1 Samuel 20:42

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jonathan {H3083} said {H559} to David {H1732}, Go {H3212} in peace {H7965}, forasmuch as we have sworn {H7650} both {H8147} of us in the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068}, saying {H559}, The LORD {H3068} be between me and thee, and between my seed {H2233} and thy seed {H2233} for {H5704} ever {H5769}. And he arose {H6965} and departed {H3212}: and Jonathan {H3083} went {H935} into the city {H5892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'honatan said to David, "Go in peace; because we have sworn, both of us, in the name of ADONAI, that ADONAI will be between me and you, and between my descendants and yours, forever."

Berean Standard Bible

And Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be a witness between you and me, and between your descendants and mine forever.’” Then David got up and departed, and Jonathan went back into the city.

American Standard Version

And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of Jehovah, saying, Jehovah shall 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This poignant verse captures the final, deeply emotional farewell between David and Jonathan, sealing their unbreakable covenant. Jonathan, despite being the rightful heir, reaffirms his solemn oath to David, invoking the Lord as the perpetual witness and guarantor of their bond, which extends to their descendants. David departs into a life of fugitive exile, while Jonathan returns to the city, marking the end of their direct fellowship and the beginning of a new, challenging chapter for both, all under the sovereign hand of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of a tense and tragic narrative arc in [1 Samuel](/1-samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel"), detailing King Saul's escalating paranoia and murderous jealousy towards David. Following David's victories and growing popularity, Saul repeatedly attempts to kill him. Jonathan, Saul's son and David's closest friend, has consistently interceded for David, often at great personal risk, as seen in [1 Samuel 19:1-7](/1-samuel/19-1-7 "1 Samuel 19:1-7 - Jonathan Intercedes for David"). In [1 Samuel 20](/1-samuel/20 "1 Samuel 20 - Jonathan's Loyalty and Saul's Rage"), Jonathan devises a clever plan to ascertain his father's true intentions towards David. Through a series of pre-arranged signals, Jonathan confirms Saul's unyielding hatred and murderous intent, realizing that David's life is no longer safe in the kingdom. This farewell, therefore, is not merely a parting but a forced separation driven by Saul's unrighteous rage, signifying the painful end of their direct companionship and the beginning of David's long, arduous period as a fugitive, which would ultimately prepare him for kingship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Covenants in ancient Israel were profoundly significant, serving as binding agreements between individuals, tribes, or even between God and humanity. Swearing "in the name of the LORD" (Yahweh) elevated the agreement to a sacred oath, invoking God as the ultimate witness and enforcer. Such oaths were considered inviolable, carrying severe consequences for breach. The concept of "seed" (descendants) was crucial in Hebrew culture, as lineage determined inheritance, status, and the continuation of family identity. For Jonathan to extend the covenant to "my seed and thy seed for ever" demonstrates an extraordinary commitment, acknowledging God's anointing on David and willingly relinquishing his own dynastic claim in favor of David's future. This act was counter-cultural to typical royal succession, highlighting Jonathan's unique faith and loyalty. The political climate was one of instability, with Saul's reign increasingly marked by erratic behavior and divine disfavor, setting the stage for David's eventual rise to the throne.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes present in [1 Samuel](/1-samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, **Unbreakable Covenant Loyalty** is central, highlighting the profound bond between David and Jonathan, which transcends political ambition and familial duty. Their covenant, first established in [1 Samuel 18:3](/1-samuel/18-3 "1 Samuel 18:3 - David and Jonathan's Initial Covenant"), is reaffirmed here as a divinely sanctioned oath. Secondly, **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Adversity** is underscored by the invocation "The LORD be between me and thee." Despite the tragic circumstances of their separation and Saul's relentless pursuit, this phrase affirms God's active role in overseeing and protecting their covenant, ensuring the ultimate fulfillment of His promises concerning David's future as king. It demonstrates God's ability to work His will even through human conflict and suffering. Thirdly, **Sacrificial Friendship** is exemplified by Jonathan's actions. He consistently prioritizes David's safety and God's plan over his own personal ambition or filial duty to Saul, culminating in this painful farewell where he willingly lets David go, knowing it means permanent separation. This selfless act profoundly illustrates the depth of true, loyal, and sacrificial love.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** This word, often translated as "peace," encompasses far more than the absence of conflict. It denotes a holistic state of completeness, wholeness, well-being, prosperity, security, and harmony. When Jonathan tells David to "Go in peace," he is not merely wishing him a calm departure but invoking a comprehensive blessing for his entire being and future, trusting in God's providential care to grant him this profound peace despite the imminent dangers and uncertainties of his exile.
* **Sworn (Hebrew, _shâbaʻ'_):** This primitive root means "to seven oneself," implying a solemn declaration made as if repeated seven times, signifying completeness and inviolability. To swear "in the name of the LORD" elevates the oath to the highest possible degree of seriousness, invoking God Himself as the witness, guarantor, and enforcer of the covenant. This act made the agreement between David and Jonathan sacred and enduring, implying that any breach would be an offense against God Himself.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, self-revealed name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "Yahweh," signifying "the Self-Existent One" or "the Eternal." Jonathan's repeated invocation of "the LORD" underscores the divine authority and permanence of their covenant. By placing their oath and their future relationship under the name of Yahweh, they acknowledge His sovereign power to uphold their bond and fulfill His purposes, even when human circumstances seem to conspire against them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace":** This opening establishes the deeply personal and emotional nature of the farewell. Jonathan's words are not just a command but a heartfelt blessing, conveying his profound love and concern for David's holistic well-being as he embarks on a dangerous, uncertain journey. It's a wish for comprehensive peace, despite the turmoil.
* **"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":** This is the theological and covenantal core of the verse, providing the foundation for Jonathan's blessing and David's departure. The peace David is to experience is rooted not in immediate circumstances but in the inviolable, divinely witnessed oath. The covenant's extension to "my seed and thy seed for ever" highlights its enduring, generational nature, demonstrating Jonathan's unwavering faith in God's plan for David's lineage, even if it meant sacrificing his own claim to the throne. The phrase "The LORD be between me and thee" is an invocation of God's perpetual presence and oversight, not as a barrier, but as the enduring bond.
* **"And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city":** This final clause describes the physical separation, starkly contrasting David's departure into the wilderness as a fugitive with Jonathan's return to the city, to the very court where his father sought David's life. It marks the definitive end of their direct fellowship, a poignant moment of sacrifice and obedience to God's unfolding plan, highlighting the painful reality of their divinely ordained divergence.

