1 Samuel 20:16

So Jonathan made [a covenant] with the house of David, [saying], Let the LORD even require [it] at the hand of David's enemies.

So Jonathan {H3083} made {H3772} a covenant with the house {H1004} of David {H1732}, saying, Let the LORD {H3068} even require {H1245} it at the hand {H3027} of David's {H1732} enemies {H341}.

Thus Y'honatan made a covenant with the family of David, adding, "May ADONAI seek its fulfillment even through David's enemies."

So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD hold David’s enemies accountable.”

So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, And Jehovah will require it at the hand of David’s enemies.

Commentary

1 Samuel 20:16 captures a pivotal moment in the deep bond between Jonathan, son of King Saul, and David, the future king of Israel. This verse records Jonathan initiating a solemn covenant, or binding agreement, with David's household, acknowledging David's destiny and seeking protection for his own descendants.

Context

This verse is part of a larger, emotional dialogue between Jonathan and David, as detailed throughout 1 Samuel 20. King Saul, consumed by jealousy, was actively seeking to kill David, despite David's valiant service and Jonathan's earnest pleas on his behalf. Jonathan, recognizing God's hand on David and the inevitability of his kingship, makes a profound act of loyalty and selflessness. He understands that David will eventually rule, and he secures a promise from David to show kindness to his family, especially after Saul's demise. The phrase "Let the LORD even require [it] at the hand of David's enemies" serves as a powerful imprecation, calling upon God to hold accountable anyone who would violate this covenant or harm David's lineage or future reign. This covenant sets the stage for David's later kindness to Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth, as recorded in 2 Samuel 9.

Key Themes

  • Covenant and Oath: The term "covenant" (Hebrew: berit) signifies a solemn, binding agreement, often invoked with God as a witness. Jonathan's covenant with the "house of David" extends the promise beyond David personally to his future dynasty, reflecting a deep spiritual understanding of God's plan.
  • Unwavering Loyalty and Friendship: Jonathan's actions demonstrate extraordinary loyalty to David, even at the cost of his own potential claim to the throne. This friendship is one of the most celebrated in the Bible, characterized by mutual respect and self-sacrifice. You can read about the beginning of their remarkable bond in 1 Samuel 18:1.
  • Divine Justice and Vindication: Jonathan's prayer, "Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David's enemies," is a call for divine judgment against those who would oppose David or break the sacred covenant. It expresses faith that God will uphold justice and protect His anointed.
  • Selflessness and Humility: Jonathan exemplifies humility by accepting God's choice of David as king, even though it meant relinquishing his own birthright. His concern was for David's future and the well-being of his own family under David's reign.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "covenant," berit (בְּרִית), is central to understanding this verse. It refers to a formal agreement or treaty, often made with solemn vows and ritual. When God is invoked, as He is here ("Let the LORD even require it"), it elevates the covenant to a sacred level, implying divine oversight and consequences for breaking it. The phrase "require it" carries the weight of accountability and divine retribution.

Practical Application

Jonathan's covenant with David offers powerful lessons for us today:

  • The Value of True Friendship: This passage highlights the importance of loyal, selfless friendships that prioritize the well-being of others, even above personal gain.
  • Honoring Commitments: The sacred nature of Jonathan's covenant reminds us of the importance of keeping our promises and honoring our word.
  • Trusting God's Plan: Jonathan's acceptance of David's future kingship, despite his own lineage, reflects a deep trust in God's sovereign plan. We too are called to trust God's purposes, even when they differ from our own expectations.
  • Seeking Divine Justice: While we do not call down curses on others, the verse reflects a belief in God's ultimate justice and His protection over those who walk in His ways. God is faithful to uphold His own covenants and principles (Deuteronomy 7:9).
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 25:22 (5 votes)

    So and more also do God unto the enemies of David, if I leave of all that [pertain] to him by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall.

  • 1 Samuel 18:3 (3 votes)

    Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.

  • 1 Samuel 31:2 (2 votes)

    And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul and upon his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, Saul's sons.

  • 2 Samuel 4:7 (2 votes)

    For when they came into the house, he lay on his bed in his bedchamber, and they smote him, and slew him, and beheaded him, and took his head, and gat them away through the plain all night.

  • 2 Samuel 4:8 (2 votes)

    And they brought the head of Ishbosheth unto David to Hebron, and said to the king, Behold the head of Ishbosheth the son of Saul thine enemy, which sought thy life; and the LORD hath avenged my lord the king this day of Saul, and of his seed.

  • 2 Samuel 21:8 (2 votes)

    But the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bare unto Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite:

  • Genesis 15:18 (2 votes)

    In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates: