4 Jonathan said to David, “I’ll do whatever you say.”
5 David replied, “Tomorrow is the New Moon Festival, when I should sit and eat at the king’s ⌊table⌋. But let me go and hide in the countryside for two more nights.
6 If your father really misses me, tell him, ‘David repeatedly begged me to let him run to Bethlehem, his hometown, because his relatives are offering the annual sacrifice there.’
7 If he says, ‘Good!’ then I will be safe. But if he gets really angry, then you’ll know for sure that he has decided to harm me.
8 Now, be kind to me. After all, you forced me into an agreement with the Lord. If I have committed any crime, kill me yourself. Why bother taking me to your father?”
9 Jonathan answered, “That’s unthinkable! If I knew for sure that my father had decided to harm you, I would have told you about it.”
10 Then David asked, “Who will tell me whether or not your father gives you a harsh answer?”