1 Samuel 20:23

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** 1 Samuel 20 finds David in dire straits, with King Saul's irrational jealousy escalating to murderous intent. This chapter details a clandestine meeting between David and Jonathan, where they formulate a plan to ascertain Saul's true intentions towards David. Jonathan, despite being Saul's heir, demonstrates unwavering loyalty to David, recognizing God's hand on David's life and future kingship. The "matter which thou and I have spoken of" refers to the elaborate signal system Jonathan will use to communicate Saul's disposition to David (whether he is safe to return or must flee permanently). This verse, 1 Samuel 20:23, concludes their specific discussion, solidifying their agreement with a divine oath, building upon the initial covenant of friendship established earlier in [1 Samuel 18:3](/1_samuel/18-3 "The Covenant Between David and Jonathan"). The preceding verses detail the practical aspects of their plan, while this verse provides the spiritual and eternal foundation for their pact.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Covenants were foundational to ancient Near Eastern societies, serving as binding agreements between individuals, tribes, or nations, often sealed with solemn oaths, sacrifices, and rituals. They established relationships of mutual obligation and protection. When God's name was invoked, as in this verse, it transformed a human agreement into a sacred oath, implying that God Himself was not merely a witness but also the ultimate guarantor and enforcer of the terms. To break such a covenant was to invite divine judgment. The phrase "the LORD be between thee and me" is a common covenant formula, signifying God's presence as an ever-watchful mediator and protector of the agreement. This covenant between David and Jonathan transcended typical royal succession norms, as Jonathan willingly relinquished his claim to the throne in favor of David, a remarkable act of selfless devotion rooted in his recognition of God's anointing on David, as seen in [1 Samuel 23:17](/1_samuel/23-17 "Jonathan's Recognition of David's Kingship").
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **unwavering loyalty and sacrificial friendship**, exemplified by Jonathan's profound commitment to David, even at the cost of his own inheritance and against his father's will. This friendship becomes a model of selfless love and devotion, echoing the biblical call to love one's neighbor as oneself, as seen in [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Love Your Neighbor as Yourself"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **sacred nature of covenants made before God**. By invoking the LORD, David and Jonathan elevate their agreement, recognizing God's sovereignty over human affairs and His role in upholding justice and faithfulness. This underscores the seriousness with which God views promises and oaths, a principle consistently taught in scripture, such as in [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Keeping a Vow to the LORD"). Finally, the verse speaks to **divine providence and God's faithfulness to His chosen ones**. Jonathan's covenant with David was not merely a human arrangement but an instrument in God's overarching plan to establish David as king, ensuring his protection and future dynasty. The enduring nature of their promise, "for ever," foreshadows David's later kindness to Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth, fulfilling the covenant's generational aspect, as recorded in [2 Samuel 9:7](/2_samuel/9-7 "David's Kindness to Mephibosheth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Matter (Hebrew, דָּבָר, _dâbâr'_):** This word is rich in meaning, encompassing "word," "thing," "affair," "business," or "plan." Here, it specifically refers to the detailed agreement and strategic plan David and Jonathan had just discussed for David's safety and future. It implies not just a vague idea but a concrete, actionable arrangement, emphasizing the specificity and seriousness of their pact.
* **LORD (Hebrew, יְהוָה, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often translated as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah." Its use here is highly significant, indicating that the covenant is not merely a human agreement but one made in the presence and under the authority of the sovereign God of Israel. It invokes His character as faithful, just, and omniscient, implying that He is the ultimate guarantor and witness to their oath, ensuring its perpetual validity.
* **Ever (Hebrew, עוֹלָם, _ʻôwlâm'_):** This word denotes perpetuity, eternity, or for all time. In the context of a covenant, it signifies an enduring commitment that extends beyond the immediate circumstances and even beyond the lifetimes of the individuals involved, often encompassing their descendants. It highlights the lasting nature of the bond between David and Jonathan, which indeed bore fruit in David's later kindness to Mephibosheth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And [as touching] the matter which thou and I have spoken of":** This clause refers to the specific, detailed plan and covenant that David and Jonathan have just concluded. It encompasses the arrangements for Jonathan to ascertain Saul's intentions and signal David, as well as the broader commitment to lifelong loyalty and protection between their families. The phrasing emphasizes that this is not a casual agreement but a well-considered and explicit understanding, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the depth of their strategic planning.
* **"behold, the LORD [be] between thee and me":** This is the solemn invocation of God as the ultimate witness and guarantor of their covenant. "Behold" draws attention to the profound significance of this declaration. By placing the LORD "between" them, they acknowledge His omnipresence and His role as the divine overseer who will ensure the covenant's fulfillment and hold both parties accountable. It elevates their human promise to a sacred oath, making it divinely binding and invoking divine oversight and protection over their agreement.
* **"for ever":** This final phrase underscores the perpetual and enduring nature of their covenant. It signifies that their agreement is not temporary or contingent upon circumstances but is intended to last indefinitely, extending through generations. This eternal dimension highlights the depth of their commitment and the belief that God's involvement ensures the lasting validity of their sacred pact, promising a legacy of faithfulness and mutual care.

#### 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](/2_samuel/9 "David and Mephibosheth"). 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.

* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "God's Covenant with Abraham")
* [Deuteronomy 29:12](/deuteronomy/29-12 "Entering into Covenant with the LORD")
* [Psalm 89:3-4](/psalms/89-3 "God's Covenant with David")

### 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
* **How does the example of David and Jonathan's friendship challenge your understanding of loyalty and self-sacrifice in relationships?**
* **In what ways do you invoke God's presence or blessing in your commitments and promises, and how does that influence your integrity?**
* **Can you identify a time when God used an unexpected relationship to protect or guide you in His plan?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate more godly and enduring friendships in your life?**

### 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](/1_samuel/20 "Jonathan's Loyalty to David"). 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:
1. **Divine Witness:** God is omnipresent and sees their agreement, making it sacred in His eyes.
2. **Divine Guarantor:** God Himself will ensure the covenant's terms are upheld. If either party breaks the agreement, they would incur divine judgment.
3. **Divine Protection:** God's presence "between" them serves as a protective barrier, safeguarding the covenant and those within it.
4. **Perpetuity:** The phrase "for ever" signifies that this covenant is not temporary but enduring, extending beyond their lifetimes to their descendants, as later seen in David's kindness to Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth, in [2 Samuel 9:1-7](/2_samuel/9-1-7 "David's Kindness to Mephibosheth"). It elevates their human promise to an eternal, divinely sanctioned bond.

**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](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "God's Covenant with David").

### 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](/john/15-13 "Greater Love Has No One Than This"). 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](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "The New Covenant"). 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](/luke/1-32-33 "The Kingdom of Jesus"). 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.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 20:42

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

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

1 Samuel 20:15

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.

Genesis 31:50

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

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.