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If he is favorable toward you, will I not send for you and tell you?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/20-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/09_1Sa_20_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 20:12 - Jonathan and David Renew Their Covenant" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="and Jonathan said, By the LORD, the God of Israel, I will sound out my father by this time tomorrow or the next day. 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If he is favorably disposed toward you, will I not send you word and let you know? <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/20.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then Jonathan told David, “I promise by the LORD, the God of Israel, that by this time tomorrow, or the next day at the latest, I will talk to my father and let you know at once how he feels about you. If he speaks favorably about you, I will let you know. <a href="/esv/1_samuel/20.htm">English Standard Version</a> And Jonathan said to David, “The LORD, the God of Israel, be witness! When I have sounded out my father, about this time tomorrow, or the third day, behold, if he is well disposed toward David, shall I not then send and disclose it to you? <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> and Jonathan said, “By the LORD, the God of Israel, I will sound out my father by this time tomorrow or the next day. If he is favorable toward you, will I not send for you and tell you? <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/20.htm">King James Bible</a> And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee; <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/20.htm">New King James Version</a> Then Jonathan said to David: “The LORD God of Israel is witness! When I have sounded out my father sometime tomorrow, or the third day, and indeed there is good toward David, and I do not send to you and tell you, <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then Jonathan said to David, “The LORD, the God of Israel, is my witness! When I have sounded out my father about this time tomorrow or the third day, behold, if he has a good feeling toward you, shall I not then send word to you and inform you? <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then Jonathan said to David, &#8220The LORD, the God of Israel, be witness! When I have sounded out my father about this time tomorrow, or the third day, behold, if there is good feeling toward David, shall I not then send to you and make it known to you? <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then Jonathan said to David, “The LORD, the God of Israel, be witness! When I have sounded out my father about this time tomorrow, or the third day, behold, if there is good feeling toward David, shall I not then send to you and make it known to you? <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Jonathan said to David, “Yahweh, the God of Israel, be witness! When I have examined my father about this time tomorrow, or the third day, behold, if there is good feeling toward David, shall I not then send to you and reveal it in your ear? <a href="/amp/1_samuel/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then Jonathan said to David, “The LORD, the God of Israel, is my witness! When I have sounded out my father about this time tomorrow, or the third day, behold, if he has a good feeling toward you, shall I not then send word to you and make it known to you? <a href="/csb/1_samuel/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “By the LORD, the God of Israel, I will sound out my father by this time tomorrow or the next day. If I find out that he is favorable toward you, will I not send for you and tell you? <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> &#8220By the LORD, the God of Israel, I will sound out my father by this time tomorrow or the next day. If I find out that he is favorable toward you, will I not send for you and tell you? <a href="/asv/1_samuel/20.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Jonathan said unto David, Jehovah, the God of Israel, be witness: when I have sounded my father about this time to-morrow, or the third day, behold, if there be good toward David, shall I not then send unto thee, and disclose it unto thee? <a href="/cev/1_samuel/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Jonathan said: I swear by the LORD God of Israel, that two days from now I'll know what my father is planning. Of course I'll let you know if he's friendly toward you. <a href="/erv/1_samuel/20.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Jonathan said unto David, The LORD, the God of Israel, be witness; when I have sounded my father about this time tomorrow, or the third day, behold, if there be good toward David, shall I not then send unto thee, and disclose it unto thee? <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "As the LORD God of Israel [is my witness]," Jonathan continued, "I'll find out in the next two or three days how my father feels about you. If he does feel kindly toward you, then I will send someone to tell you. <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/20.htm">Good News Translation</a> and Jonathan said to David, "May the LORD God of Israel be our witness! At this time tomorrow and on the following day I will question my father. If his attitude toward you is good, I will send you word. <a href="/isv/1_samuel/20.htm">International Standard Version</a> Jonathan told David, "The LORD God of Israel is my witness that I'll carefully question my father by tomorrow or the next day. And if the response is favorable for David, will I not then send word to you and let you know? <a href="/msb/1_samuel/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> and Jonathan said, ?By the LORD, the God of Israel, I will sound out my father by this time tomorrow or the next day. If he is favorable toward you, will