then thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was in hand, and shalt remain by the stone Ezel.
20 And I will shoot three arrows on the side thereof, as though I shot at a mark.
21 And, behold, I will send a lad, saying, Go, find out the arrows. If I expressly say unto the lad, Behold, the arrows are on this side of thee, take them; then come thou: for there is peace to thee, and no hurt; as the LORD liveth.
22 But if I say thus unto the young man, Behold, the arrows are beyond thee; go thy way: for the LORD hath sent thee away.
23 And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD be between thee and me for ever.
Here, I. Jonathan protests his fidelity to David in his distress. Notwithstanding the strong confidence David had in Jonathan, yet, because he might have some reason to fear that his father's influence, and his own interest, should make him warp, or grow cool towards him, Jonathan thought it requisite solemnly to renew the professions of his friendship to him (Sa1 20:9): "Far be it from thee to think that I suspect thee of any crime for which I should either slay thee myself or deliver thee to my father; no, if thou hast any jealousy of that, Come let us go into the field (Sa1 20:11), and talk it over more fully." He did not challenge him to the field to fight him for an affront, but to fix him in his friendship. He faithfully promised him that he would let him know how, upon trial, he found his father affected towards him, and would make the matter neither better nor worse than it was. "If there be good towards thee, I will show it thee, that thou mayest be easy (Sa1 20:12), if evil, I will send thee away, that thou mayest be safe" (Sa1 20:13); and thus he would help to deliver him from the evil if it were real and from the fear of evil if it were but imaginary. For the confirmation of his promise he appeals to God, 1. As a witness (Sa1 20:12): "O Lord God of Israel, thou knowest I mean sincerely, and think as I speak." The strength of his passion made the manner of his speaking concise and abrupt. 2. As a judge: "The Lord do so and much more to Jonathan (Sa1 20:13), if I speak deceitfully, or break my word with my friend." He expressed himself thus solemnly that David might be abundantly assured of his sincerity. And thus God has confirmed his promises to us, that we might have strong consolation, Heb 6:17, Heb 6:18. Jonathan adds to his protestations his hearty prayers: "The Lord be with thee, to protect and prosper thee, as he has been formerly with my father, though now he has withdrawn." Thus he imitates his belief that David would be in his father's place, and his good wishes that he might prosper in it better than his father now did.
II. He provides for the entail of the covenant of friendship with David upon his posterity, Sa1 20:14-16. He engages David to be a friend to his family when he was gone (Sa1 20:15): Thou shalt promise that thou wilt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever. This he spoke from a natural affection he had to his children, whom he desired it might go well with after his decease, and for whose future welfare he desired to improve his present interest. It also intimates his firm belief of David's advancement, and that it would be in the power of his hand to do a kindness or unkindness to his seed; for, in process of time, the Lord would cut off his enemies, Saul himself was not expected; then "Do not thou cut off thy kindness from my house, nor revenge my father's wrongs upon my children." The house of David must likewise be bound to the house of Jonathan from generation to generation; he made a covenant (Sa1 20:16) with the house of David. Note, True friends cannot but covet to transmit to theirs after them their mutual affections. Thy own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not. This kindness, 1. He calls the kindness of the Lord, because it is such kindness as God shows to those he takes into covenant with himself; for he is a God to them and to their seed; they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. 2. He secures it by an imprecation (Sa1 20:16): The Lord require it at the hand of David's seed (for of David himself he had no suspicion) if they prove so far David's enemies as to deal wrongfully with the posterity of Jonathan, David's friend. He feared lest David, or some of his, should hereafter be tempted, for the clearing and confirming of their title to the throne, to do by his seed as Abimelech had done by the sons of Gideon (Jdg 9:5), and this he would effectually prevent; but the reason given (Sa1 20:17) why Jonathan was so earnest to have the friendship entailed is purely generous, and has nothing of self in it; it was because he loved him as he loved his own soul, and therefore desired that he and his might be beloved by him. David, though now in disgrace at court and in distress, was as amiable in the eyes of Jonathan as ever he had been, and he loved him never the less for his father's hating him, so pure were the principles on which his friendship was built. Having himself sworn to David, he caused David to swear to him, and (as we read it) to swear again, which David consented to (for he that bears an honest mind does not startle at assurances), to swear by his love to him, which he looked upon as a sacred thing. Jonathan's heart was so much upon it that, when they parted this time, he concluded with a solemn appeal to God: The Lord be between me and thee for ever (Sa1 20:23), that is, "God himself be judge between us and our families for ever, if on either side this league of friendship be violated." It was in remembrance of this covenant that David was kind to Mephibosheth, Sa2 9:7; Sa2 21:7. It will be a kindness to ourselves and ours to secure an interest in those whom God favours and to make his friends ours.
