Strengthened in God

Read aloud

David is at Horesh in the wilderness of Ziph while Saul seeks his life. Jonathan goes to him and strengthens his hand in God. His visit brings friendship into the place where David is hiding.

Jonathan tells him not to fear: Saul will not find him, David will become king, and Jonathan expects to be second to him. He says even Saul knows this. The two renew their covenant before the LORD. Jonathan goes home, and David remains at Horesh.

Jonathan's willingness to support David is striking. As Saul's son, he could treat David's future kingship as a threat to his own position. Instead, he encourages the man his father is pursuing and binds himself to him in friendship.

Still, Jonathan's words about his own future must be distinguished from a promise God makes. David does become king, but Jonathan dies in battle before that happens. His expectation of serving beside David is not fulfilled.

The visit remains an act of faithful love. Jonathan points David toward God and stands with him in danger, even though he does not know every part of their future. We can offer that kind of presence without claiming certainty about how another person's hardship will end.