And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death.
David made a strong promise and said, 'Your father definitely knows that you care about me, and he's thinking, "Don't let Jonathan know this, or it will hurt him." But I swear by the living LORD and by your life, I am just one step away from death.'
David is desperately telling his best friend Jonathan that King Saul is hiding his murderous plans from Jonathan to protect his feelings, but David knows he's in immediate danger.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative of 1 Samuel, David is fleeing from King Saul, who is consumed by jealousy and sees David as a rival to his throne after David defeated Goliath and gained popularity. Jonathan, Saul's loyal son and David's devoted friend, is trying to mediate and understand the full extent of his father's hostility, despite their deep covenant of friendship. David swears this oath to assure Jonathan that Saul is deliberately concealing his murderous plans to avoid causing Jonathan pain.
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