⁷ The king, however, spared Meribbaal, son of Jonathan, son of Saul, because of the Lord’s oath that formed a bond between David and Saul’s son Jonathan.^(A)

Chapter 18

David and Jonathan. ¹ By the time David finished speaking with Saul, Jonathan’s life became bound up with David’s life; he loved him as his very self.^{(A) 2} Saul retained David on that day and did not allow him to return to his father’s house.^{(B) 3} Jonathan and David made a covenant, because Jonathan loved him as his very self. ⁴ Jonathan took off^[a] the cloak he was wearing and handed it over to David, along with his military dress, even his sword, bow, and belt.^(C)

^8 (A)Do this kindness for your servant because of the Lord’s covenant into which you brought us: if I am guilty, kill me yourself! Why should you give me up to your father?” ⁹ But Jonathan answered: “Not I! If ever I find out that my father is determined to harm you, I will certainly let you know.” ¹⁰ David then asked Jonathan, “Who will tell me if your father gives you a harsh answer?”

¹⁵ never cut off your kindness from my house. And when the Lord cuts off all the enemies of David from the face of the land, ¹⁶ the name of Jonathan must never be cut off from the family of David, or the Lord will make you answer for it.” ¹⁷ And in his love for David, Jonathan renewed his oath to him, because he loved him as he loved himself.

^42 (A)At length Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, in keeping with what the two of us have sworn by the name of the Lord: ‘The Lord shall be between you and me, and between your offspring and mine forever.’”