1 Samuel 23:16
1 Samuel 23:16 in Multiple Translations
And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God,
¶ And Jonathan Saul’s son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.
And Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.
And Saul's son Jonathan went to David in Horesh, and made his hands strong in God;
Saul's son Jonathan went to see David in Horesh and encouraged him to go on trusting in God, telling him,
And Ionathan Sauls sonne arose and went to Dauid into the wood, and comforted him in God,
And Jonathan son of Saul riseth, and goeth unto David to the forest, and strengtheneth his hand in God,
Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose and went to David into the woods, and strengthened his hand in God.
And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.
And Jonathan the son of Saul arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hands in God: and he said to him:
But Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh, and encouraged him to continue to trust God.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 23:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 23:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּ֨קָם֙
יְהוֹנָתָ֣ן
בֶּן
שָׁא֔וּל
וַ/יֵּ֥לֶךְ
אֶל
דָּוִ֖ד
חֹ֑רְשָׁה
וַ/יְחַזֵּ֥ק
אֶת
יָד֖/וֹ
בֵּ/אלֹהִֽים
וַ/יָּ֨קָם֙
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוֹנָתָ֣ן
Yᵉhôwnâthân
H3083
Jonathan
N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
שָׁא֔וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
וַ/יֵּ֥לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
דָּוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
חֹ֑רְשָׁה
chôresh
H2793
wood
N-proper
וַ/יְחַזֵּ֥ק
châzaq
H2388
to strengthen
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יָד֖/וֹ
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs | Suff
בֵּ/אלֹהִֽים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Prep | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 23:16
וַ/יָּ֨קָם֙
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
יְהוֹנָתָ֣ן
Yᵉhôwnâthân
H3083
"Jonathan"
N-proper
Jehonathan was a son of King Saul and a friend of David, meaning 'Jehovah has given'. He was also known as Jonathan.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.13.3; son of: Shimeah (H8093); also called Jonathan at 2Sa.21.21; 1x27.32; Another name of yo.na.dav (יוֹנָדָב "Jonadab" H3122G) § Jonathan or Jehonathan = "Jehovah has given" 1) a son of king Saul and a friend of David 2) a son of the high priest Abiathar and the last descendant of Eli of whom we hear 3) a nephew of David who like David slew a giant of Gath 4) an uncle of David 5) one of David's mighty warriors 6) one of David's treasurers 7) a scribe in the time of Jeremiah 8) a Levite and father of Zechariah, a priest who blew the trumpet at the dedication of the wall 9) a son or descendant of Gershom, the son of Moses, and a priest to the tribe of Dan 10) a son of Kareah and a brother of Johanan; a Judaite captain after the fall of Jerusalem 11) another Judaite father of Peleth 12) father of Ebed in the time of Ezra 13) son of Asahel in the time of Ezra 14) a priest of the family of Melicu in the time of Nehemiah 15) son of Joiada and his successor to the high priesthood in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: Jonathan. Compare H3129 (יוֹנָתָן). See also: 1 Samuel 14:6; 1 Samuel 23:18; Jeremiah 37:15.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
שָׁא֔וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
וַ/יֵּ֥לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
דָּוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
חֹ֑רְשָׁה
chôresh
H2793
"wood"
N-proper
This Hebrew word refers to a forest or wooded area, possibly providing materials for crafting. It appears in the Bible as a bough, forest, or shroud.
Definition: 1) wood, wooded height, forest, wooded area.
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: bough, forest, shroud, wood. See also: 1 Samuel 23:15; 1 Samuel 23:19; Isaiah 17:9.
וַ/יְחַזֵּ֥ק
châzaq
H2388
"to strengthen"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יָד֖/וֹ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
בֵּ/אלֹהִֽים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 23:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 23:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 23:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 23:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:16
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:16
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 23:16
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 23:16
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:16
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 23:16
Context — Saul Pursues David
14And David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hill country of the Wilderness of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God would not deliver David into his hand.
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 35:3–4 | Strengthen the limp hands and steady the feeble knees! Say to those with anxious hearts: “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance. With divine retribution He will come to save you.” |
| 2 | Hebrews 12:12–13 | Therefore strengthen your limp hands and weak knees. Make straight paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. |
| 3 | Job 4:3–4 | Surely you have instructed many, and have strengthened their feeble hands. Your words have steadied those who stumbled; you have braced the knees that were buckling. |
| 4 | 2 Timothy 2:1 | You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. |
| 5 | Ephesians 6:10 | Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. |
| 6 | Luke 22:32 | But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 30:6 | And David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of every man grieved for his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God. |
| 8 | Luke 22:43 | Then an angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him. |
| 9 | Nehemiah 2:18 | I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me, and what the king had said to me. “Let us start rebuilding,” they replied, and they set their hands to this good work. |
| 10 | Proverbs 27:9 | Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the sweetness of a friend is counsel to the soul. |
1 Samuel 23:16 Summary
This verse tells us that Jonathan, the son of Saul, went to visit his friend David in a place called Horesh and encouraged him to trust in God. Jonathan reminded David that God was with him and would protect him, even though Saul was trying to hurt him (as seen in 1 Samuel 23:14-15). This shows us the importance of having good friends who believe in us and help us trust in God, just like Jonathan did for David. By trusting in God and having supportive friends, we can face any challenge that comes our way, just like David did with Jonathan's help (see Psalm 23:4 for a similar example of trusting in God's presence and protection).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'strengthen his hand in God' in 1 Samuel 23:16?
This phrase means to encourage and support someone in their faith and trust in God, as seen in Isaiah 41:10 where God says, 'Do not be afraid, for I am with you; do not be frightened, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.'
Why did Jonathan, the son of Saul, go to David in Horesh?
