1 Samuel 23:18
◄  1 Samuel 23:18  ►
New International Version (©2011)
The two of them made a covenant before the LORD. Then Jonathan went home, but David remained at Horesh.

New Living Translation (©2007)
So the two of them renewed their solemn pact before the LORD. Then Jonathan returned home, while David stayed at Horesh.

English Standard Version (©2001)
And the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. David remained at Horesh, and Jonathan went home.

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD; and David stayed at Horesh while Jonathan went to his house.

King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.

Holman Christian Standard Bible (©2009)
Then the two of them made a covenant in the LORD's presence. Afterward, David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home.

International Standard Version (©2012)
The two of them made a covenant in the LORD's presence. David remained at Horesh while Jonathan went home.

NET Bible (©2006)
When the two of them had made a covenant before the LORD, David stayed on at Horesh, but Jonathan went to his house.

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
Both of them made a pledge in the LORD's presence. David stayed in Horesh, and Jonathan went home.

King James 2000 Bible (©2003)
And they both made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the forest, and Jonathan went to his house.

American King James Version
And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David stayed in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.

American Standard Version
And they two made a covenant before Jehovah: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.

Douay-Rheims Bible
And the two made a covenant before the Lord: and David abode in the wood: but Jonathan returned to his house.

Darby Bible Translation
And they two made a covenant before Jehovah; and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.

English Revised Version
And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.

Webster's Bible Translation
And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.

World English Bible
They both made a covenant before Yahweh: and David stayed in the woods, and Jonathan went to his house.

Young's Literal Translation
And they make a covenant both of them before Jehovah; and David abideth in the forest, and Jonathan hath gone to his house.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

23:14-18 David made no attempt against Saul; he kept God's way, waited God's time, and was content to secure himself in woods and wildernesses. Let it make us think the worse of this world, which often gives such bad treatment to its best men: let it make us long for that kingdom where goodness shall for ever be in glory, and holiness in honour. We find Jonathan comforting David. As a pious friend, he directed him to God, the Foundation of his comfort. As a self-denying friend, he takes pleasure in the prospect of David's advancement to the throne. As a constant friend, he renewed his friendship with him. Our covenant with God should be often renewed, and therein our communion with him kept up. If the converse of one friend, at one meeting, gives comfort and strengthens our hearts, what may not be expected from the continual supports and powerful love of the Saviour of sinners, the covenanted Friend of believers!

Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

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 (p), 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.

(p) Trad. Heb. in lib. Reg. fol. 76. K.

1 Samuel 23:18 Parallel Commentaries

1 Samuel 23:18 NIV
1 Samuel 23:18 NLT
1 Samuel 23:18 ESV
1 Samuel 23:18 NASB
1 Samuel 23:18 KJV

Bible Hub: Online Parallel Bible


Saul Pursues David
…17And he said to him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you; and you shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you; and that also Saul my father knows. 18And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David stayed in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house. 19Then came up the Ziphites to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Does not David hide himself with us in strong holds in the wood, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of Jeshimon? …

1 Samuel 18:3 And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.
1 Samuel 20:8 As for you, show kindness to your servant, for you have brought him into a covenant with you before the LORD. If I am guilty, then kill me yourself! Why hand me over to your father?"
1 Samuel 20:12 Then Jonathan said to David, "I swear by the LORD, the God of Israel, that I will surely sound out my father by this time the day after tomorrow! If he is favorably disposed toward you, will I not send you word and let you know?
1 Samuel 20:42 Jonathan said to David, "Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD, saying, 'The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.'" Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town.
2 Samuel 9:1 David asked, "Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake?"
2 Samuel 21:7 The king spared Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, because of the oath before the LORD between David and Jonathan son of Saul.