So Jonathan made a covenant with David’s house, saying, “The LORD will require it at the hand of David’s enemies.”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 16. Enemies. This seems to be a second translation of the former sentence, with a small variation.—Required may be expressed in the future, as an imprecation made by the two friends against those who should attempt to break the covenant, or to oppose David’s reign. Septuagint omit this verse entirely, and translate the following, (17) “and Jonathan continued to swear to David, inasmuch as he loved him, because he loved the soul of the man who loved him.” He had such an affection for David, that he extended his love to all his friends. Prot. “so Jonathan made a covenant with … David, saying: Let the Lord even require it at,” and so forth Bible.—He did so in due time, and the covenant between these two had its effect. Calmet.