Jonathan went to David to show his loyalty and friendship, despite his father's attempts to kill David, demonstrating the deep bond between them as described in 1 Samuel 18:1-4 and 1 Samuel 20:1-42.
How does this verse relate to the concept of friendship in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of loyal friendships, like the one between David and Jonathan, which are rooted in a shared trust in God, as seen in Proverbs 17:17, which says, 'A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.'
What can we learn from Jonathan's actions in this verse about being a good friend?
We can learn that being a good friend involves being willing to stand by and support those we care about, even in difficult circumstances, as Jonathan did for David, demonstrating the kind of selfless love described in John 15:13, 'Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.'
Reflection Questions
- How can I, like Jonathan, be a source of strength and encouragement to those around me who are facing challenges?
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my trust in God to others, as Jonathan did with David?
- In what ways can I show loyalty and friendship to those who are important to me, even when it's difficult?
- How can I, like David, receive the encouragement and support of others when I am facing my own struggles and fears?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 23:16
And Jonathan, Saul's son, arose,.... And came from Gibeah, which, according to Bunting (o), was twenty two miles from the place where David was: and went to David into the wood: having had
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 23:16
And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:16
Jonathan went where David had appointed to meet him at that time, and strengthened his hand in God; he comforted and supported him against all his fears, by minding him of God’ s infallible promises made to him, and his singular providence which hitherto had and still would be with him.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:16
1 Samuel 23:16 And Jonathan Saul’ s son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God. Ver. 16. Jonathan Saul’ s son arose.] Jonathan could tell where to find David, though Saul could not: there being messengers still passing between them as fast friends, solicitous of each other’ s welfare. And strengthened his hand in God.] By imminding him of the promises, and assuring him of God’ s powerful protection. This was true friendship. Lyra.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:16
(16) And Jonathan Saul’s son arose, and went to David.—Some have wished to show that the account of the last interview between the friends really belongs to the secret meeting between David and Jonathan recounted in 1 Samuel 20, and that it has got transposed; but such a view is quite untenable, for the narrative here is circumstantial, and even mentions the scene of the interview—“the wood,” or, less probable, the town named “Horesh.” The expression “strengthened his hand in God” is added by the narrator to show how sorely tried was the king of the future at this juncture, notwithstanding that so many gallant spirits rallied round him. The determined and relentless hostility of the king of the land, his sovereign, and once his friend—the apparent hopelessness of his struggle—the cruel ingratitude of whole bodies of his fellow countrymen, such as the men of Ziph—his homeless, outlawed condition: all these things naturally weighed upon the nervous and enthusiastic temperament of David, which was soon depressed. His sad forebodings in his desolateness and loneliness at this time are breathed forth in not a few of the Psalms which tradition ascribes to him. At such a juncture the warm sympathy, the steady onlook to a sunnier future of one like Jonathan was a real help to David. Jonathan was far-sighted enough when David’s fortunes were at their lowest ebb to look confidently forward to a time when all these thick dark clouds of trouble should have passed away. Jonathan, we know (1 Samuel 20:14-15) possessed sufficient confidence in David’s future fortune even to ask the hunted exile to remember him, the prince, with kindness when he should have come into his kingdom. Such warm sympathy, such glowing trustful words, we may well imagine, raised the spirits of the outlaw, and gave him new courage to face the grave difficulties of his dangerous position.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:16
Verse 16. And Jonathan - strengthened his hand in God.] It is probable that there was always a secret intercourse between David and Jonathan, and that by this most trusty friend he was apprised of the various designs of Saul to take away his life. As Jonathan well knew that God had appointed David to the kingdom, he came now to encourage him to trust in the Most High, and to assure him that the hand of Saul should not prevail against him; and at this interview they renewed their covenant of friendship. Now all this Jonathan could do, consistently with his duty to his father and his king. He knew that David had delivered the kingdom; he saw that his father was ruling unconstitutionally; and he knew that God had appointed David to succeed Saul. This he knew would come about in the order of Providence; and neither he nor David took one step to hasten the time. Jonathan, by his several interferences, prevented his father from imbruing his hands in innocent blood: a more filial and a more loyal part he could not have acted; and therefore, in his attachment to David, he is wholly free of blame.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 23:16
16–18. Jonathan’s last meeting with David 16. strengthened his hand in God] Revived his courage by pointing him to the true ground of confidence. Cp. ch. 1 Samuel 30:6; Job 4:3.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 23:16
A touching example of mutual fidelity between friends. The humility and unselfish love of Jonathan is apparent in 1 Samuel 23:17.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 23:16
16. Jonathan… arose and went to David — Whether Jonathan ever accompanied his father in the pursuit after David we are nowhere told, but it is very evident that he never sought to take his friend.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 23:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Ministry of Refreshing by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the vital role of believers in the ministry of refreshing one another, as illustrated in Acts 27 and 2 Timothy. He highlights the example of Onesiphorus, |
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Isaiah 35 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a personal experience of feeling melancholy and alone while carrying the burden of understanding the mystery of Israel. He emphasizes the im |
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K-069 the Wilderness Call by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of delivering a message on Elijah in Jerusalem. Despite misinterpreting a note and speaking for longer than intended, the s |
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Wilderness Testing by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of passing through difficult and perplexing situations in order to glorify God. He highlights the confidence and faith that be |
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Dvd 21 the Time of Jacobs Trouble by Art Katz | This sermon delves into the prophetic insight regarding the restoration and salvation of Israel, emphasizing the need for a prepared people to speak prophetic and divine words of h |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 35:10 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the destructive nature of sin and its consequences on individuals and nations. He emphasizes that sin is a rebellion against God's law |
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Holiness by Stewart Custer | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the nature of God and the nature that believers should strive for. The sermon begins by reminding listeners that God sees everything, even wh |