Saul’s son Jonathan went to David . . . and helped him find strength in God. 1 Samuel 23:16
In 1925, Langston Hughes, an aspiring writer working as a busboy at a hotel, discovered that a poet he admired (Vachel Lindsey) was staying there as a guest. Hughes shyly slipped Lindsey some of his own poetry, which Lindsey later praised enthusiastically at a public reading. Lindsey’s encouragement resulted in Hughes receiving a university scholarship, furthering him on his way to his own successful writing career.
A little encouragement can go a long way, especially when God is in it. Scripture tells of an incident when David was on the run from King Saul, who was trying “to take his life.” Saul’s son Jonathan sought David out “and helped him find strength in God. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ he said. ‘My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel’ ” (1 Samuel 23:15–17).
Jonathan was right. David would be king. The key to the effective encouragement Jonathan offered is found in the simple phrase “in God” (v. 16). Through Jesus, God gives us “eternal encouragement and good hope” (2 Thessalonians 2:16). As we humble ourselves before Him, He lifts us as no other can.
All around us are people who need the encouragement God gives. If we seek them out as Jonathan sought David and gently point them to God through a kind word or action, He’ll do the rest. Regardless of what this life may hold, a bright future in eternity awaits those who trust in Him.
15 While David was at Horesh in the Desert of Ziph, he learned thata Saul had come out to take his life.q
16 And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strengthr in God.
17 “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you.
You will be kings over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.”
18 The two of them made a covenantt before the Lord. Then Jonathan went home, but David remained at Horesh.
19 The Ziphitesu went up to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Is not David hiding among usv in the strongholds at Horesh,
on the hill of Hakilah,w south of Jeshimon?
20 Now, Your Majesty, come down whenever it pleases you to do so,
and we will be responsible for givingx him into your hands.”
21 Saul replied, “The Lord blessy you for your concernz for me.
22 Go and get more information. Find out where David usually goes and who has seen him there. They tell me he is very crafty.
23 Find out about all the hiding places he uses and come back to me with definite information.
Then I will go with you; if he is in the area, I will tracka him down among all the clans of Judah.”
24 So they set out and went to Ziph ahead of Saul. Now David and his men were in the Desert of Maon,b in the Arabah south of Jeshimon.c
INSIGHT
- How did someone provide special encouragement to you in your faith journey?
- What can you do to strengthen someone’s faith today?
The relationship between David and Jonathan was truly remarkable. Jonathan was the son of King Saul and heir to the throne that David had been anointed to occupy. Jonathan believed so strongly in God’s selection and anointing of David as king, however, that he helped and encouraged his friend, at great personal cost. In a sense, Jonathan was doing what Jesus described as the mark of a true friend when He said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). Jonathan was laying aside much of what his life might have been to be a friend to David.
PRAYER
Loving God, there’s nothing like the encouragement You give. Please give me opportunities to help others find new strength in You. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen!!
Read: 1 Samuel 23:15-24 (NIV) | Bible in a Year: Numbers 28-30; Mark 8:22-38
