And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the LORDbe between thee and me for ever.
The verse records a lasting covenant oath between Jonathan and David that united them as brothers, with the Lord set between them forever as witness and bond. The oath bound not only the two men but also their descendants forever, and the union remained unbroken until the deaths of Saul and Jonathan. The covenant grew from the bond formed after the slaying of Goliath, when Saul kept David with him instead of letting him return to his father's house, and Jonathan's soul was knit to David's so that he loved him as his own soul. As part of that covenant, Jonathan gave David his own robe and garments, together with his sword, bow, and girdle.
The words in the verse were spoken by Jonathan as his last words to David at their separation, with Jonathan returning to Gibeah and David fleeing from Saul to follow different paths. They came after the test at the new-moon feast proved Saul still meant to kill David, after Saul raged at the excuse about Bethlehem, after Jonathan's intercession for David caused Saul to hurl a spear at Jonathan himself, and after the two friends met in the field, embraced and wept bitterly under the shadow of Saul's hostility. The oath was a farewell in peace, affirming their innocence, love, and loyalty even though they were forced to separate.
The friendship was arranged by divine providence so that Jonathan could help preserve the life of the future ruler of Israel when Saul tried to kill him. Providence placed David with Saul and entrusted him with important responsibilities, yet he preserved his modesty and by wise conduct won the confidence and affection of the people and the royal household. Through a long course of hardships and vicissitudes David was led to put entire trust in God and was thus prepared to become ruler of God's people.
The verse records a lasting covenant oath between Jonathan and David that united them as brothers, with the Lord set between them forever as witness and bond. The oath bound not only the two men but also their descendants forever, and the union remained unbroken until the deaths of Saul and Jonathan. The covenant grew from the bond formed after the slaying of Goliath, when Saul kept David with him instead of letting him return to his father's house, and Jonathan's soul was knit to David's so that he loved him as his own soul. As part of that covenant, Jonathan gave David his own robe and garments, together with his sword, bow, and girdle.
The words in the verse were spoken by Jonathan as his last words to David at their separation, with Jonathan returning to Gibeah and David fleeing from Saul to follow different paths. They came after the test at the new-moon feast proved Saul still meant to kill David, after Saul raged at the excuse about Bethlehem, after Jonathan's intercession for David caused Saul to hurl a spear at Jonathan himself, and after the two friends met in the field, embraced and wept bitterly under the shadow of Saul's hostility. The oath was a farewell in peace, affirming their innocence, love, and loyalty even though they were forced to separate.
The friendship was arranged by divine providence so that Jonathan could help preserve the life of the future ruler of Israel when Saul tried to kill him. Providence placed David with Saul and entrusted him with important responsibilities, yet he preserved his modesty and by wise conduct won the confidence and affection of the people and the royal household. Through a long course of hardships and vicissitudes David was led to put entire trust in God and was thus prepared to become ruler of God's people.