1 Samuel 23 16

1 Samuel 23:16 kjv

And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.

1 Samuel 23:16 nkjv

Then Jonathan, Saul's son, arose and went to David in the woods and strengthened his hand in God.

1 Samuel 23:16 niv

And Saul's son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God.

1 Samuel 23:16 esv

And Jonathan, Saul's son, rose and went to David at Horesh, and strengthened his hand in God.

1 Samuel 23:16 nlt

Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God.

1 Samuel 23 verses

1 Samuel 23 16 Meaning

This verse details a covert and deeply significant encounter between Jonathan, the son of King Saul, and David, who was then fleeing for his life from Saul's murderous pursuit. Despite the political danger to himself, Jonathan sought out David in the wilderness of Ziph (Horesh is part of this area), not merely to offer emotional solace, but to spiritually and mentally reaffirm David's faith and trust in God's promises for his future as king. The act of "strengthening his hand in God" signifies a profound spiritual encouragement, reminding David that God was still with him, actively upholding His chosen one despite the severe trials he was enduring. It was a declaration of faith in God's faithfulness, reinforcing David's destiny.

1 Samuel 23 16 Context

Chapter 23 of 1 Samuel depicts David as a fugitive, relentlessly pursued by King Saul, who has grown increasingly paranoid and hostile. David and his men were at Keilah, where David inquired of the Lord and delivered the city from the Philistines. Despite this heroic act, David learned through the Ephod that the people of Keilah would betray him to Saul. He and his 600 men then moved to the wilderness of Ziph, a remote, mountainous region providing natural strongholds. Saul, however, continued his pursuit, relying on information from the Ziphites. It is in this atmosphere of intense danger and isolation that Jonathan, defying his father and risking his own life, seeks out David. This meeting is pivotal as it is their final recorded interaction, coming at a low point in David's life. Jonathan’s action serves to reinforce David’s faith at a time when humanly speaking, all seemed lost, underscoring the enduring covenant between them and God's sovereign plan for David.

1 Samuel 23 16 Word analysis

• Then Jonathan, Saul’s son, rose: This indicates a decisive, intentional act by Jonathan. "Saul's son" highlights the significant familial and political barrier Jonathan had to overcome. His actions were a stark contrast to his father's persecution.
• and went to David in Horesh: "Horesh" (חֹרֶשׁ, ḥoreš) means "wood" or "forest," referring to a specific wooded area within the wilderness of Ziph. The act of "going to David" (וַיֵּלֶךְ אֶל דָּוִד, vayeleḵ 'el David) signifies Jonathan actively seeking him out in a secret, dangerous rendezvous. It required personal risk and effort.
• and strengthened his hand in God: This is the core message of the verse.
  • strengthened his hand: The Hebrew phrase is חָזַק יָדוֹ (ḥazaq yado). "Ḥazaq" (חָזַק) means to be strong, be firm, grow firm, strengthen, confirm. It is often used for physical strength but also moral or spiritual courage and resolve (e.g., Deut 11:8, Isa 41:10). In this context, it implies moral and spiritual support, confirming David's resolve and re-energizing him. It’s not about physical reinforcement, but strengthening David’s grip on the divine promise and purpose for his life. This was a message of reassurance for David's spirit, reminding him of his anointing and the Lord's enduring presence.
  • in God: (בֵּאלהִים, b'Elohim) This prepositional phrase indicates the source or sphere of strength. The strengthening was not based on Jonathan's own power or a worldly solution, but was rooted in their shared faith in God. It was a divine strengthening, a reminder of God's covenant with David and His faithfulness to His promises. Jonathan implicitly encouraged David to rely fully on God's power and sovereignty. This distinguishes their interaction from mere human comfort; it was a theologically profound encouragement grounded in God's unchanging character and plan. The emphasis is on the spiritual aspect, reaffirming divine Providence over human circumstances. This serves as an implicit polemic against reliance on human power (like Saul's, or David's own capabilities) and emphasizes that true strength comes from divine trust and submission.
• words-group by words-group analysis:
  • "Jonathan, Saul's son, rose and went to David": This group highlights Jonathan's profound loyalty and personal sacrifice. As heir apparent, his alignment with the fugitive David was a direct challenge to his father's authority and life-threatening to himself. It underscores the exceptional nature of their bond and Jonathan's integrity, contrasting sharply with Saul's paranoid actions.
  • "strengthened his hand in God": This phrase moves beyond human friendship to underscore the spiritual dimension. Jonathan's act was not merely providing comfort, but providing encouragement rooted in God's promises and sovereignty. He reminded David of his divine anointing and God's faithfulness, reinforcing David's destiny as king of Israel as foreordained by God Himself, despite his current suffering. This emphasizes the spiritual warfare aspects of David's trials and God's role in the outcome.

1 Samuel 23 16 Bonus section

This poignant meeting between David and Jonathan, which would be their last, serves as a powerful theological statement about divine providence. Jonathan, the natural heir to the throne, willingly, and in "God," solidified the claim of David, understanding and affirming God's greater plan. His action demonstrates humility and a deep understanding of God's sovereign will over his personal ambition. It paints a picture of faithfulness—Jonathan's faithfulness to David and, more importantly, to the will of God, reflecting a character that trusted in the Lord’s ultimate design. This unique act of sacrificial friendship echoes later New Testament teachings on serving one another in Christ and pointing each other to God's ultimate plan, regardless of personal cost.

1 Samuel 23 16 Commentary

1 Samuel 23:16 provides a profound glimpse into a friendship forged in divine purpose, under immense pressure. Jonathan's dangerous visit to David, defying his father King Saul, was a pivotal act of loyal devotion. The core of his message was not strategic advice or practical help (though these were implicit), but spiritual reinforcement. "Strengthening his hand in God" implies that Jonathan reminded David of God's covenant and unwavering promises, helping him to reclaim spiritual confidence amidst overwhelming adversity. It was a prophetic affirmation of God's unchanging plan for David's kingship, ensuring David kept his eyes fixed on divine sovereignty rather than his dire circumstances. This moment highlights the depth of biblical friendship – one that anchors another in God's truth, not just emotional support, demonstrating true faith in the face of despair.