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Commentary on 1 Samuel 20 verses 9–23
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prayers: "The Lord be with thee, to protect and prosper thee, as he has been formerly with my father, though now he has withdrawn."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.
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SUMMARY
1 Samuel 20:23 encapsulates a solemn and enduring covenant between David and Jonathan, King Saul's son, at a perilous time when David's life was in danger from Saul's escalating jealousy. This verse serves as a powerful affirmation of their deep bond and the detailed plan they had devised for David's safety. By invoking "the LORD" as the eternal witness and guarantor of their agreement, they elevate their human promise to a sacred, divinely sanctioned oath, underscoring the profound trust, loyalty, and selflessness that characterized their friendship and its pivotal role in God's unfolding purposes for David.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is the Covenant Formula, a common structure in ancient Near Eastern treaties and biblical covenants, where parties invoke a deity as a witness and guarantor. This formula elevates the human agreement to a sacred oath, making it inviolable under divine authority. The phrase "the LORD be between thee and me" serves as a powerful instance of Divine Witness, emphasizing God's active presence and oversight in human affairs, particularly in solemn agreements. This also functions as Symbolism, where God's "between-ness" symbolizes His protective presence, His role as a mediator, and His commitment to upholding justice. Furthermore, the declaration "for ever" employs Foreshadowing, hinting at the long-term implications and fulfillment of this covenant, particularly in David's later kindness to Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth, as recorded in 2 Samuel 9. The entire exchange is imbued with Dramatic Irony, as the reader knows David will indeed become king, while Saul's attempts to thwart God's plan are futile, making Jonathan's self-sacrificial loyalty even more poignant.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 20:23 profoundly illustrates the theological concept of God's active involvement in human covenants and His faithfulness to His sovereign plan. The invocation of "the LORD" signifies that this is not merely a human agreement but one sanctioned and overseen by the Almighty. It highlights God's character as a covenant-keeping God, who not only initiates covenants with humanity (e.g., with Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David) but also upholds and enforces those made in His name. This verse underscores that even in the midst of political turmoil and personal danger, God orchestrates events through faithful human relationships to achieve His divine purposes. Jonathan's selfless loyalty, sealed by this divine oath, was instrumental in preserving David's life, thereby securing the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come. It speaks to the enduring power of divinely-ordained relationships and the seriousness with which God regards promises made under His watchful eye, demonstrating His providential care for His anointed ones.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The covenant between David and Jonathan, sealed by the invocation of the LORD, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to consider the depth and integrity of our own relationships, particularly our friendships. Are our bonds characterized by such unwavering loyalty, selflessness, and mutual commitment, even when circumstances are difficult or costly? This verse reminds us that true friendship, especially when rooted in shared faith and a mutual reverence for God, can be a powerful source of strength, protection, and divine provision. Furthermore, it calls us to a higher standard of integrity regarding our promises and oaths. When we make a commitment, particularly one that involves God's name or our Christian witness, it should be upheld with the utmost seriousness, reflecting the faithfulness of God Himself. In a world where promises are often broken and loyalty is fleeting, David and Jonathan's covenant stands as a testament to enduring faithfulness and the powerful impact of relationships that are truly "between" God and us. It encourages us to trust that God can use even the most unexpected human connections to advance His purposes and protect His people, just as He did for David.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What specific "matter" are David and Jonathan referring to in this verse?
Answer: The "matter" refers to the detailed plan they had just discussed in 1 Samuel 20. This included Jonathan's scheme to ascertain King Saul's true intentions towards David by observing Saul's reaction at the new moon feast. Jonathan would then communicate Saul's disposition to David using an archery signal (shooting arrows and having a boy retrieve them, with specific instructions signaling either safety or danger). This elaborate plan was designed to ensure David's safety and determine whether he needed to flee permanently from Saul's murderous pursuit. It was a matter of life and death, underscoring the gravity of their covenant.
What does "the LORD be between thee and me for ever" imply about their covenant?
Answer: This phrase is a solemn oath that invokes God as the ultimate witness, guarantor, and enforcer of their covenant. It implies several things:
How does this covenant relate to God's broader plan for David?
Answer: This covenant is crucial to God's broader plan for David to become king of Israel. King Saul's relentless attempts to kill David posed a direct threat to God's anointing and promise. Jonathan's unwavering loyalty and this specific covenant, sealed by God's name, served as a divine instrument for David's protection and survival. Jonathan, by sacrificing his own claim to the throne and actively aiding David, ensured that God's chosen king would live to fulfill his destiny. This demonstrates God's sovereignty, working through human relationships and loyalty to preserve His anointed one and establish His kingdom, ultimately leading to the lineage of the Messiah, as promised to David in 2 Samuel 7:12-16.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound covenant between David and Jonathan, sealed by the invocation of "the LORD for ever," finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Jonathan's selfless love and sacrificial loyalty, which led him to relinquish his own royal claim and risk his life for David, beautifully foreshadow the unparalleled love of Christ. Just as Jonathan stood "between" David and Saul's wrath, so Jesus stands as the ultimate mediator, the true "LORD between" God and humanity, bridging the chasm of sin and reconciling us to the Father through His atoning sacrifice. He is the faithful friend who lays down His life for His friends, as He Himself declared in John 15:13. The "for ever" aspect of David and Jonathan's covenant points to the eternal nature of the New Covenant established in Christ's blood, a covenant that is not temporary or conditional but everlasting, guaranteeing eternal life and an unbreakable relationship with God for all who believe, as prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34. Jesus, the Son of David, is the true King whose kingdom is "for ever," fulfilling the promises made to David and bringing about an eternal reign of peace and righteousness, as proclaimed in Luke 1:32-33. In Christ, we find the perfect embodiment of covenant faithfulness, divine protection, and enduring love, securing our salvation and future with God for all eternity.