TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
Complete Jewish Bible
He said to him, "Don't be afraid, because my father's forces will not find you; you will be king over Isra'el, and I will be second to you. Sha'ul my father knows this, too."
Berean Standard Bible
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.”
American Standard Version
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.
World English Bible Messianic
He said to him, “Don’t 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.”
Geneva Bible (1599)
And said vnto him, Feare not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not finde thee, and thou shalt be King ouer Israel, and I shalbe next vnto thee: and also Saul my father knoweth it.
Young's Literal Translation
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.'
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Commentary on 1 Samuel 23 verses 14–18
14 ¶ 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.
15 And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood.
16 And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.
17 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.
18 And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.
Here is, I. David absconding. He abode in a wilderness, in a mountain (Sa1 23:14), in a wood, Sa1 23:15. We must here, 1. Commend his eminent virtues, his humility, modesty, fidelity to his prince, and patient attendance on the providence of his God, that he did not draw up his forces against Saul, fight him in the field, or surprise him by some stratagem or other, and so avenge his own quarrel and that of the Lord's priests upon him, and put an end to his own troubles and the calamities of the country under Saul's tyrannical government. No, he makes no such attempt; he keeps God's way, waits God's time, and is content to secure himself in woods and wildernesses, though with some it might seem a reproach to that courage for which he had been famous. But, 2. We must also lament his hard fate, that an innocent man should be thus terrified and put in fear of his life, that a man of honour should be thus disgraced, a man of merit thus recompensed for his services, and a man that delighted in the service both of God and his country should be debarred from both and wrapped up in obscurity. What shall we say to this? Let it make us think the worse of this world, which often gives such bad treatment to its best men; let it reconcile even great and active men to privacy and restraint, if Providence make these their lot, for they were David's; and let it make us long for that kingdom where goodness shall for ever be in glory and holiness in honour, and the righteous shall shine as the sun, which cannot be put under a bushel.
II. Saul hunting him, as his implacable enemy. He sought him every day, so restless was his malice, Sa1 23:14. He sought no less than his life, so cruel was his malice, Sa1 23:15. As it had been from the beginning, so it was now, and will be, he that is born after the flesh persecuteth him that is born after the spirit, Gal 4:29.
III. God defending him, as his powerful protector. God delivered him not into Saul's hand, as Saul hoped (Sa1 23:7); and, unless God delivered him into his hand, he could not prevail against him, Joh 19:11.
IV. Jonathan comforting him as his faithful and constant friend. True friends will find out means to get together. David, it is likely, appointed time and place for this interview, and Jonathan observed the appointment, though he exposed himself thereby to his father's displeasure, and, had it been discovered, it might have cost him his life. True friendship will not shrink from danger, but can easily venture, will not shrink from condescension, but can easily stoop, and exchange a palace for a wood, to serve a friend. The very sight of Jonathan was reviving to David; but, besides this, he said that to him which was very encouraging. 1. As a pious friend, he directed him to God, the foundation of his confidence and the fountain of his comfort: He strengthened his hand in God. David, though a strong believer, needed the help of his friends for the perfecting of what was lacking in his faith; and herein Jonathan was helpful to him, by reminding him of the promise of God, the holy oil wherewith he was anointed, the presence of God with him hitherto, and the many experiences he had had of God's goodness to him. Thus he strengthened his hands for action, by encouraging his heart, not in the creature, but in God. Jonathan was not in a capacity of doing any thing to strengthen him, but he assured him God would. 2. As a self-denying friend, he took a pleasure in the prospect of David's advancement to that honour which was his own birthright, Sa1 23:17. "Thou shalt live to be king, and I shall think it preferment enough to be next thee, near thee, though under thee, and will never pretend to be a rival with thee." This resignation which Jonathan made to David of his title would be a great satisfaction to him, and make his way much the more clear. This, he tells him, Saul knew very well, Jonathan having sometimes heard him say as much, whence it appears what a wicked man Saul was, to persecute one whom God favoured, and what a foolish man he was, in thinking to prevent that which God had determined and which would certainly come to pass. How could he disannul what God had purposed? 3. As a constant friend, he renewed his league of friendship with him. They made a covenant now, this third time, before the Lord, calling him to witness to it, Sa1 23:18. True love takes delight in repeating its engagements, giving and receiving fresh assurances of the firmness of the friendship. Our covenant with God should be often renewed, and therein our communion with him kept up. David and Jonathan now parted, and never came together again, that we find, in this world; for Jonathan said what he wished, not what he had ground to expect, when he promised himself that he should be next to David in his kingdom.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 14–18. Public domain.
