1 Samuel 23:15-18

1 Samuel 23:15-18

[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,  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. 

What does 1 Samuel 23:15-18 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

The town of Ziph was12miles southeast of Keilah, and the wilderness of Ziph was near the town. Ziph stood in the wilderness area of Judah whereas Keilah was in the more hospitable Shephelah. The sites of Horesh ( 1 Samuel 23:15) and Hachilah ( 1 Samuel 23:19) are not certain.
Jonathan risked his own safety to encourage his friend again. God had used Abiathar to encourage David recently in Keilah ( 1 Samuel 23:6). Jonathan encouraged David "in God" (cf. 1 Samuel 30:6). What he said to David rested on God"s promises and plans for David that both Jonathan and Saul now knew (cf. 1 Samuel 20:2; 1 Samuel 20:31). Jonathan cooperated with God"s plans, but Saul resisted them. It is curious that Jonathan could find David, but Saul and his intelligence experts could not locate him. God was protecting His servant. Jonathan and David made another covenant (cf. 1 Samuel 18:3; 1 Samuel 20:8; 1 Samuel 20:12-17). This is the last meeting of these "soul brothers" that the text records.