I Samuel 23:15-18 · Bible study
1 Samuel 23:15-18 Commentary: Strengthened in God
Hebrew · 10 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Why does the narrative highlight David’s location before Jonathan’s visit? This study examines the friendship, covenant, and strength from God in this passage.
Research Summary
- Meaning: Jonathan risks his safety to strengthen David in God and renew their covenant before Yahweh.
- Key words: “Horesh” (wood), “strengthened his hand” (encouraged in faith), “covenant before the LORD.”
- Main debate: Was Jonathan disloyal to Saul, or was he rightly aligning with God’s anointed? Commentators differ on how to balance filial duty and higher allegiance.
- Theological theme: God works through covenant friendship to sustain his chosen servant; human loyalty reflects divine faithfulness.
- Best use: Teaching on friendship, courage under pressure, and the cost of supporting God’s purposes.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
15While David was in Horesh in the Wilderness of Ziph, he saw that Saul had come out to take his life.
16And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God,
17saying, “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.”
18So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home.
WEB World English Bible 2000
15David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life. David was in the wilderness of Ziph in the woods.
16Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose and went to David into the woods, and strengthened his hand in God.
17He 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.”
18They both made a covenant before Yahweh. Then David stayed in the woods and Jonathan went to his house.
KJV King James Version 1769
15And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood.
16And Jonathan Saul’s son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.
17And 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.
18And they two made a covenant before the Lord: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
15And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in the wood.
16And Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.
17And 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.
18And they two made a covenant before Jehovah: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
15And David seeth that Saul hath come out to seek his life, and David is in the wilderness of Ziph, in a forest.
16And Jonathan son of Saul riseth, and goeth unto David to the forest, and strengtheneth his hand in God,
17and 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.'
18And they make a covenant both of them before Jehovah; and David abideth in the forest, and Jonathan hath gone to his house.
Darby Darby Bible 1890
15And David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life; and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood.
16And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.
17And he said to him, Fear not; for the hand of Saul my father will not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next to thee; and that also Saul my father knows.
18And they two made a covenant before Jehovah; and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
15And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life. And David was in the desert of Ziph, in a wood.
16And Jonathan, the son of Saul, arose, and went to David, into the wood, and strengthened his hands in God: and he said to him:
17Fear 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.
18And they two made a covenant before the Lord: and David abode in the wood: but Jonathan returned to his house.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · I Samuel 23:15
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators across traditions agree this scene captures the high point of Jonathan’s selfless friendship. Barnes calls it a “touching example of mutual fidelity.” Keil and Delitzsch note that Jonathan intentionally sought out David in the woods to renew their bond and strengthen him for the suffering ahead. Adam Clarke emphasizes that Jonathan could do this consistently with his duty to his father, since he knew God had appointed David to the kingdom. The Cambridge Bible observes that Jonathan “strengthened his hand in God”, that is, revived David’s courage by pointing him to the true ground of confidence. Matthew Henry commends David’s patient waiting on God even while hiding. The consensus is that the meeting renews the covenant before Yahweh and marks the last time the two friends see each other.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Wholly commendable act: Adam Clarke, Barnes, and Matthew Henry see Jonathan’s visit as entirely right—loyal to God’s anointed and preserving Saul from further sin.
- Tension with filial duty: Some readers question whether Jonathan should have opposed his father’s will, but note he never directly conspired against Saul and simply acted on revealed divine purpose.
- Symbolic over literal wood: The term Horesh may be a proper location rather than a forest, as the terrain of Ziph is arid; the Cambridge Bible leans toward a quasi-proper name for brushland.
