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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּכְרֹ֥ת
made
H3772
וַיִּכְרֹ֥ת
made
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
1 of 10
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
3 of 10
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
בֵּ֣ית
a covenant with the house
H1004
בֵּ֣ית
a covenant with the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
4 of 10
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
וּבִקֵּ֣שׁ
even require
H1245
וּבִקֵּ֣שׁ
even require
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
6 of 10
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
יְהוָ֔ה
saying Let the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
saying Let the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
Covenants between houses established binding obligations across generations. Jonathan's use of dynastic language ('house of David') acknowledged David's future royal succession. The invocation of divine judgment against covenant-breakers provided supernatural enforcement.
Questions for Reflection
- When has submitting to God's purposes required setting aside personal ambitions?
- How does Jonathan's covenant with David's house model acceptance of God's surprising choices?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David's enemies.
Jonathan's covenant with 'the house of David' extended beyond personal friendship to dynastic commitment. The phrase 'Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David's enemies' invokes divine enforcement against covenant violators. Remarkably, the heir to Saul's throne formally covenanted with the house that would replace his own family. Jonathan subordinated family dynasty to God's revealed purposes. Such submission to divine sovereignty over personal ambition represents the highest form of faith - accepting God's choices even when they cost everything.