David's Story
A painting of Jonathan encouraging David at Horesh

David's Story · Event 15 of 44

Jonathan Strengthens David

On the Run

Before thisAfter this

1 Samuel 23:15–18

15David knew that Saul had come out to kill him. At the time, David was in the wilderness of Ziph, hiding in the woods. 16Jonathan, Saul's son, rose and went to David in the wood, and strengthened his hand in God. 17He told David, "Don't be afraid. My father Saul's hand will not find you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be next to you. My father Saul knows this too." 18The two of them made a covenant before the LORD. Then David stayed in the woods, and Jonathan went home.

Read 1 Samuel 23
Up nextDavid Spares Saul in the Cave1 Samuel 24:1–22

About this event

What happened?

While Saul hunted David in the Wilderness of Ziph, Jonathan came to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. He told David not to be afraid, because Saul would not find him. He said, “You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you.” Even Saul knew it. The two of them made a covenant before the LORD, and Jonathan went home.

Who is here?

  • Jonathan, Saul's son

Where this fits

Event 6 of 13 in On the Run: David hides from Saul in caves and deserts, spares Saul's life twice, and mourns him when he dies.

Keep exploring

Before thisDavid Saves Keilah1 Samuel 23:1–14After thisDavid Spares Saul in the Cave1 Samuel 24:1–22

David's Story