What is clear: Jonathan went to David in a place of hiding, encouraged him by pointing to God’s promises, and they renewed their covenant before the Lord—this core is not disputed.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Jonathan’s loyalty to Saul vs. David | Jonathan’s friendship with David is held up as a model of selfless love and faithfulness to God’s plan. | Some commentators, like Adam Clarke, argue Jonathan acted entirely within his duty, since he knew God had rejected Saul and chosen David. Others raise the tension of filial loyalty but resolve it by noting Jonathan never attacked his father and prevented bloodshed. |
| Meaning of 'strengthened his hand in God' | It refers to encouraging David by reminding him of God’s promises and power. | The Targum reads it as “in the Word of the Lord,” suggesting a more christological interpretation (Gill). Some see it primarily as moral support, others as pointing to active trust in divine providence (Wesley). |
| The location 'Horesh' (the wood) | The place is a wooded area in the wilderness of Ziph where David hid. | The Cambridge Bible suggests Horesh may be a proper name (later ruin Khoreisa) rather than a generic “wood.” Some argue the dry climate makes a real forest unlikely, so it may be brushland. |
| The covenant renewal | Both friends commit their loyalty before God, renewing the bond from 1 Samuel 18:3. | Kimchi and Abarbinel (via Gill) thought the phrase “before the LORD” meant the covenant was made in the presence of Abiathar with the ephod, implying a priestly witness. Others see it as a general act of invoking God as witness. |
Historical & Cultural Context
David had just fled Keilah after its inhabitants threatened to betray him (1 Samuel 23:12-13). Now, in the wilderness of Ziph, he sees that Saul has come out to seek his life. The narrative emphasizes David’s awareness and then gives his precise location: “in the woods” or “at Horesh.” The Hebrew term choreshah (חרשׁה) appears only here in the books of Samuel. The Cambridge Bible suggests it may be a quasi-proper name for a brushwood district, though later explorers found the ruin Khoreisa in the vicinity. The wood offered concealment but also danger, enemies could approach unseen. Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose and went to David in that wood. According to Gill, this was a journey of about twenty-two miles from Gibeah, a deliberate and risky act.
The phrase “strengthened his hand in God” means Jonathan encouraged David by reminding him of divine promises and protection. The Targum renders it “in the Word of the Lord,” showing a theological deepening. Jonathan’s words, “Do not be afraid”, directly counter the fear David felt with Saul hunting him. Jonathan’s prophecy that Saul’s hand will not find David, and that David will be king while he serves as second, is remarkable for its humility and faith. They then “made a covenant before Yahweh,” a renewal of their earlier bond (1 Samuel 18:3). This act before God seals their friendship and acknowledges divine sovereignty over the kingdom. After this, Jonathan returns home to Gibeah, and the friends never see each other again (as most commentators note). The immediate contrast with the Ziphites’ betrayal (v.19-20) highlights Jonathan’s loyalty.
Textual Notes
The consulted sources note no significant textual variants in this passage. The Hebrew text is consistent across major manuscripts. English translations differ in rendering choreshah as “a wood,” “the woods,” or the proper name “Horesh,” but these are translation choices, not textual disagreements.
Reception History
Throughout church history, the friendship of Jonathan and David has been celebrated as an exemplar of covenant loyalty. Early Christian writers read it as a type of Christ’s love for his people, one who steps into danger to strengthen the weak. In art and literature, the image of Jonathan seeking David in the woods has been used to illustrate sacrificial friendship (see Proverbs 17:17). The scene also appears in sermons on trusting God during persecution, encouraging believers facing isolation to remember that God sends encouragers. While specific works vary, the passage remains a touchstone for discussions of grace, humility, and the faithfulness that mirrors God’s own covenant commitment.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- David’s Position, desperate but perceptive (v.15). He knows Saul is hunting him and he is hiding in the woods.
- Jonathan’s Visit, a risky act that strengthens David in God (v.16-17). Jonathan speaks courage and promise.
- Their Covenant, renewed and sealed before the Lord (v.18). They part, never to meet again.
Five-point outline
- The setting: David at Horesh, aware of Saul’s pursuit.
- Jonathan’s journey: arising and going into the wood, a costly act of friendship.
- Jonathan’s words: “Do not be afraid” and the assurance that Saul’s hand will not find David.
- Jonathan’s humility: accepting second place, knowing David will be king.
- The covenant: renewed commitment in the presence of the Lord and the final parting.
Illustration hooks
- A friend who visits during a hospital stay, bringing not just company but a word of hope that changes the atmosphere.
- A couple renewing wedding vows after a season of difficulty, reaffirming covenant when it costs something.
- Taking a stand for a colleague who has been unfairly targeted, even when it risks your own reputation.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Was Jonathan being disloyal to his father Saul by helping David?
- How do I “strengthen a friend’s hand in God” when I feel powerless myself?
- Why didn’t Jonathan just join David’s band of followers and leave Saul behind?