#### Literary Devices
The passage is rich with literary techniques that amplify its emotional and theological weight. **Pathos** is palpable, evoking deep sympathy for both David and Jonathan as their profound friendship is tragically severed by Saul's madness. The scene is imbued with a sense of **irony**, as Jonathan, the rightful heir to the throne, willingly blesses and sends off David, the one destined to take his place, demonstrating a loyalty that transcends personal ambition and familial duty. This also serves as **foreshadowing**, as the covenant's extension to "seed" anticipates David's later kindness to Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth, in [2 Samuel 9](/2-samuel/9 "2 Samuel 9 - David's Kindness to Mephibosheth"), fulfilling the oath. The formal language of the oath, "sworn... in the name of the LORD," employs **covenant language**, underscoring the sacred and binding nature of their agreement, which is under divine guardianship. The phrase "The LORD be between me and thee" is a powerful **invocation**, calling upon God to be the ever-present witness and enforcer of their sacred bond.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The covenant between David and Jonathan, sealed in the name of the Lord and extending to their descendants, offers a profound theological insight into the nature of divine faithfulness and human commitment. It demonstrates that true relationships, grounded in God, can endure even the most trying circumstances and painful separations. Jonathan's selfless act of acknowledging God's chosen king, even at the cost of his own future, mirrors a deeper biblical truth: God's sovereign plan will always prevail, often through the unexpected and sacrificial obedience of His people. This covenant, under God's watchful eye, foreshadows the ultimate, everlasting covenant that God establishes with humanity, a testament to His unwavering commitment to His promises, even when human circumstances seem to contradict them. It reminds us that our peace is found not in the absence of trouble, but in the unwavering presence and promises of God.

* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham")
* [Psalm 89:3-4](/psalm/89-3-4 "Psalm 89:3-4 - God's Covenant with David")
* [Proverbs 18:24](/proverbs/18-24 "Proverbs 18:24 - A Friend Who Sticks Closer Than a Brother")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The poignant farewell between David and Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:42 offers timeless lessons for our lives today, particularly concerning the nature of true commitment, trust in divine sovereignty, and the power of sacrificial love. In a world often marked by fleeting relationships and self-interest, the covenant between David and Jonathan stands as a powerful testament to the value of deep, committed bonds, especially those forged and sustained "in the name of the LORD." It challenges us to consider the depth of our own loyalty—not just to friends, but to God's calling and His people. David's departure "in peace," despite facing an uncertain and perilous future, reminds us that true peace is not contingent on favorable circumstances but on trusting in God's unchanging promises and His sovereign plan. Even when life demands painful goodbyes or calls us into periods of uncertainty, we can find our anchor in God's faithfulness. This narrative encourages us to prioritize God's will above personal ambition and to leave a legacy of faithfulness that extends beyond our own lifetime, impacting future generations for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I cultivate relationships marked by the kind of covenant loyalty and sacrificial love exemplified by David and Jonathan?**
* **In what areas of my life am I called to trust God's sovereign plan, even when it involves painful goodbyes, uncertainty, or personal sacrifice?**
* **What does it truly mean to invoke "the name of the LORD" in my commitments, promises, and relationships today, and how does that impact my integrity?**

### FAQ
**Was this the last time David and Jonathan saw each other?**

Answer: Yes, this was indeed the final direct encounter between David and Jonathan recorded in Scripture. Their paths diverged permanently after this farewell. Jonathan later died in battle alongside his father, King Saul, on Mount Gilboa, as recounted in [1 Samuel 31:2](/1-samuel/31-2 "1 Samuel 31:2 - Jonathan's Death").

**How did David honor his covenant with Jonathan after becoming king?**

Answer: David faithfully honored his covenant with Jonathan, even years after Jonathan's death. Upon becoming king, David sought out any surviving members of Saul's house to show them kindness for Jonathan's sake. He found Mephibosheth, Jonathan's crippled son, and brought him to live in his palace, restoring all the land of Saul's house to him and ensuring he always ate at the king's table, as detailed in [2 Samuel 9:1-13](/2-samuel/9-1-13 "2 Samuel 9:1-13 - David's Kindness to Mephibosheth"). This act demonstrated David's unwavering faithfulness to his solemn oath made "in the name of the LORD."

**What does "The LORD be between me and thee" mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful invocation of God as the perpetual witness, guardian, and enforcer of their sacred covenant. It does not imply a barrier or separation between them, but rather signifies God's active presence in upholding their solemn oath, ensuring its enduring nature even in their physical absence from each other. It is a declaration that God Himself is the bond that will forever connect them and their descendants, guaranteeing the covenant's fulfillment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound covenant between David and Jonathan, marked by sacrificial love and an oath sworn "in the name of the LORD," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jonathan, the rightful heir to Israel's throne, willingly steps aside and blesses David, the divinely chosen king, embodying a self-emptying love that profoundly foreshadows Christ. Jesus, though eternally God and rightful King of all creation, "did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he emptied himself" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility")). He laid down His life for His friends, demonstrating a love "greater than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends" ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")), far surpassing Jonathan's noble sacrifice. The covenant "in the name of the LORD" points to the New Covenant established in Christ's blood, an everlasting covenant that promises eternal peace and reconciliation with God ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in My Blood"); [Hebrews 13:20](/hebrews/13-20 "Hebrews 13:20 - The God of Peace and the Everlasting Covenant")). David's departure "in peace" despite uncertainty foreshadows the peace that Christ offers to His followers—a peace that the world cannot give, guarding hearts and minds in Him ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Christ's Gift of Peace"); [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). Ultimately, the faithfulness of God to the covenant between David and Jonathan, extending to their seed, finds its most glorious expression in the eternal reign of Christ, the Son of David, whose kingdom will have no end.

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 1:17

Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant [thee] thy petition that thou hast asked of him.

1 Samuel 23:18

And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.

1 Samuel 20:22

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.

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.

Luke 7:50

And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

Numbers 6:26

The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

Acts 16:36

And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.