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You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/23.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Don’t be afraid,” Jonathan reassured him. “My father will never find you! You are going to be the king of Israel, and I will be next to you, as my father, Saul, is well aware.” <a href="/esv/1_samuel/23.htm">English Standard Version</a> And he said to him, “Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Saul my father also knows this.” <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> saying, “Do not be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. And you will be king over Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this is true.” <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/23.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/23.htm">New King James Version</a> And he said to him, “Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Even my father Saul knows that.” <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> He said to him, “Do not be afraid, because the hand of Saul my father will not find you, and you will be king over Israel, and I will be second in command to you; and Saul my father knows that as well.” <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/23.htm">NASB 1995</a> Thus he said to him, &#8220Do not be afraid, because the hand of Saul my father will not find you, and you will be king over Israel and I will be next to you; and Saul my father knows that also.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Thus he said to him, “Do not be afraid, because the hand of Saul my father shall not find you, and you will be king over Israel and I will be next to you; and Saul my father knows that also.” <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And he said to him, “Do not be afraid, because the hand of Saul my father will not find you, and you will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you; and Saul my father knows that also.” <a href="/amp/1_samuel/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a> He said to him, “Do not be afraid; the hand of my father Saul will not find you. You will be king over Israel and I will be second in command to you; my father Saul knows this too.” <a href="/csb/1_samuel/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> saying, “Don’t be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. You yourself will be king over Israel, and I’ll be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows it is true.” <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> saying, &#8220Don&#8217t be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. You yourself will be king over Israel, and I&#8217ll be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows it is true.&#8221 <a href="/asv/1_samuel/23.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> "Don't be afraid," Jonathan said. "My father Saul will never get his hands on you. In fact, you're going to be the next king of Israel, and I'll be your highest official. Even my father knows it's true." <a href="/erv/1_samuel/23.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "Don't be afraid," he told David, "my father Saul won't find you. You will rule Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this." <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/23.htm">Good News Translation</a> saying to him, "Don't be afraid. My father Saul won't be able to harm you. He knows very well that you are the one who will be the king of Israel and that I will be next in rank to you." <a href="/isv/1_samuel/23.htm">International Standard Version</a> Jonathan told him, "Don't be afraid. My father Saul won't find you, and you will be king over Israel. I'll be your second-in-command. My father Saul also knows this." <a href="/msb/1_samuel/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> saying, ?Do not be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. And you will be king over Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this is true.? <a href="/net/1_samuel/23.htm">NET Bible</a> He said to him, "Don't be afraid! For the hand of my father Saul cannot find you. You will rule over Israel, and I will be your second in command. Even my father Saul realizes this." <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> He said to him, "Do not be afraid; for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you; and you shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you; and that also Saul my father knows." <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And he said to him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou wilt be king over Israel, and I shall be next to thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth. <a href="/web/1_samuel/23.htm">World English Bible</a> He said to him, “Don’t be afraid, for the hand of Saul my father won’t find you; and you will be king over Israel, and I will be next to you; and Saul my father knows that also.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and says to him, “Do not fear, for the hand of my father Saul does not find you, and you reign over Israel, and I am to you for second, and also so knows my father Saul.” <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and saith unto him, 'Fear not, for the hand of Saul my father doth not find thee, and thou dost reign over Israel, and I am to thee for second, and also so knoweth Saul my father.' <a href="/slt/1_samuel/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he will say to him, Thou shalt not fear, for Saul's, my father's hand, shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be to thee for the second; and also Saul my father knew this.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Fear not: for the hand of my father Saul shall not find thee, and thou shalt reign over Israel, and I shall be next to thee, yea, and my father knoweth this. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> “Do not be afraid. For the hand of my father, Saul, will not find you. And you shall reign over Israel. And I will be second to you. And even my father knows this.” <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/23.htm">New American Bible</a> He said to him: “Have no fear, my father Saul shall not lay a hand to you. You shall be king of Israel and I shall be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.” <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> He said to him, “Do not be afraid; for the hand of my father Saul shall not find you; you shall be king over Israel, and I shall be second to you; my father Saul also knows that this is so.