1 As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan ^dloved him as his own soul. 2 And Saul took him that day ^eand would not let him return to his father’s house. 3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because ^dhe loved him as his own soul. 4 And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt. 5 And David went out ^fand was successful wherever Saul sent him, so that Saul set him over the men of war. And this was good in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.

12 And Jonathan said to David, “The Lord, the God of Israel, be witness!¹ When I have sounded out my father, about this time tomorrow, or the third day, behold, if he is well disposed toward David, shall I not then send and disclose it to you? 13 But should it please my father to do you harm, ^ythe Lord do so to Jonathan and more also if I do not disclose it to you and send you away, that you may go in safety. ^zMay the Lord be with you, as he has been with my father. 14 If I am still alive, show me the steadfast love of the Lord, that I may not die; 15 ^aand do not cut off² your steadfast love from my house forever, when the Lord cuts off every one of the enemies of David from the face of the earth.” 16 And Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, ^b“May³ the Lord take vengeance on David’s enemies.” 17 And Jonathan made David swear again by his love for him, ^cfor he loved him as he loved his own soul.