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

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

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

Berean Standard Bible
So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home.

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

New King James Version
So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David stayed in the woods, and Jonathan went to his own house.

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

NASB 1995
So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD; and David stayed at Horesh while Jonathan went to his house.

NASB 1977
So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD; and David stayed at Horesh while Jonathan went to his house.

Legacy Standard Bible
So the two of them cut a covenant before Yahweh; and David stayed at Horesh while Jonathan went to his house.

Amplified Bible
So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD; and David stayed [in the woods] at Horesh and Jonathan went to his house.

Christian Standard Bible
Then the two of them made a covenant in the LORD’s presence. Afterward, David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home.

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

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

Contemporary English Version
They both promised the LORD that they would always be loyal to each other. Then Jonathan went home, but David stayed at Horesh.

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

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

Good News Translation
The two of them made a sacred promise of friendship to each other. David stayed at Horesh, and Jonathan went home.

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

Majority Standard Bible
So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home.

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

New Heart English Bible
They both made a covenant before the LORD: and David stayed at Horesh, 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. Then David stayed in the woods and Jonathan went to his house.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And both of them make a covenant before YHWH; and David abides in the forest, and Jonathan has gone 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.

Smith's Literal Translation
And they two will cut out a covenant before Jehovah: and David dwelt in the thicket, and Jonathan went to his house.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the two made a covenant before the Lord: and David abode in the wood: but Jonathan returned to his house.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, they both struck a pact before the Lord. And David stayed in the woods. But Jonathan returned to his house.

New American Bible
The two of them made a covenant before the LORD in Horesh, where David remained, while Jonathan returned to his home.

New Revised Standard Version
Then the two of them made a covenant before the LORD; David remained at Horesh, and Jonathan went home.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they two made a covenant in the valley before the LORD (who sits upon the cherubim). And Jonathan went to his house.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they established, both of them, a covenant before LORD JEHOVAH. He situated Cherubim in the low lying country and Yonathan went to his house
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And they two made a covenant before the LORD; and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
So they both made a covenant before the Lord; and David dwelt in Caene, and Jonathan went to his home.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Saul Pursues David
17saying, “Do not be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. And you will be king over Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this is true.” 18So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home. 19Then the Ziphites came up to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah south of Jeshimon?…

Cross References
1 Samuel 18:3
Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.

1 Samuel 20:42
And Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be a witness between you and me, and between your descendants and mine forever.’” Then David got up and departed, and Jonathan went back into the city.

2 Samuel 9:1
Then David asked, “Is there anyone left from the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for the sake of Jonathan?”

2 Samuel 21:7
Now 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.

2 Kings 2:2
and Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.

Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Proverbs 18:24
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.

Ruth 1:16-17
But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. / Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.”

Genesis 31:44
Come now, let us make a covenant, you and I, and let it serve as a witness between you and me.”

Genesis 21:27
So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant.

John 15:13-15
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. / You are My friends if you do what I command you. / No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you.

Acts 20:37-38
They all wept openly as they embraced Paul and kissed him. / They were especially grieved by his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.

Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.

Philippians 2:1-2
Therefore if you have any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, / then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose.

Colossians 3:12-14
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. / Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. / And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.


Treasury of Scripture

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

1 Samuel 18:3
Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.

1 Samuel 20:12-17,42
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; …

2 Samuel 9:1
And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake?

Jump to Previous
Abideth Abode Agreement Covenant David Home Horesh House Jonathan Wood
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Abideth Abode Agreement Covenant David Home Horesh House Jonathan Wood
1 Samuel 23
1. David, enquiring of the Lord by Abiathar, rescues Keilah
7. God showing him the coming of Saul, and the treachery of the Keilites,
13. he escapes from Keilah
14. In Ziph Jonathan comes and comforts him
19. The Ziphites discover him to Saul
25. At Maon he is rescued from Saul by the invasion of the Philistines
29. He dwells at En Gedi














So the two of them made a covenant
The act of making a covenant in ancient Israel was a solemn and binding agreement, often involving a sacred ritual. The Hebrew word for covenant, "berith," implies a deep commitment and mutual obligation. In the context of David and Jonathan, this covenant signifies a profound friendship and loyalty that transcends personal ambition or political gain. Their covenant is a testament to the power of godly relationships, where mutual support and faithfulness are prioritized. This act of covenant-making reflects the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture.

before the LORD
The phrase "before the LORD" indicates that this covenant was not merely a personal agreement but was made in the presence of God, invoking His witness and blessing. In ancient Israel, invoking the LORD in a covenant added a divine dimension, underscoring the seriousness and sanctity of the promise. This highlights the belief that God is an active participant in the lives of His people, overseeing and blessing their commitments. It serves as a reminder that all our relationships and promises should be made with an awareness of God's presence and guidance.

And David remained in Horesh
Horesh, located in the wilderness of Ziph, was a place of refuge for David as he fled from King Saul. The name "Horesh" means "forest" or "wooded area," suggesting a place of concealment and protection. David's stay in Horesh symbolizes a period of waiting and trusting in God's provision and timing. Despite the danger he faced, David's faith in God's promises remained steadfast. This setting serves as a metaphor for the spiritual wilderness experiences believers may encounter, where reliance on God's protection and guidance is paramount.

while Jonathan went home
Jonathan's return home signifies a temporary separation between the two friends, yet their covenant ensured that their bond remained unbroken. Jonathan's loyalty to David, despite his own royal lineage, exemplifies selflessness and integrity. His willingness to support David, even at personal cost, reflects the biblical call to put others' needs above one's own. This parting also foreshadows the trials David would continue to face, emphasizing the theme of enduring faith and friendship amidst adversity. Jonathan's actions remind believers of the importance of standing by God's anointed, even when it requires personal sacrifice.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So the two
שְׁנֵיהֶ֛ם (šə·nê·hem)
Number - mdc | third person masculine plural
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

of them made
וַיִּכְרְת֧וּ (way·yiḵ·rə·ṯū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3772: To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenant

a covenant
בְּרִ֖ית (bə·rîṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1285: A covenant

before
לִפְנֵ֣י (lip̄·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

the LORD.
יְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

And David
דָּוִד֙ (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

remained
וַיֵּ֤שֶׁב (way·yê·šeḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

in Horesh,
בַּחֹ֔רְשָׁה (ba·ḥō·rə·šāh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2793: Horesh -- a forest

while Jonathan
וִיהוֹנָתָ֖ן (wî·hō·w·nā·ṯān)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3083: Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites

went
הָלַ֥ךְ (hā·laḵ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

home.
לְבֵיתֽוֹ׃ (lə·ḇê·ṯōw)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1004: A house


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OT History: 1 Samuel 23:18 They two made a covenant before Yahweh: (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 23:17
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