Deeper Reflection
IT IS SO IRONICAL that Saul sought David “every day” and everywhere that he knew David was hiding (1 Sam 23:14) and could not find him, but his son Jonathan could! Surely, God’s unseen providential hand was on this. Jonathan’s word of encouragement to David was “Do not be afraid” (v.17). David’s life was in great danger from Saul’s relentless pursuit after him. “Do not be afraid” are words of assurance of security to give confidence to David. But these words would be just superficial and empty hopeful words to David, unless Jonathan could guarantee that David’s life would be safe for sure. Could Jonathan guarantee that? Jonathan had a reason for his words, “Do not be afraid”, to David: “because the hand of Saul my father will not find you” (v.17). How could Jonathan be so sure? Jonathan was not presumptuous. He was certain. How so? These words reflect Jonathan’s certainty: “You will be king over Israel” (v.17). These words point to God’s calling for David to be the next king of Israel, which Jonathan knew with certainty that God would bring it to pass. God was speaking to David through these words of Jonathan: “David, remember My calling for you!” So, “Do not be afraid” were divine words through Jonathan’s mouth. While David had no idea when and how his fugitive life would end, he could be sure that it would not be forever: “You will be king over Israel.”