What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 20:23? And as for the matter you and I have discussed 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 reflects Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loves at all times,” and Ecclesiastes 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. the LORD is a witness 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, echoing Jeremiah 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. between you and me forever 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. summary 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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