I not send for you and tell you? <a href="/net/1_samuel/20.htm">NET Bible</a> Jonathan said to David, "The LORD God of Israel is my witness. I will feel out my father about this time the day after tomorrow. If he is favorably inclined toward David, will I not then send word to you and let you know? <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Jonathan said to David, "The LORD, the God of Israel, is witness. When I have studied my father, about this time tomorrow, or the third day, look, if there is good toward David, shall I not then send to you, and disclose it to you? <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Jonathan said to David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to-morrow any time, or the third day, and behold, if there be good towards David, and I then send not to thee, and show it thee; <a href="/web/1_samuel/20.htm">World English Bible</a> Jonathan said to David, “By Yahweh, the God of Israel, when I have sounded out my father about this time tomorrow, or the third day, behold, if there is good toward David, won’t I then send to you and disclose it to you? <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Jonathan says to David, “YHWH, God of Israel, [is my witness]—when I search out my father about [this] time tomorrow [or] the third [day], and behold, [there is] good toward David, and I do not then send to you, and have uncovered your ear— <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Jonathan saith unto David, 'Jehovah, God of Israel -- when I search my father, about this time to-morrow or the third day, and lo, good is towards David, and I do not then send unto thee, and have uncovered thine ear -- <a href="/slt/1_samuel/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Jonathan will say to David, Jehovah, God of Israel when I shall search out my father about this time to-morrow, the third day, and behold, good to David, and I shall not then send to thee, and uncover thine ear.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Jonathan said to David: O Lord God of Israel, if I shall discover my father's mind, to morrow or the day after, and there be any thing good for David, and I send not immediately to thee, and make it known to thee, <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Jonathan said before David: “O Lord, God of Israel, if I will discover a decision by my father, tomorrow, or the day after, and if there will be anything good concerning David, and yet I do not immediately send to you and make it known to you, <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/20.htm">New American Bible</a> Jonathan said to David: “As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, I will sound out my father about this time tomorrow. Whether he is well disposed toward David or not, I will inform you. <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Jonathan said to David, “By the LORD, the God of Israel! When I have sounded out my father, about this time tomorrow, or on the third day, if he is well disposed toward David, shall I not then send and disclose it to you?<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Jonathan said to David. The LORD God of Israel be a witness that I will sound my father about this time tomorrow, the third hour; and behold, if he feels good toward you, then I will send to you, and disclose it to you; <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Jonathan said to David: “LORD JEHOVAH, the God of Israel shall witness if I will not test my father about this time tomorrow, the third hour; if it is good for you, then I shall send to you and I shall show you<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Jonathan said unto David: 'The LORD, the God of Israel--when I have sounded my father about this time to-morrow, or the third day, behold, if there be good toward David, shall I not then send unto thee, and disclose it unto thee? <a href="/sep/1_samuel/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Jonathan said to David, the Lord God of Israel knows that I will sound my father as I have an opportunity, three several times, and, behold, if good should be determined concerning David, and I do not send to thee to the field, <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/20-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=5935" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Jonathan and David Renew Their Covenant</a> …11“Come,” he replied, “let us go out to the field.” So the two of them went out into the field, 12<a href="/hebrew/3083.htm" title="3083: yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān (N-proper-ms) -- From Yhovah and nathan; Jehovah-given; Jehonathan, the name of four Israelites.">and Jonathan</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">“By the LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hê (N-mpc) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">the God</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/2713.htm" title="2713: ’eḥ·qōr (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To search. A primitive root; properly, to penetrate; hence, to examine intimately.">I will sound out</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ā·ḇî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">my father</a> <a href="/hebrew/6256.htm" title="6256: kā·‘êṯ (Prep-k, Art:: N-csc) -- Time. From ad; time, especially now, when, etc.">by this time</a> <a href="/hebrew/4279.htm" title="4279: mā·ḥār (Adv) -- Tomorrow, in time to come. Probably from 'achar; properly, deferred, i.e. The morrow; usually tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter.">tomorrow</a> <a href="/hebrew/7992.htm" title="7992: haš·šə·li·šîṯ (Art:: Number-ofs) -- Ordinal from shalowsh; third; feminine a third; by extension, a third; specifically, a third-story cell).">or the next day.