David spared Mephibosheth, the son of Saul’s son Jonathan, because of the oath of the Lord that was between David and Jonathan, Saul’s son.
1 Samuel 23:18 - Christian Standard Bible Anglicised Then the two of them made a covenant in the Lord’s presence. Afterwards, David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home. Tuilleadh leaganachaKing James Version (Oxford) 1769 And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house. Amplified Bible - Classic Edition And the two of them made a covenant before the Lord. And David remained in the wood [at Horesh], and Jonathan went to his house. American Standard Version (1901) And they two made a covenant before Jehovah: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house. Common English Bible Then the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. David stayed at Horesh, but Jonathan went back home. 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. Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version And the two made a covenant before the Lord. And David abode in the wood: but Jonathan returned to his house. |
David spared Mephibosheth, the son of Saul’s son Jonathan, because of the oath of the Lord that was between David and Jonathan, Saul’s son.
David asked, ‘Is there anyone remaining from the family of Saul I can show kindness to for Jonathan’s sake? ’
When David had finished speaking with Saul, Jonathan was bound to David in close friendship, and loved him as much as he loved himself.
Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as much as himself.
Jonathan then said to David, ‘Go in the assurance the two of us pledged in the name of the Lord when we said, “The Lord will be a witness between you and me and between my offspring and your offspring for ever.” ’ Then David left, and Jonathan went into the city.
Deal kindly with your servant, for you have brought me into a covenant with you before the Lord. If I have done anything wrong, then kill me yourself; why take me to your father? ’
David went to the priest Ahimelech at Nob. Ahimelech was afraid to meet David, so he said to him, ‘Why are you alone and no one is with you? ’