III. He settles the method of intelligence, and by what signs and tokens he would give him notice how his father stood affected towards him. David would be missed the first day, or at least the second day, of the new moon, and would be enquired after, Sa1 20:18. On the third day, by which time he would have returned from Bethlehem, he must be at such a place (Sa1 20:19), and Jonathan would come towards that place with his bow and arrows to shoot for diversion (Sa1 20:20), would send his lad to fetch his arrows, and, if they were shot short of the lad, David must take it for a signal of safety, and not be afraid to show his head (Sa1 20:21); but, if he shot beyond the lad, it was a signal of danger, and he must shift for his safety, Sa1 20:22. This expedient he fixed lest he should not have the opportunity, which yet it proved he had, of talking with David, and making the report by word of mouth.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 9–23. Public domain.
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Ambrose of MilanAD 397
On the Duties of the Clergy 1.32.167
But good will also goes together with generosity, for generosity really starts from it, seeing that the habit of giving comes after the desire to give. But generosity may be distinguished from good will. For where generosity is lacking, there good may abide—the parent, as it were, of all in common, uniting and binding friendships together. It is faithful in counsel, joyful in times of prosperity, and in times of sorrow sad. So it happens that any one trusts himself to the counsels of a man of good will rather than to those of a wise one, as David did. For he, though he was the more farseeing, agreed to the counsels of Jonathan, who was the younger.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Samuel
Descend therefore quickly, etc. That is, on the day when it was allowed to work up to the Kalends, he would go; so that through the Kalends, on which he said all should be silent, he would sit quietly. Jonathan therefore says to David that the Kalends will be tomorrow, and that he will be sought by Saul until the day after tomorrow. The early Church, having learned from him what to say to him, says to Christ; that the time is at hand when the Sun of righteousness will renew in the light of truth those believing or about to believe from the Jews; and that unbelievers will seek him, and in the rising of the new light, which happens through the hearing of the word, and in the increase of the same light, which happens through the operation of the heard word. For to those listening in the Church, and to those performing the commandments of the Gospel, they contrived deceits, of which the Lord speaks: Let my enemies be confounded and ashamed, who seek my soul (Psalm 35, 36, and 69). Jonathan was advising David to descend quickly, and come to the place where he should be hidden, and that on the day when it was allowed to work; and he should sit next to the stone Ezel, which is interpreted as departing, or going. The elders of the early Church were praying to the Lord that by the grace of his inspiration he would descend quickly into the hearts of the faithful, that is, into the place always receptive to his love, of which it is sung in the Psalms, And his place has been made in peace (Psalm 75). Where he should be hidden by faith from those who, disbelieving in Christian peace, would resist, and being given over to external things, would not deserve to view the mysteries of their Creator. The devout were also praying that he would deign to make his dwelling among those strong in faith, who were ready in spirit either to always advance to virtue or, having been perfected in virtues, to depart to behold the joys of heavenly life. But they desired these things in the light of grace for those present, at a time namely of doing good to all, and of running in the way of light, lest anyone be unknowingly overtaken by exterior darkness. These things also today as then, and as long as today is called today, the desires of the saints wish the Lord Savior to accomplish with insatiable prayers.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Jonathan, King Saul's son, makes a solemn, divinely-invoked oath to David, promising to alert him if Saul intends him harm and to facilitate his safe departure. This declaration underscores Jonathan's unwavering loyalty and deep affection for David, even at the risk of his own life and royal succession, while implicitly acknowledging God's guiding hand over David's destiny, contrasting with Saul's diminishing divine favor.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is a pivotal moment within the elaborate plan Jonathan orchestrates with David to ascertain King Saul's true intentions regarding David's life. The preceding verses 1 Samuel 20:1-12 detail David's desperate plea for help and Jonathan's initial disbelief, followed by their forging of a solemn covenant, witnessed by the Lord. They establish a secret signal system involving arrows to communicate Saul's disposition. Verse 13 represents Jonathan's binding vow within this sacred agreement, where he explicitly pledges to reveal Saul's murderous intent should it exist and to ensure David's safe escape. This vow immediately precedes Jonathan's courageous, yet ultimately futile, attempt to intercede for David with Saul during the New Moon festival, an event that tragically confirms Saul's murderous rage and necessitates David's urgent flight.