</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: wə·hin·nêh- (Conj-w:: Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">If</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">he is favorable</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">toward</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">will I not</a> <a href="/hebrew/227.htm" title="227: ’āz (Adv) -- At that time. A demonstrative adverb; at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: ’eš·laḥ (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">send</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·le·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- To, into, towards. ">for you</a> <a href="/hebrew/1540.htm" title="1540: wə·ḡā·lî·ṯî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-1cs) -- To uncover, remove. A primitive root; to denude; by implication, to exile; figuratively, to reveal.">and tell</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/241.htm" title="241: ’ā·zə·ne·ḵā (N-fsc:: 2ms) -- An ear. From 'azan; broadness. I.e. the ear.">you?</a> 13But if my father intends to bring evil on you, then may the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if I do not tell you and send you on your way in safety. May the LORD be with you, just as He has been with my father.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/31-49.htm">Genesis 31:49-50</a> It was also called Mizpah, because Laban said, “May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are absent from each other. / If you mistreat my daughters or take other wives, although no one is with us, remember that God is a witness between you and me.” <a href="/genesis/31-44.htm">Genesis 31:44</a> Come now, let us make a covenant, you and I, and let it serve as a witness between you and me.” <a href="/genesis/21-23.htm">Genesis 21:23</a> Now, therefore, swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or descendants. Show to me and to the country in which you reside the same kindness that I have shown to you.” <a href="/genesis/31-53.htm">Genesis 31:53</a> May the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.” So Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac. <a href="/genesis/24-3.htm">Genesis 24:3</a> and I will have you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I am dwelling, <a href="/genesis/26-28.htm">Genesis 26:28</a> “We can plainly see that the LORD has been with you,” they replied. “We recommend that there should now be an oath between us and you. Let us make a covenant with you <a href="/genesis/31-32.htm">Genesis 31:32</a> If you find your gods with anyone here, he shall not live! In the presence of our relatives, see for yourself if anything is yours, and take it back.” For Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen the idols. <a href="/genesis/31-37.htm">Genesis 31:37</a> You have searched all my goods! Have you found anything that belongs to you? Put it here before my brothers and yours, that they may judge between the two of us. <a href="/genesis/31-39.htm">Genesis 31:39</a> I did not bring you anything torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss myself. And you demanded payment from me for what was stolen by day or night. <a href="/genesis/31-42.htm">Genesis 31:42</a> If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me, surely by now you would have sent me away empty-handed. But God has seen my affliction and the toil of my hands, and last night He rendered judgment.” <a href="/genesis/31-54.htm">Genesis 31:54</a> Then Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mountain and invited his relatives to eat a meal. And after they had eaten, they spent the night on the mountain. <a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">Matthew 5:33-37</a> Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’ / But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; / or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. ... <a href="/hebrews/6-16.htm">Hebrews 6:16</a> Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and their oath serves as a confirmation to end all argument. <a href="/james/5-12.htm">James 5:12</a> Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, so that you will not fall under judgment. <a href="/matthew/26-72.htm">Matthew 26:72-74</a> And again he denied it with an oath: “I do not know the man!” / After a little while, those standing nearby came up to Peter. “Surely you are one of them,” they said, “for your accent gives you away.” / At that he began to curse and swear to them, “I do not know the man!” And immediately a rooster crowed.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Jonathan said to David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not to you, and show it you;<a href="/joshua/22-22.htm">Joshua 22:22</a> The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know; if it be in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD, (save us not this day,)<a href="/job/31-4.htm">Job 31:4</a> Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps?<a href="/psalms/17-3.htm">Psalm 17:3</a> Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.sounded [heb] searched<a href="/proverbs/20-5.htm">Proverbs 20:5</a> Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.<a href="/proverbs/25-2.htm">Proverbs 25:2,3</a> It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter… shew it thee [heb] uncover thine ear<a href="/1_samuel/20-2.htm">1 Samuel 20:2</a> And he said unto him, God forbid; thou shalt not die: behold, my father will do nothing either great or small, but that he will shew it me: and why should my father hide this thing from me? it is not so.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/20-11.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-8.htm">Disclose</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-11.htm">Disposed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-5.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-11.