“And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand. And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood. And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God. And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth. And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house” (1 Samuel 23:14-18).
Introduction
The opening verse of this study reveals that Saul was still on his mad campaign to kill David. Every day he gathered intelligence regarding possible sightings of David. Some people knew where he was hiding, but did not give the king the information, since Jonathan knew exactly where David was camped. David was held in God’s protective care, so only those who had pure motives were able to find out where the fugitive was hiding. The governments and false religions of this world might seek our destruction, but the true Church of Christ will endure. “Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18) … “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all” (Psalm 34:19).
Encouragement
Life was far from comfortable for David and his men in the Wilderness of Ziph. All they had for natural protection was a small wooded oasis. In the midst of this affliction God sends someone to encourage David. He must have been overjoyed to see his friend Jonathan for a short time, just as Paul was when Titus came to visit. “Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus” (2 Corinthians 7:6). God does not forsake us in our troubles. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
We have to remember that Jonathan was putting his life on the line in going out to see David. Saul was out to kill all who aided and abetted David. Also, David’s men would have slain Jonathan if they did not understand him to be a true friend. This was further evidence of the love David and Jonathan had for one another. “Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).
Being the king’s son, Jonathan could have tried to weaken David with words of fear, but instead he “strengthened his hand in God.” “He comforted and supported him against all his fears, by minding him of God's infallible promises made to him, and his singular providence which hitherto had and still would be with him” (John Wesley). Jonathan was convinced that David was the next rightful king to reign over Israel, so he encouraged him to keep this in his sight. While he may have left weapons with David, it was the “Sword of the Spirit” which was the most important of all (Ephesians 6:17). It was the spiritual counsel of Jonathan that comforted and strengthened David’s heart to face the uncertain days ahead. He told him not to fear the “hand of Saul” because the “hand of God” was upon him. There are many a “fear not” to be found in the Holy Bible and each one “imply a firm exercise of faith. And Jonathan’s ‘fear not’ was no exception. If David had not been a man of faith, it would have sounded like hollow mockery” (William G. Blaikie).
Jonathan was willing to take a lower position than David even though, according to the flesh, he was next inline to the throne. Because he was submitted to God, he had no problem submitting himself to God’s will and to David. Jonathan said that Saul understood that David was chosen of God to rule Israel. We see then how wicked the king was in his pursuit of David. In fact Saul later reveals that he knew it. “And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand” (1 Samuel 24:20).
Covenant
This is the third time that Jonathan and David made a covenant. It was the same covenant, so it should be seen as a reaffirmation of the promises made. They were simply reminding each other that they would remain loyal friends no matter what happens in the future. This reaffirmation is especially poignant since this would be the last time David would see Jonathan alive. It would be Saul’s evil heart that would divide the friends from each other in this life.
Conclusion
The Lord always has someone to help us when we find ourselves in a wilderness. The encouragement David received from Jonathan strengthened him for the problem that he was going to face very soon. We need to receive the strength God gives us through His word and His Spirit, for this world seeks our destruction more than Saul sought David’s. “But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now” (Galatians 4:29).
© 25/5/2009