They pledged loyalty to each other utterly, because they believed the LORD would preserve their covenant across generations.
Then Jonathan said to David, “Go in safety, inasmuch as we have sworn to each other in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD will be between me and you, and between my descendants and your descendants forever.’” Then he rose and departed, while Jonathan went into the city. (v.42) In this verse, Jonathan—who was the eldest son of King Saul (circa 1050-1010 BC)—bids David farewell under threat of Saul’s hostility. Their pledge in the name of the LORD not only involved a vow of protection but also served as a sacred confirmation that God would safeguard their relationship. Jonathan’s final words capture a mixture of sorrow and hope, since he and David would be separated by the king’s growing animosity—an animosity that would eventually lead to Saul’s downfall (1 Samuel 31:1-5). Jonathan returning to “the city” refers to Gibeah, the seat of Saul’s monarchy located a few miles north of Jerusalem.
This moment follows a series of events where Jonathan protected David from Saul’s attempts on David’s life, displaying unwavering loyalty. Despite being the crown prince, Jonathan recognized that God had anointed David to be the next king (1 Samuel 16:1-13). Instead of clinging to his own claim to Israel’s throne, Jonathan embraced God’s sovereign choice. Over the course of their friendship, David and Jonathan formed a deep covenant before the LORD, reflecting a bond that transcended political rivalry or personal ambition. Both men saw that their unity under God was more important than earthly position, fulfilling the principle of loving one’s neighbor with God at the center.
The words “The LORD will be between me and you” emphasize that their fellowship was anchored in faith. Jonathan’s assurance for David to “go in safety” acknowledged that, though they parted ways, God Himself would be their guardian. David, who would later rule Israel as king (approximately 1010-970 BC), often recalled God’s faithful hand in saving him from harm. Likewise, Jonathan’s trust in the LORD paved the way for David to become a leader after God’s own heart. Even Jonathan’s death in battle would serve to highlight David’s devotion and grief for one who had shown him such steadfast kindness (2 Samuel 1:17, 26).
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1 Samuel 20:42 meaning
Then Jonathan said to David, “Go in safety, inasmuch as we have sworn to each other in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD will be between me and you, and between my descendants and your descendants forever.’” Then he rose and departed, while Jonathan went into the city. (v.42) In this verse, Jonathan—who was the eldest son of King Saul (circa 1050-1010 BC)—bids David farewell under threat of Saul’s hostility. Their pledge in the name of the LORD not only involved a vow of protection but also served as a sacred confirmation that God would safeguard their relationship. Jonathan’s final words capture a mixture of sorrow and hope, since he and David would be separated by the king’s growing animosity—an animosity that would eventually lead to Saul’s downfall (1 Samuel 31:1-5). Jonathan returning to “the city” refers to Gibeah, the seat of Saul’s monarchy located a few miles north of Jerusalem.
This moment follows a series of events where Jonathan protected David from Saul’s attempts on David’s life, displaying unwavering loyalty. Despite being the crown prince, Jonathan recognized that God had anointed David to be the next king (1 Samuel 16:1-13). Instead of clinging to his own claim to Israel’s throne, Jonathan embraced God’s sovereign choice. Over the course of their friendship, David and Jonathan formed a deep covenant before the LORD, reflecting a bond that transcended political rivalry or personal ambition. Both men saw that their unity under God was more important than earthly position, fulfilling the principle of loving one’s neighbor with God at the center.
The words “The LORD will be between me and you” emphasize that their fellowship was anchored in faith. Jonathan’s assurance for David to “go in safety” acknowledged that, though they parted ways, God Himself would be their guardian. David, who would later rule Israel as king (approximately 1010-970 BC), often recalled God’s faithful hand in saving him from harm. Likewise, Jonathan’s trust in the LORD paved the way for David to become a leader after God’s own heart. Even Jonathan’s death in battle would serve to highlight David’s devotion and grief for one who had shown him such steadfast kindness (2 Samuel 1:17, 26).