1 Samuel 20:23

And [as touching] the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD [be] between thee and me for ever.

And as touching the matter {H1697} which thou and I have spoken {H1696} of, behold, the LORD {H3068} be between thee and me for {H5704} ever {H5769}.

As for the matter we discussed earlier, ADONAI is between you and me forever."

And as for the matter you and I have discussed, the LORD is a witness between you and me forever.”

And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, Jehovah is between thee and me for ever.

Commentary

Context

First Samuel 20:23 is a pivotal moment in the profound friendship between David and Jonathan, King Saul's son. David is in grave danger, as King Saul is relentlessly seeking to kill him, fueled by jealousy and paranoia. In this chapter, David and Jonathan are finalizing a solemn covenant, an oath of lifelong loyalty and protection. This specific verse serves as a powerful affirmation of their agreement, invoking God as the eternal witness to their pact. It underscores the depth of their bond and Jonathan's unwavering commitment to David, even at great personal risk and against his own father's will.

The "matter which thou and I have spoken of" refers to their detailed plan for David's escape and future safety, including arrangements for Jonathan to signal David about Saul's intentions. Their initial covenant, highlighting Jonathan's deep affection and commitment to David, is described earlier in the narrative (see 1 Samuel 18:3).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Unwavering Loyalty and Friendship: This verse beautifully illustrates the strength of true friendship, where Jonathan prioritizes his covenant with David over his own royal inheritance and his father's wishes. It's a testament to selfless devotion and a powerful example of biblical friendship.
  • Covenant Before God: By declaring "the LORD be between thee and me for ever," David and Jonathan elevate their agreement to a sacred oath. They acknowledge God as the ultimate guarantor and witness of their covenant, making it binding and eternal in His sight. This highlights the seriousness with which ancient covenants were made.
  • Divine Providence: The invocation of the LORD highlights the belief that God Himself was overseeing and sanctioning their bond, ensuring David's protection and future destiny. This covenant was instrumental in God's plan for David to become king.
  • Enduring Promise: The phrase "for ever" emphasizes the lasting nature of their commitment, which extended beyond their lifetimes to their descendants, as seen in later interactions between David and Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth (see 2 Samuel 9:7).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the LORD be between thee and me for ever" is a solemn declaration, common in ancient Near Eastern covenants. It implies that God is not merely a witness but also the enforcer of the oath. If either party were to break the covenant, they would incur divine judgment. The Hebrew term for "covenant" (berit) signifies a binding agreement, often sealed with an oath and sometimes a sacrifice, establishing a relationship of mutual obligation and commitment that God Himself guarantees.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful lessons for believers today:

  • The Value of Godly Friendships: It encourages us to cultivate deep, loyal friendships that are rooted in mutual respect and unwavering commitment, even in difficult circumstances. Such friendships can be a profound source of strength and support.
  • Seriousness of Oaths and Promises: It reminds us that promises made, especially those invoking God's name, are sacred and should be upheld with integrity. Our word should be trustworthy, reflecting God's faithfulness.
  • Trusting God's Plan: Even when facing persecution or uncertainty, like David, we can trust that God often uses faithful relationships and unexpected circumstances to fulfill His divine purposes and protect His chosen ones. Jonathan's loyalty was a crucial part of God's protective plan for David.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 20:42 (5 votes)

    And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city.

  • 1 Samuel 20:14 (5 votes)

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

  • 1 Samuel 20:15 (5 votes)

    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.

  • Genesis 31:50 (4 votes)

    If thou shalt afflict my daughters, or if thou shalt take [other] wives beside my daughters, no man [is] with us; see, God [is] witness betwixt me and thee.

  • Genesis 16:5 (3 votes)

    And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong [be] upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the LORD judge between me and thee.