Historical & Cultural Context: The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of Israel's nascent monarchy, a period marked by the transition from a decentralized tribal system to a more centralized kingdom under King Saul. Saul, the first king, is increasingly unstable, plagued by an evil spirit, and consumed by intense jealousy over David's popularity and military triumphs, as evidenced in passages like 1 Samuel 18:7-9. In ancient Israel, oaths and covenants were profoundly serious commitments, often invoked with divine imprecations, rendering Jonathan's words in this verse a sacred and binding promise before God. The phrase "go in peace" was a common farewell, but here it carries deeper theological weight, signifying a divinely sanctioned departure, emphasizing safety, well-being, and God's protective presence. The poignant reference to the Lord being with David "as he hath been with my father" is a stark reminder of Saul's initial anointing and divine favor, which had demonstrably departed from him, as narrated in 1 Samuel 16:14.
Key Themes: This passage powerfully illuminates several profound themes central to the book of 1 Samuel. Foremost is the theme of unwavering loyalty and sacrificial friendship, exemplified by Jonathan's extraordinary faithfulness to David, even when it means defying his own father and jeopardizing his royal inheritance. It also underscores divine providence and protection, as Jonathan, with remarkable spiritual insight, acknowledges God's active hand in David's life and implicitly recognizes God's choice of David over Saul. The stark contrast between Saul's declining divine favor and David's rising favor with God, a recurring motif throughout 1 Samuel, is subtly reinforced. Furthermore, Jonathan's willingness to sacrifice his personal ambition for David's well-being highlights the theme of selfless submission to God's sovereign plan, demonstrating a profound spiritual maturity that prioritizes God's will above personal gain.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The passage is rich with Irony, as Jonathan, the rightful heir to the throne of Israel, is actively working to protect and secure the future of David, who is divinely chosen to replace him. This highlights Jonathan's extraordinary selflessness and his profound recognition of God's sovereign plan overriding human ambition. There is also strong Foreshadowing in Jonathan's invocation, "the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father," which subtly predicts David's ascent to the throne and Saul's ultimate downfall, mirroring the departure of God's Spirit from Saul and its powerful presence with David. The entire dialogue functions as a Covenantal Oath, emphasizing the sacred and binding nature of the friendship between David and Jonathan, sealed by divine invocation and carrying profound implications for their future actions and destinies.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jonathan's solemn oath in 1 Samuel 20:13 is a powerful testament to the divine orchestration of events and the profound impact of faithful human relationships within God's sovereign plan. His willingness to defy his father, King Saul, and risk his own life for David's safety demonstrates a profound understanding that God's favor had decisively shifted from Saul to David, and that David's life was precious in God's sight. This act of loyal friendship, sealed with a divine imprecation and a blessing for David's peace, underscores the biblical value of covenant faithfulness and selfless love, even in the face of immense personal cost and the relinquishment of personal ambition. It serves as a compelling model of how individuals can align themselves with God's purposes, even when those purposes run counter to familial loyalty or societal expectations, demonstrating a spiritual maturity that prioritizes God's will above all else.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jonathan's actions in this verse provide a profound challenge and inspiration for our own lives, calling us to a higher standard of commitment and discernment. His unwavering loyalty to David, even when it meant personal danger and defying his own father, compels us to examine the depth of our commitment to those we claim to love and to God's revealed purposes. Are we willing to stand for what is right, to protect the vulnerable, and to act with integrity even when it comes at a significant personal cost or when it requires us to step outside our comfort zones? Jonathan's earnest desire for David to "go in peace" reminds us of the importance of seeking true well-being and security, not just for ourselves, but for others, trusting that God's abiding presence is the ultimate source of that peace. His remarkable recognition of God's hand in David's life, even as God's favor had departed from his own father, compels us to cultivate spiritual discernment and to align our lives with God's unfolding will, rather than clinging to human expectations, earthly power, or personal gain. We are called to be friends who love at all times, demonstrating the selfless love that truly reflects God's character and advances His kingdom.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does Jonathan invoke a curse upon himself ("The LORD do so and much more to Jonathan")?
