So the people sent men to Shiloh to bring back the ark of the covenant of the Lord of Hosts, who dwells between the cherubim. Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.

Afterward, Samuel took a stone and set it upright between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, explaining, “The Lord has helped us to this point.”

The cities from Ekron to Gath, which they had taken from Israel, were restored; Israel even rescued their surrounding territories from Philistine control. There was also peace between Israel and the Amorites.

Then Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan,” and Jonathan was selected.

The Philistines gathered their forces for war at Socoh in Judah and camped between Socoh and Azekah in Ephes-dammim.

The Philistines were standing on one hill, and the Israelites were standing on another hill with a ravine between them.

There was bronze armor on his shins, and a bronze sword was slung between his shoulders.

But David said, “Your father certainly knows that you have come to look favorably on me. He has said, ‘Jonathan must not know of this, or else he will be grieved.’” David also swore, “As surely as the Lord lives and as you yourself live, there is but a step between me and death.”

As for the matter you and I have spoken about, the Lord will be a witness between you and me forever.”

Jonathan then said to David, “Go in the assurance the two of us pledged in the name of the Lord when we said: The Lord will be a witness between you and me and between my offspring and your offspring forever.” Then David left, and Jonathan went into the city.

“May the Lord judge between you and me, and may the Lord take vengeance on you for me, but my hand will never be against you.

May the Lord be judge and decide between you and me. May He take notice and plead my case and deliver me from you.”

David crossed to the other side and stood on top of the mountain at a distance; there was a considerable space between them.