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1 Samuel 20:14,15
And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not: …

the Lord

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.

Genesis 16:5
And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrongbe 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.

Genesis 31:50
If thou shalt afflict my daughters, or if thou shalt takeother wives beside my daughters, no manis with us; see, Godis witness betwixt me and thee.

the LORD is a witness
Invoking the LORD as a witness underscores the solemnity and sacredness of their agreement. In ancient Israel, invoking God as a witness was a way to ensure truthfulness and accountability, as God was seen as the ultimate judge and overseer of human actions. This reflects the deep faith and reliance on God that both David and Jonathan shared, and it emphasizes the spiritual dimension of their covenant.

between you and me
The personal nature of this covenant is highlighted here. It is not just a political alliance but a personal commitment between two individuals. This reflects the biblical theme of covenant relationships, which are central to the narrative of the Bible, from God's covenants with Noah, Abraham, and Moses, to the New Covenant through Jesus Christ.

forever
The use of "forever" indicates the enduring nature of their covenant, suggesting that it transcends their immediate circumstances and has lasting implications. This can be seen as a type of the eternal covenant God makes with His people, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The eternal aspect of their agreement also foreshadows the enduring legacy of David's line, which is ultimately fulfilled in the Messiah.

Jonathan is reminding David of the secret plan they have just set in place. Earlier in the chapter Jonathan said, “Tomorrow is the New Moon feast” (1 Samuel 20:18) and laid out the signal of the arrows so David would know Saul’s intent.

• The “matter” includes both the plan for testing Saul’s heart (20:19-22) and the covenant promise Jonathan requested in verse 15.

• Their conversation rests on an already existing bond: “Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself” (18:3).

• Friendship that centers on holy commitments reflectsProverbs 17:17, “A friend loves at all times,” andEcclesiastes 4:9-10, which celebrates two standing together.

Jonathan’s phrase pulls all of that into one bundle: the strategy, the vow, the promise of loyal love.

By invoking the Lord, Jonathan moves their agreement from a private arrangement to a sacred covenant.

• Scripture often frames solemn promises this way—“May the LORD keep watch between you and me” (Genesis 31:49), “The LORD do so to me and more also” (Ruth 1:17).

• Calling God as witness means absolute transparency; “Nothing in creation is hidden from His sight” (Hebrews 4:13).

• It also signals accountability: “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’” (Matthew 5:37).

• The Lord’s presence guarantees protection for the innocent and judgment for the false, echoingJeremiah 29:23 where He says, “I know and am a witness.”

Jonathan’s words assure David that even if circumstances separate them, God Himself stands guard over their covenant.

The pledge is not temporary.

• “Forever” stretches beyond their lifetimes; its fruit shows up years later when David seeks out Jonathan’s son and says, “Is there anyone left…to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (2 Samuel 9:1).

• David’s later protection of Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 21:7) proves the enduring reach of the vow.

• “He who swears to his own hurt and does not change” (Psalm 15:4) describes the steadfast character inspired by such a promise.

•Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 warns not to delay in fulfilling vows; David and Jonathan model the opposite.

Their forever covenant urges us to honor our commitments—marriage, church membership, spoken promises—with the same lifelong seriousness.

1 Samuel 20:23 captures the heart of Jonathan and David’s covenant in three phrases: the specific matter they planned, the divine witness guaranteeing its truth, and the perpetual bond that would outlast them both. The verse calls believers to make promises carefully, invite God’s oversight openly, and keep those promises faithfully for life.

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