Answer: This is a common and very serious form of oath-taking in ancient Hebrew culture. By saying "The LORD do so and much more to Jonathan," Jonathan is calling upon God to bring severe, unspecified judgment upon himself if he fails to uphold his promise to David. It underscores the absolute solemnity and binding nature of his vow, demonstrating the depth of his commitment and his recognition that God is the ultimate witness and enforcer of covenants. It's a way of saying, "May God punish me severely if I break my word." This kind of imprecation was not taken lightly and indicated a promise made with the utmost sincerity and seriousness, reflecting the profound weight of the covenant he was making with David.
What is the significance of Jonathan saying "the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father"?
Answer: This phrase carries profound theological weight. Jonathan is not merely offering a polite farewell; he is invoking God's presence and favor upon David. The comparison to Saul ("as he hath been with my father") is a poignant and subtle acknowledgment of the shift in divine favor. God's Spirit had departed from Saul (as noted in 1 Samuel 16:14), and Jonathan, through his deep spiritual insight, recognizes that God's presence is now powerfully with David. This statement subtly affirms David's divine anointing and future kingship, even as Jonathan, the rightful heir, blesses David's journey and acknowledges God's sovereign plan. It's a prayer for David's continued success and divine protection, recognizing that God's presence is the ultimate source of power and authority and that it has been transferred to David.
How do Jonathan's actions in this verse relate to his own position as heir to the throne?
Answer: Jonathan's actions are remarkably selfless and demonstrate a profound spiritual maturity. As King Saul's eldest son, Jonathan was the natural heir to the throne of Israel. However, he consistently recognized God's choice of David as the next king, even before David's anointing was widely known (see 1 Samuel 23:17). In 1 Samuel 20:13, by actively protecting David and facilitating his escape, Jonathan is essentially working against his own dynastic interests. His loyalty to David and to God's plan supersedes his personal ambition or his familial obligation to his father. This highlights his extraordinary character and his willingness to submit to God's sovereign will, even when it meant relinquishing his own claim to power and potentially sacrificing his own life for the one chosen by God.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jonathan's selfless loyalty and sacrificial love for David, powerfully exemplified in 1 Samuel 20:13, profoundly foreshadow the ultimate friendship and covenant faithfulness found in Jesus Christ. Just as Jonathan willingly risked his life and relinquished his claim to the throne for David's well-being and divinely appointed destiny, so too did Christ, the true Son of God and rightful heir to all things, lay down His life for His friends (and indeed, for His enemies). Jesus declares, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends," a truth perfectly embodied by Jonathan's actions and fully realized in Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross. Furthermore, Jonathan's invocation, "the LORD be with thee, as he hath been with my father," points to the ultimate divine presence that is fully manifest in Christ, who is "God with us," Emmanuel. Through Christ, believers are granted eternal peace and the abiding presence of God's Holy Spirit, a peace that surpasses all understanding (as promised in Philippians 4:7). Jonathan's act of sending David away "in peace" anticipates the profound and lasting peace that Christ offers to all who trust in Him, a peace that reconciles humanity to God and secures our eternal safety from all spiritual enemies (see Romans 5:1). He is the faithful friend who never abandons us, ensuring our ultimate going "in peace" into the eternal presence of God.