UASV’s Daily Devotional All Things Bible, Saturday, March 29, 2025

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How Did Jonathan Strengthen David by Assuring Him of Jehovah’s Plan?

1 Samuel 23:17 states, “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.” These words were spoken by Jonathan, the son of King Saul, during one of the most perilous times in David’s life. As Saul relentlessly pursued David, seeking to kill him, Jonathan reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to David and reminded him of Jehovah’s divine plan. This verse highlights Jonathan’s remarkable faith, humility, and friendship while underscoring the certainty of Jehovah’s sovereign purpose in David’s life.

The context of this event is significant. David was on the run, hiding in the wilderness of Ziph, after Saul’s jealous rage had escalated into a determined effort to kill him. Despite being anointed by the prophet Samuel as the future king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:13), David’s life was filled with hardship and danger. In this time of distress, Jonathan sought out David to strengthen his hand in God (1 Samuel 23:16), offering comfort and encouragement that was grounded not in human optimism, but in the certainty of Jehovah’s will.

The first phrase, “Don’t be afraid,” reflects Jonathan’s desire to alleviate David’s fear and anxiety. The Hebrew word for “afraid” (yārē) carries the connotation of terror or dread. David had every reason to be afraid—Saul’s pursuit was relentless, and betrayal was always a looming possibility. However, Jonathan’s words served as a reminder that fear had no place in David’s heart because Jehovah’s promises were sure. Isaiah 41:10 echoes this truth: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.” Jonathan’s confidence was not based on human reasoning but on his trust in Jehovah’s faithfulness to fulfill His Word.

Jonathan then declared, “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you.” Despite Saul’s determined efforts, Jonathan assured David that Saul’s plans would ultimately fail. Jonathan’s confidence was not misplaced—he understood that no human scheme can thwart Jehovah’s sovereign purposes. Psalm 33:10–11 affirms this: “Jehovah foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of Jehovah stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” Though Saul’s power and position made him a formidable enemy, his efforts were destined to fail because Jehovah had chosen David to be king.

The next phrase, “You will be king over Israel,” demonstrates Jonathan’s unwavering belief in Jehovah’s plan. Jonathan’s recognition of David’s future kingship is remarkable, considering that as Saul’s son, Jonathan was the natural heir to the throne. Yet Jonathan displayed remarkable humility and submission to God’s will by acknowledging that the kingdom would not pass to him but to David. This was not a reluctant concession but a joyful acceptance of Jehovah’s sovereign choice. Jonathan’s faith in God’s plan overrode any personal ambition, making him a model of selfless loyalty and godly submission.

Jonathan’s attitude stands in stark contrast to Saul’s relentless desire to preserve his dynasty. While Saul fought against God’s decree, Jonathan embraced it. This reflects the principle found in Proverbs 3:5–6: “Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Jonathan’s acceptance of David’s future role was not only a demonstration of personal humility but a declaration of faith in Jehovah’s unchanging promises.

Jonathan then says, “And I will be second to you.” This statement reflects Jonathan’s willingness to serve in a subordinate role, even though by human standards, he should have been first. His desire was not for prominence or power but for the success of God’s plan and the welfare of Israel. His willingness to take second place is reminiscent of the attitude Paul exhorts believers to cultivate in Philippians 2:3–4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Jonathan’s selflessness exemplified this principle long before it was explicitly taught.

The final phrase, “Even my father Saul knows this,” reveals that Saul himself was aware of Jehovah’s plan to establish David as king. Despite Saul’s open rebellion against God’s will, he could not deny the reality of what Jehovah had decreed. In 1 Samuel 24:20, after David spared Saul’s life, Saul admits, “I know that you will surely be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands.” Saul’s acknowledgment of this fact did not lead to his repentance or submission, but it highlights the undeniable certainty of Jehovah’s plans.

Jonathan’s words to David in this verse were more than just an expression of friendship—they were a prophetic confirmation of Jehovah’s will and a reminder that David’s future was secure. Though David’s circumstances were dire, Jonathan’s faith-filled encouragement pointed him back to the promises of God. Proverbs 27:17 captures the essence of this friendship: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Jonathan’s words strengthened David, giving him the courage to persevere in the face of adversity.

This account serves as a powerful reminder that true friendship is rooted in a shared commitment to God’s purposes. Jonathan did not merely offer emotional support to David—he directed him back to the promises of Jehovah. Hebrews 3:13 echoes this idea: “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” True friends strengthen one another by pointing each other toward God’s truth, especially in moments of difficulty and doubt.

Ultimately, 1 Samuel 23:17 illustrates the power of godly encouragement, the humility that flows from submission to God’s will, and the certainty of Jehovah’s sovereign plan. Jonathan’s words were not just an expression of friendship—they were an affirmation of divine truth that reminded David that Jehovah’s promises are unshakable, and no human effort can hinder His purposes. In a world where loyalty is often fleeting and self-interest prevails, Jonathan’s example calls believers to model selfless devotion, unwavering faith, and a commitment to encouraging others to trust in the promises of Jehovah.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).