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-5.htm">Morrow</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-8.htm">Show</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-3.htm">Sounded</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-5.htm">Third</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-6.htm">Time</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-5.htm">Tomorrow</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-5.htm">To-Morrow</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-4.htm">Towards</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-6.htm">Witness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/20-15.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-13.htm">Disclose</a> <a href="/ezra/7-13.htm">Disposed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-10.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-13.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-18.htm">Morrow</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-13.htm">Show</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-28.htm">Sounded</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-19.htm">Third</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-25.htm">Time</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-18.htm">Tomorrow</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-18.htm">To-Morrow</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-41.htm">Towards</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-23.htm">Witness</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 20</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/20-1.htm">David consults with Jonathan for his safety</a> 11. <a href="/1_samuel/20-11.htm">Jonathan and David renew their covenant by oath</a> 18. <a href="/1_samuel/20-18.htm">Jonathan's token to David</a> 23. <a href="/1_samuel/20-23.htm">Saul, missing David, seeks to kill Jonathan</a> 35. <a href="/1_samuel/20-35.htm">Jonathan affectionately takes his leave of David</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>and Jonathan said, Jonathan, the son of King Saul, is a key figure in the narrative of 1 Samuel. His loyalty to David, despite his father's animosity, highlights the theme of covenant friendship. Jonathan's actions reflect a deep commitment to God's will and to David, whom he recognizes as God's chosen future king.“By the LORD, the God of Israel, Invoking the name of the LORD, the God of Israel, Jonathan emphasizes the seriousness and sacredness of his promise. This reflects the covenantal nature of relationships in ancient Israel, where oaths were often made before God as a witness. It underscores Jonathan's faith and his acknowledgment of God's sovereignty over Israel.I will sound out my father Jonathan plans to discern King Saul's intentions toward David. This phrase indicates a strategic and cautious approach, as Jonathan seeks to protect David while navigating his father's volatile behavior. It reflects the tension within Saul's household and the political intrigue of the time.by this time tomorrow or the next day. The specific timeframe shows Jonathan's urgency and the immediacy of the situation. It also reflects the narrative's pacing, as events unfold rapidly in the story of David's rise and Saul's decline. This timeframe indicates Jonathan's commitment to act swiftly to ensure David's safety.If he is favorable toward you, Jonathan hopes for a positive outcome, reflecting his desire for reconciliation between Saul and David. This phrase highlights the uncertainty and danger David faces, as Saul's favor is unpredictable. It also underscores Jonathan's role as a mediator, attempting to bridge the gap between his father and his friend.will I not send for you and tell you? Jonathan assures David of his loyalty and intention to communicate the outcome. This promise of communication is crucial for David's survival, as it allows him to make informed decisions. It also demonstrates Jonathan's integrity and the trust between him and David, which is a central theme in their relationship.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jonathan.htm">Jonathan</a> The son of King Saul and a close friend of David. Known for his loyalty and integrity, Jonathan plays a crucial role in protecting David from Saul's wrath. 2. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel. At this point, he is a fugitive, fleeing from King Saul's attempts to kill him. 3. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a> The first king of Israel, who becomes increasingly paranoid and hostile towards David, seeing him as a threat to his throne. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord,_the_god_of_israel.htm">The LORD, the God of Israel</a> The covenant God of Israel, invoked by Jonathan as a witness to his promise to David. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_field.htm">The Field</a> The setting of this conversation, where Jonathan and David meet to discuss Saul's intentions and plan David's safety.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_covenant_friendship.htm">The Power of Covenant Friendship</a> Jonathan and David's relationship is a model of covenant friendship, characterized by loyalty, sacrifice, and mutual support. In our lives, we should seek to build relationships that reflect these values. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_adversity.htm">Faithfulness in Adversity</a> Jonathan's commitment to David, even at the risk of his own standing with his father, teaches us the importance of being faithful to our friends, especially in times of adversity. <a href="/topical/s/seeking_god's_guidance.htm">Seeking God's Guidance</a> Jonathan invokes the LORD as a witness to his promise, reminding us to seek God's guidance and blessing in our commitments and decisions. <a href="/topical/c/courage_to_stand_for_righteousness.htm">Courage to Stand for Righteousness</a> Jonathan's willingness to confront his father and protect David demonstrates the courage required to stand for righteousness, even when it is difficult. