1 Samuel 23:18

18 The two of them made a covenant before the LORD. Then Jonathan went home, but David remained at Horesh.

1 Samuel 23:18 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
18 And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.
English Standard Version (ESV)
18 And the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. David remained at Horesh, and Jonathan went home.
New Living Translation (NLT)
18 So the two of them renewed their solemn pact before the LORD . Then Jonathan returned home, while David stayed at Horesh.
The Message Bible (MSG)
18 Then the two of them made a covenant before God. David stayed at Horesh and Jonathan went home.
American Standard Version (ASV)
18 And they two made a covenant before Jehovah: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
18 Both of them made a pledge in the LORD's presence. David stayed in Horesh, and Jonathan went home.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
18 Then the two of them made a covenant in the Lord's presence. Afterwards, David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
18 The two of them made a covenant in the sight of the Lord. Then Jonathan went home. But David remained at Horesh.

1 Samuel 23:18 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 23:18

And they two made a covenant before the Lord
Renewed the covenant they had before made in the name and fear of God, and before him as a witness of it. Kimchi and Abarbinel interpret this phrase,

before the Lord,
of the covenant being made before Abiathar, with the Urim and Thummim in his hand; and so Jerom F16, before Gad the prophet, and Abiathar who wore the ephod:

and David abode in the wood;
being a proper place for him for secrecy and safety:

and Jonathan went to his house;
in Gibeah; and these two dear and cordial friends never saw one another more, as is highly probable.


FOOTNOTES:

F16 Trad. Heb. in lib. Reg. fol. 76. K.

1 Samuel 23:18 In-Context

16 And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God.
17 “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.”
18 The two of them made a covenant before the LORD. Then Jonathan went home, but David remained at Horesh.
19 The Ziphites went up to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hakilah, south of Jeshimon?
20 Now, Your Majesty, come down whenever it pleases you to do so, and we will be responsible for giving him into your hands.”

Cross References 1

  • 1. S 1 Samuel 18:3; 1 Samuel 20:16,42; 2 Samuel 9:1; 2 Samuel 21:7
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