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Commentary on Samuel
And he said to him: Fear not, etc. Although Jonathan, unaware of the fate and future destiny, as a man, made a false statement about himself under David's reign, yet according to the mystical meanings, he reveals the joys of Christ and the Church. Truly, he bore witness to that inviolable kingdom, to which he himself belongs, by asserting that the enemies are not to be feared, for they can never reach to extinguish the dominion of faith and truth; indeed, that he whose dominion was to be multiplied, and whose peace would have no end, would reign perpetually over the chosen angels and men; and that those who loved him faithfully and with their whole heart would be closest to him in all the heights of this same kingdom. With their enemies prostrate and defeated, and subjected entirely to the feet and dominion of Christ, as Paul says: "He must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet; the last enemy to be destroyed is death. For he has put all things in subjection under his feet" (I Cor. XV; Psalm CIX); and when he says: "All things are put in subjection under him," undoubtedly except him who subjected all things to him (Psalm VIII), hence it is clear that the powers that have deserted him, empty and void, Christ will render, setting victory trophies against the rivals of our salvation, whom he had long since defeated by his own death, as it is written: "Because the children have shared in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through his death he might destroy the one who has the power of death" (Hebrews II), that is, the devil. Text: Thus he struck, and the rest.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Samuel 23:17 records a deeply significant and tender moment in the tumultuous life of David, who is fleeing the relentless persecution of King Saul. In this verse, Jonathan, Saul's son and the rightful heir to the throne, seeks out David in the wilderness of Ziph. He offers not only profound encouragement and unwavering loyalty but also a divinely inspired prophetic assurance that David will indeed become king over Israel, and that Saul's desperate pursuit will ultimately fail. This encounter powerfully underscores the depth of their covenant friendship and the unshakeable certainty of God's sovereign plan amidst intense human opposition and despair.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The passage in 1 Samuel 23:17 is rich with literary devices that amplify its meaning and emotional impact. Foreshadowing is prominently featured, as Jonathan's prophetic words explicitly predict David's future kingship, assuring both David and the reader of God's ultimate triumph despite the present adversity. There is profound Irony in the fact that Jonathan, King Saul's son and the legitimate heir to the throne, is the one who confirms David's divine appointment to the kingship, while Saul himself is desperately trying to prevent it. This creates a powerful Contrast between Jonathan's selfless loyalty and Saul's paranoid ambition and defiant rebellion against God's will. The direct Dialogue between Jonathan and David emphasizes the personal and intimate nature of their bond, allowing the reader to witness the profound depth of their friendship and Jonathan's unwavering support. Furthermore, the use of the phrase "Fear not" employs Exhortation, a common biblical rhetorical device, which serves to both comfort David in his distress and underscore the divine authority and certainty behind Jonathan's message.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 23:17 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, even when circumstances appear dire and human opposition is fierce. It illustrates that God's sovereign plan for His chosen ones will ultimately prevail, irrespective of the machinations of those who resist His will. Jonathan's profound humility and selfless loyalty serve as a theological model for true leadership and friendship—one that prioritizes God's purposes above personal ambition or earthly gain. The verse also underscores the tragic consequences of defying God's revealed will, as seen in Saul's hardened heart, which, despite knowing God's decree, persists in rebellion. It challenges believers to trust in God's timing and methods, even when the path is fraught with danger and uncertainty, and to cultivate relationships marked by godly love and support, reflecting the covenant faithfulness of God Himself.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound encounter between Jonathan and David in 1 Samuel 23:17 offers timeless lessons for our spiritual journey, particularly in moments of intense trial and uncertainty. Like David, who was a fugitive facing relentless persecution, we are called to remember that God's promises are immutable, and His sovereign hand is always at work, even when circumstances seem to contradict His word or when His presence feels distant. Jonathan's selfless declaration, acknowledging David's future kingship and his own willingness to be "next unto" him, challenges us to examine our own hearts regarding ambition, humility, and submission to God's will. Do we truly trust God's plan for our lives and the lives of others, even when it means relinquishing our own desires, perceived rights, or positions of prominence? This verse also highlights the invaluable role of faithful friends and spiritual mentors who, like Jonathan, can speak words of divine encouragement and truth into our lives, reminding us of God's faithfulness when our own faith falters. It calls us to be such friends to others, offering support and affirmation rooted in God's purposes, even at personal cost, knowing that genuine love seeks the good and the God-ordained destiny of the other.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Jonathan, the rightful heir, so readily accept David's kingship?
Answer: Jonathan's acceptance of David's kingship stemmed from a profound understanding and submission to God's divine appointment. Unlike his father, Saul, Jonathan recognized God's sovereign hand at work in David's life. Their covenant friendship, first established in 1 Samuel 18:1-4, was rooted in mutual respect and a shared reverence for God's will. Jonathan prioritized God's plan over his own birthright and personal ambition, demonstrating extraordinary humility and faith. He genuinely loved David and believed that God had chosen him, a conviction reinforced by the Spirit of the Lord coming powerfully upon David and the Lord's departure from Saul. This selfless posture is further evidenced in 1 Samuel 20:42, where they reaffirm their covenant before parting ways, trusting in God's faithfulness to their descendants.
What does "and that also Saul my father knoweth" imply about Saul's actions?
Answer: This poignant phrase reveals the tragic and deliberate nature of Saul's rebellion against God. It implies that Saul was not acting out of ignorance or a misunderstanding of David's divine anointing. Rather, he was fully aware that God had chosen David to succeed him as king, a truth that Samuel had explicitly declared to him in 1 Samuel 15:28. Saul's continued, relentless pursuit of David, despite this undeniable knowledge, demonstrates a hardened heart and a conscious defiance of God's revealed will. His actions are thus portrayed not merely as political maneuvering or personal vendetta but as a tragic spiritual rebellion against the divine order, ultimately leading to his downfall and the loss of his dynasty.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound narrative of 1 Samuel 23:17, particularly Jonathan's selfless act and prophetic assurance, deeply foreshadows the Person and work of Jesus Christ, the ultimate King. Jonathan, the "rightful" heir to an earthly throne, willingly steps aside and affirms the divinely appointed king, David, even desiring to serve "next unto" him. This mirrors Christ, who, though "in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" (Philippians 2:6-7). Jesus, the true King of Kings, did not cling to His divine prerogatives but humbly submitted to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:8). Jonathan's prophetic assurance to David—"Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel"—finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Just as David's kingship was assured despite relentless persecution, Christ's eternal reign is guaranteed through His resurrection, conquering every foe that sought to "find" or defeat Him (Colossians 2:15). Jonathan's loyalty to God's chosen one mirrors the Father's unwavering affirmation of the Son, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17), establishing Jesus as the rightful and eternal King over all creation (Revelation 19:16). Indeed, in Christ, we see the perfect King and the ultimate example of self-sacrificial love, securing a kingdom that "shall have no end" (Luke 1:33).