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a> Despite the danger, both Jonathan and David trust in God's sovereignty over their lives. We are encouraged to trust God’s plan, even when circumstances seem uncertain.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 20</a> <a href="/q/what_occurred_at_baal_of_peor.htm">What is the definition of lovingkindness?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_king_hiram_honor_israel's_god.htm">In 2 Chronicles 2:11-12, why does Tyrian King Hiram express devotion to Israel's God when no independent Tyrian records verify such reverence?</a> <a href="/q/does_2_sam_9_7-10_conflict_with_david's_claim.htm">Does the sudden bestowal of Saul's property to Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9:7-10 conflict with earlier accounts suggesting David had already taken Saul's possessions?</a> <a href="/q/why_promise_restoration_if_judgment_remains.htm">Why does Solomon's prayer in 1 Kings 8:33-34 promise national restoration to Israel if they repent, when other biblical passages suggest God's judgment can remain despite repentance?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) O Lord God of Israel.--Now that the two friends have come to a remote solitary spot, Jonathan prefaces his reply to David's piteous request by a very solemn invocation of that God they both loved so well. The vocative, however, "O Lord God," &c., of the English Version has been generally looked upon as an impossible rendering--"there being no analogy for such a mode of address"--Lange.The versions avoid it by supplying different words. So the Syriac and Arabic render "The Lord of Israel is my witness"; the LXX., "The Lord God of Israel knows." Others have supplied a word which they find in two Hebrew MSS., "As the Lord God of Israel liveth." The meaning, however, is perfectly clear.Or the third day.--This statement of time on the part of Jonathan evidently assumes that the festival was continued the day after the "new moon" by a royal banquet. The time is thus reckoned: the present day; the morrow, which was the new moon festival; and the day after, which would reckon as the third day.Behold, if there be good toward David.--In the event of the news being good--that is, if Saul, contrary to David's expectation, spoke kindly of him--then Jonathan would send to him a special messenger; if, on the other hand, the king displayed enmity, in that case Jonathan would come himself and see David (for the last time). This sad message should be brought by no messenger. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/20-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>and Jonathan יְהוֹנָתָ֜ן (yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3083.htm">Strong's 3083: </a> Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites said, וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “By the LORD, יְהוָ֞ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel the God אֱלֹהֵ֤י (’ĕ·lō·hê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative of Israel, יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc I will sound out אֶחְקֹ֣ר (’eḥ·qōr) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2713.htm">Strong's 2713: </a> To penetrate, to examine intimately my father אָבִ֗י (’ā·ḇî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father by this time כָּעֵ֤ת ׀ (kā·‘êṯ) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - common singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6256.htm">Strong's 6256: </a> Time, now, when tomorrow מָחָר֙ (mā·ḥār) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4279.htm">Strong's 4279: </a> Deferred, the morrow, tomorrow, hereafter or the next day. הַשְּׁלִשִׁ֔ית (haš·šə·li·šîṯ) Article | Number - ordinal feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7992.htm">Strong's 7992: </a> Third, feminine a, third, a third, a third-story cell) If וְהִנֵּה־ (wə·hin·nêh-) Conjunctive waw | Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> Lo! behold! he is favorable ט֖וֹב (ṭō·wḇ) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> Pleasant, agreeable, good toward אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to you, דָּוִ֗ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse will I not וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no send אֶשְׁלַ֣ח (’eš·laḥ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> To send away, for, out for you אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to and tell וְגָלִ֖יתִי (wə·ḡā·lî·ṯî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1540.htm">Strong's 1540: </a> To denude, to exile, to reveal you? אָזְנֶֽךָ׃ (’ā·zə·ne·ḵā) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_241.htm">Strong's 241: </a> Broadness, the ear <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/20-12.htm">1 Samuel 20:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/20-12.htm">1 Samuel 20:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/20-12.htm">1 Samuel 20:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/20-12.htm">1 Samuel 20:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/20-12.htm">1 Samuel 20:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/20-12.htm">1 Samuel 20:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/20-12.htm">1 Samuel 20:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/20-12.htm">1 Samuel 20:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/20-12.htm">1 Samuel 20:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/20-12.htm">1 Samuel 20:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-12.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 20:12 Jonathan said to David Yahweh the God (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/20-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 20:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 20:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/20-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 20:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 20:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>