1 Samuel 20:11-17

Complete Jewish Bible

¹¹ Y’honatan said to David, “Come, let’s go out in the countryside.”

They went out, both of them, to the countryside. ¹² Y’honatan said to David, “Adonai, the God of Isra’el [is witness]: after I have sounded out my father, about this time tomorrow, or the third day, then, if things look good for David, I will send and let you know. ¹³ But if my father intends to do you harm, may Adonai do as much and more to me if I don’t let you know and send you away, so that you can go in peace. And may Adonai be with you, just as he used to be with my father. ¹⁴ However, you are to show me Adonai’s kindness not only while I am alive, so that I do not die; ¹⁵ but also, after Adonai has eliminated every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth, you are to continue showing kindness to my family forever.” ¹⁶ Thus Y’honatan made a covenant with the family of David, adding, “May Adonai seek its fulfillment even through David’s enemies.” ¹⁷ Y’honatan had David swear it again, because of the love he had for him — he loved him as he loved himself.