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And he said to him, Fear not; for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you; and you shall be king over Israel, and I shall be with you, and you shall live; and even Saul my father knows that it is so. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And he said to him: “You shall not be afraid, because the hand of Shaul my father will not find you, and you shall reign over Israel, and I shall be with you, and you shall live; also Shaul my father knows that it is so!”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> 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.' <a href="/sep/1_samuel/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And he said to 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 second to thee; and Saul my father knows it. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/23-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=6896" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/23.htm">Saul Pursues David</a> …16And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God, 17<a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">saying,</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">“Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3372.htm" title="3372: tî·rā (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten. A primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. To frighten.">be afraid,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ā·ḇî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">my father</a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">will never</a> <a href="/hebrew/4672.htm" title="4672: ṯim·ṣā·’ă·ḵā (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs:: 2ms) -- To attain to, find. ">lay a hand on</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yaḏ (N-fsc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">you.</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: wə·’at·tāh (Conj-w:: Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">And you</a> <a href="/hebrew/4427.htm" title="4427: tim·lōḵ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- A primitive root; to reign; inceptively, to ascend the throne; causatively, to induct into royalty; hence to take counsel.">will be king</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">over</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">Israel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/595.htm" title="595: wə·’ā·nō·ḵî (Conj-w:: Pro-1cs) -- I. Sometimes; a primitive pro. I.">and I will</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: ’eh·yeh- (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">be</a> <a href="/hebrew/lə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- ">your</a> <a href="/hebrew/4932.htm" title="4932: lə·miš·neh (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- A double, copy, second. From shanah; properly, a repetition, i.e. A duplicate, or a double; by implication, a second.">second-in-command.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: wə·ḡam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">Even</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ā·ḇî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">my father</a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yō·ḏê·a‘ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">knows</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: kên (Adj-ms) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so.">this is true.”</a> 18So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_samuel/20-31.htm">1 Samuel 20:31</a> For as long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Now send for him and bring him to me, for he must surely die!” <a href="/1_samuel/24-20.htm">1 Samuel 24:20</a> Now I know for sure that you will be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands. <a href="/1_samuel/18-4.htm">1 Samuel 18:4</a> And Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt. <a href="/2_samuel/7-16.htm">2 Samuel 7:16</a> Your house and kingdom will endure forever before Me, and your throne will be established forever.” <a href="/2_samuel/5-2.htm">2 Samuel 5:2</a> Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” <a href="/2_samuel/12-7.htm">2 Samuel 12:7</a> Then Nathan said to David, “You are that man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. <a href="/1_kings/1-30.htm">1 Kings 1:30</a> I will carry out this very day exactly what I swore to you by the LORD, the God of Israel: Surely your son Solomon will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne in my place.” <a href="/1_kings/2-4.htm">1 Kings 2:4</a> and so that the LORD may fulfill His promise to me: ‘If your descendants take heed to walk faithfully before Me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.’ <a href="/1_chronicles/17-11.htm">1 Chronicles 17:11-14</a> And when your days are fulfilled and you go to be with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. / He will build a house for Me, and I will establish his throne forever. / I will be his Father, and he will be My son. And I will never remove My loving devotion from him as I removed it from your predecessor. ... <a href="/psalms/89-3.htm">Psalm 89:3-4</a> You said, “I have made a covenant with My chosen one, I have sworn to David My servant: / ‘I will establish your offspring forever and build up your throne for all generations.’” Selah <a href="/psalms/89-35.htm">Psalm 89:35-37</a> Once and for all I have sworn by My holiness—I will not lie to David— / his offspring shall endure forever, and his throne before Me like the sun, / like the moon, established forever, a faithful witness in the sky.” Selah <a href="/isaiah/9-7.htm">Isaiah 9:7</a> Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this. <a href="/jeremiah/23-5.htm">Jeremiah 23:5</a> Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He will reign wisely as King and will administer justice and righteousness in the land. <a href="/matthew/1-1.htm">Matthew 1:1</a> This is the record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham: <a href="/matthew/22-42.htm">Matthew 22:42-45</a> “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is He?” “David’s,” they answered. / Jesus said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord’? For he says: / ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand until I put Your enemies under Your feet.”’ ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And he said to him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you; and you shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you; and that also Saul my father knows.Fear not<a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Isaiah 41:10,14</a> Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness… <a href="/hebrews/13-6.htm">Hebrews 13:6</a> So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.shall not<a href="/job/5-11.htm">Job 5:11-15</a> To set up on high those that be low; that those which mourn may be exalted to safety… <a href="/psalms/27-1.htm">Psalm 27:1-3</a> A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? … <a href="/psalms/46-1.htm">Psalm 46:1,2</a> To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble… thou shalt be<a href="/luke/12-32.htm">Luke 12:32</a> Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.I shall be<a href="/proverbs/19-21.htm">Proverbs 19:21</a> There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.<a href="/acts/28-16.htm">Acts 28:16</a> And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.<a href="/romans/15-24.htm">Romans 15:24</a> Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.that also Saul<a href="/1_samuel/20-31.htm">1 Samuel 20:31</a> For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die.<a href="/1_samuel/24-20.htm">1 Samuel 24:20</a> And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand.<a href="/acts/5-39.htm">Acts 5:39</a> But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/23-15.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-16.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-11.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-8.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-13.htm">Power</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-35.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-16.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-34.htm">Second</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-9.htm">Side</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-9.htm">Wilt</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/28-5.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-20.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-2.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-5.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-4.htm">Power</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-20.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-19.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-8.htm">Second</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-26.htm">Side</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-20.htm">Wilt</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 23</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/23-1.htm">David, enquiring of the Lord by Abiathar, rescues Keilah</a> 7. <a href="/1_samuel/23-7.htm">God showing him the coming of Saul, and the treachery of the Keilites, </a> 13. <a href="/1_samuel/23-13.htm">he escapes from Keilah</a> 14. <a href="/1_samuel/23-14.htm">In Ziph Jonathan comes and comforts him</a> 19. <a href="/1_samuel/23-19.htm">The Ziphites discover him to Saul</a> 25. <a href="/1_samuel/23-25.htm">At Maon he is rescued from Saul by the invasion of the Philistines</a> 29. <a href="/1_samuel/23-29.htm">He dwells at En Gedi</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>saying, “Do not be afraid, Jonathan, the son of King Saul, speaks these words to David, who is in hiding from Saul. The phrase "Do not be afraid" is a common biblical exhortation, often used by God or His messengers to reassure His people (e.g., <a href="/joshua/1-9.htm">Joshua 1:9</a>, <a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Isaiah 41:10</a>). It reflects a divine assurance of protection and guidance, encouraging trust in God's plan despite present dangers.for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. Jonathan reassures David of his safety from Saul, who is actively seeking David's life. This statement is significant because it reflects Jonathan's faith in God's protection over David. Despite Saul's intentions, Jonathan believes in God's sovereignty and His promise to David. This echoes the biblical theme that God's plans cannot be thwarted by human actions (<a href="/job/42-2.htm">Job 42:2</a>).And you will be king over Israel, Jonathan acknowledges David's future as king, which aligns with God's anointing of David through the prophet Samuel (<a href="/1_samuel/16.htm">1 Samuel 16:1-13</a>). This recognition by Jonathan, the heir apparent, underscores the divine legitimacy of David's future kingship. It also highlights Jonathan's humility and submission to God's will, as he willingly accepts David's God-ordained role.and I will be your second-in-command. Jonathan expresses his willingness to serve under David, demonstrating his loyalty and friendship. This reflects the biblical principle of servant leadership and the importance of supporting God's chosen leaders. Jonathan's attitude contrasts with Saul's jealousy and fear, showcasing a selfless commitment to God's plan.Even my father Saul knows this is true.” Jonathan asserts that Saul is aware of David's destined kingship, despite his attempts to prevent it. This acknowledgment indicates Saul's internal conflict and recognition of God's will, even as he resists it. It highlights the futility of opposing God's purposes and serves as a reminder of the prophetic nature of God's promises, which are evident throughout Scripture (e.g., <a href="/isaiah/46-10.htm">Isaiah 46:10</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The future king of Israel, anointed by God, and currently fleeing from King Saul who seeks his life. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jonathan.htm">Jonathan</a> The son of King Saul, a loyal friend to David, and a man of faith who recognizes God's plan for David. 3. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a> The first king of Israel, who is in pursuit of David due to jealousy and fear of losing his throne. 4. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a> The nation over which David is prophesied to become king. 5. <a href="/topical/w/wilderness_of_ziph.htm">Wilderness of Ziph</a> The location where Jonathan meets David to encourage him.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_god's_promises.htm">Faith in God's Promises</a> Jonathan's words to David reflect a deep trust in God's plan. We are encouraged to have faith in God's promises, even when circumstances seem dire. <a href="/topical/c/courage_in_adversity.htm">Courage in Adversity</a> Jonathan tells David not to be afraid, reminding us that courage is rooted in faith and trust in God's sovereignty. <a href="/topical/t/true_friendship.htm">True Friendship</a> Jonathan exemplifies selfless friendship, prioritizing God's will and David's well-being over his own potential claim to the throne. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a> Despite Saul's pursuit, Jonathan acknowledges God's ultimate control over who will be king, teaching us to trust in God's timing and plan. <a href="/topical/s/servant_leadership.htm">Servant Leadership</a> Jonathan's willingness to be second-in-command under David shows humility and a servant's heart, a model for Christian leadership.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 23</a> <a href="/q/how_did_david_use_the_ephod_for_guidance.htm">How did David consult the ephod for instant divine guidance in 1 Samuel 23:9-12 when similar direct communication is uncommon elsewhere in the Old Testament?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_david_seek_refuge_with_enemies.htm">How could David justify seeking refuge among Israel's enemies in 1 Samuel 27:1?</a> <a href="/q/does_1_kings_1_11-27_contradict_divine_king_appointments.htm">Does Nathan and Bathsheba's intervention (1 Kings 1:11-27) contradict earlier portrayals of divine appointment of kings in Israel?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_philistines_suddenly_fear_david.htm">In 1 Samuel 29:3-5, why would the Philistines fear David so abruptly if Achish had trusted him for an extended time?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) And I shall be next unto thee.--To us--who read a few pages on in the record of these times how this same generous, loving friend found a grave on Mount Gilboa instead of a home with David, whom he admired with so ungrudging an admiration--these words of Jonathan possess a pathetic interest of their own. That brave, romantic career was nearly run when he met David for the last time in the woods of Ziph. As far as we can judge, if Jonathan had lived he would have certainly ceded any rights he had to the throne of his father Saul in favour of David, unlike that other comparatively unknown son of Saul, Ishbosheth, who set up as a rival claimant to the son of Jesse. But his generosity was not to be exposed to any such severe test, and David was spared the presence of such a rival as the gallant and gifted Jonathan would assuredly have been to him.And that also Saul my father knoweth.--It is very likely by this time that the circumstance of Samuel's mysterious anointing of the son of Jesse years before at Bethlehem had become known to Saul. Now that David had been openly proclaimed a public enemy, and that the king had repeatedly and openly sought his life, there was no reason for any concealment. No doubt, by this time very many in Israel looked on him as the anointed successor of Saul. The covenant alluded to in the next verse was, of course, the old covenant of eternal friendship which they had made when they parted outside Gibeah at the New Moon feast, as we find related at length in 1 Samuel 20.After this meeting David never looked on Jonathan's face in life again."Oh, heart of fire! misjudged by wilful man,Thou flower of Jesse's race!What woe was thine when thou and JonathanLast greeted face to face!He doomed to die, thou on us to impressThe portent of a blood-stained holiness."Lyra Apostolica. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/23-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>saying, וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “Do not אַל־ (’al-) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> Not be afraid, תִּירָ֗א (tî·rā) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten for כִּ֠י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction my father אָבִ֔י (’ā·ḇî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father Saul שָׁא֣וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites will never לֹ֤א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no lay a hand on תִֽמְצָאֲךָ֙ (ṯim·ṣā·’ă·ḵā) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4672.htm">Strong's 4672: </a> To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present you. יַ֚ד (yaḏ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand And you וְאַתָּה֙ (wə·’at·tāh) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you will be king תִּמְלֹ֣ךְ (tim·lōḵ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4427.htm">Strong's 4427: </a> To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counsel over עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against Israel, יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc and I will וְאָנֹכִ֖י (wə·’ā·nō·ḵî) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_595.htm">Strong's 595: </a> I be אֶֽהְיֶה־ (’eh·yeh-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be your לְּךָ֣ (lə·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> second-in-command. לְמִשְׁנֶ֑ה (lə·miš·neh) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4932.htm">Strong's 4932: </a> A repetition, a duplicate, a double, a second Even וְגַם־ (wə·ḡam-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and my father אָבִ֖י (’ā·ḇî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father Saul שָׁא֥וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites knows יֹדֵ֥עַ (yō·ḏê·a‘) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know this is true.? כֵּֽן׃ (kên) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3651.htm">Strong's 3651: </a> So -- thus <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/23-17.htm">1 Samuel 23:17 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/23-17.htm">1 Samuel 23:17 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/23-17.htm">1 Samuel 23:17 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/23-17.htm">1 Samuel 23:17 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/23-17.htm">1 Samuel 23:17 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/23-17.htm">1 Samuel 23:17 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/23-17.htm">1 Samuel 23:17 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/23-17.htm">1 Samuel 23:17 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/23-17.htm">1 Samuel 23:17 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/23-17.htm">1 Samuel 23:17 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-17.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 23:17 He said to him Don't be afraid (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/23-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 23:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 23:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/23-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 23:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 23:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>