Leading a Discussion
This passage captures a moment of rare friendship amid danger. The narrative slows down to show us David’s location, Jonathan’s risky journey, and their covenant renewal. As you discuss, note how each detail points to God’s faithfulness working through human loyalty.
Discussion questions
- What does David see in verse 15, and why does the text tell us this before describing Jonathan’s visit?
- Jonathan “strengthened his hand in God.” What might that mean in practical terms? How do we do that for others?
- Jonathan says, “You will be king over Israel, and I will be next to you.” What does this reveal about his heart?
- Why do they make a covenant “before the LORD” rather than just in private? What does that add?
- How does this passage challenge our culture’s view of friendship and self-promotion?
- What fears might David have been wrestling with, and how did Jonathan address them?
- In what relationships can you be a “Jonathan” this week, someone who strengthens a friend in God?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Deuteronomy 3:28 | But commission Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him; for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which you shall see.” |
| I Samuel 30:6 | David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the souls of all the people were grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters; but David strengthened himself in Yahweh his God. |
| Nehemiah 2:18 | I told them about the hand of my God which was good on me, and also about the king’s words that he had spoken to me. They said, “Let’s rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work. |
| Job 4:3 | Behold, you have instructed many, you have strengthened the weak hands. |
| Job 4:4 | Your words have supported him who was falling, you have made the feeble knees firm. |
| Job 16:5 | but I would strengthen you with my mouth. The solace of my lips would relieve you. |
| Proverbs 27:9 | Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart; so does earnest counsel from a man’s friend. |
| Proverbs 27:17 | Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend’s countenance. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
10 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke emphasizes that Jonathan's support for David was both loyal and just. Jonathan knew God had appointed David to the throne, so he encouraged David without taking steps to hurry the outcome. He also prevented Saul from committing murder, acting as a faithful son and subject.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes points to Jonathan's humility and selfless love as the heart of the scene, not just loyalty between friends. Jonathan sets aside his own royal claim to support David, making this a striking example of friendship that puts the other first without jealousy or ambition.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The commentator questions whether "wood" in this passage refers to actual trees, since the Ziph region is dry and barren, and suggests the Hebrew term may be a quasi-proper name for a brushwood-covered district. Jonathan’s act of strengthening David’s hand in God climaxes his unselfish generosity, as he acknowledges both David’s destiny to be king and his own willingness to resign his claims.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva Notes note that Jonathan's comfort to David is not mere friendship but a strengthening "in God," reminding David of God's promise that he will be king. They underscore divine protection: Saul's hand cannot find David because God's purpose overrules the king's pursuit.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill emphasizes that Jonathan strengthened David not with human support but by directing him to rely on God's power, providence, and promises. He notes the Targum interprets this as strengthening David in the Word of the Lord, referring to Christ. The two then renewed their covenant before the Lord.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB highlights that Jonathan's visit to David required a remarkable victory over natural human feelings. He could speak calmly about his own family being set aside for David only because he looked beyond worldly ambition, seeing God as Israel's sole true King. His friendship stands unmatched for its pure, self-denying devotion.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil-Delitzsch stresses that Jonathan strengthened David's hand in God, offering no material aid but only consolation drawn from David's innocence and God's promises. Jonathan's loving self-denial is clear as he asks to be second in David's future kingdom. Saul's awareness of David's destiny came not from direct information, but from his own rejection and David's evident success.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange emphasizes that David repeatedly inquired of the Lord through the high priest's ephod, treating each decision as a matter of prayerful submission to God's will. Saul, by contrast, misinterpreted his own temporary advantage as divine approval, falling into the self-deception that God had abandoned David to him.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Matthew Henry highlights David's remarkable restraint: despite having the power to fight Saul or avenge the priests, he refused to take matters into his own hands. Henry praises David for keeping God's way, waiting on God's timing, and accepting the shame of hiding in wildernesses. He also laments that such an innocent, honorable man was forced into obscurity.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley reads Jonathan's strengthening of David as reassurance grounded in God's unfailing promises and providence. Jonathan then openly renounces any claim to the throne, acknowledging that David is God's chosen king and that he himself will hold only a subordinate place. With this covenant made, they parted for the last time recorded in Scripture.