1 Samuel 20:16

¹⁶ So Jonathan made [1] a covenant with the house of David, saying, Let the Lord even require it at the hand of David's enemies.

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Other Translations of 1 Samuel 20:16

New International Version

¹⁶ So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, "May the Lord call David's enemies to account."

English Standard Version

¹⁶ And Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, "MaySeptuagint earth, 16let not the name of Jonathan be cut off from the house of David. And may the Lord take vengeance on David's enemies."

The Message

¹⁶

New King James Version

¹⁶ So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, "Let the Lord require it at the hand of David's enemies."

New Living Translation

¹⁶ So Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, saying, "May the Lord destroy all your enemies!"

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:16

Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:11-23

(Read 1 Samuel 20:11-23)

Jonathan faithfully promises that he would let David know how he found his father affected towards him. It will be kindness to ourselves and to ours, to secure an interest in those whom God favours, and to make his friends ours. True friendship rests on a firm basis, and is able to silence ambition, self-love, and undue regard for others. But who can fully understand the love of Jesus, who gave himself as a sacrifice for rebellious, polluted sinners! how great then ought to be the force and effects of our love to him, to his cause, and his people!