1 Samuel 23

“David was in the wilderness of Ziph in Horesh when he saw that Saul had come out to take his life. Then Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and encouraged him in his faith in God, saying, ‘Don’t be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. You yourself will be king over Israel, and I’ll be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows it is true.’ Then the two of them made a covenant in the Lord’s presence. Afterward, David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home.” 1 Samuel 23:15-18 (HCSB)

Isn’t it amazing how Saul couldn’t find David, but Jonathan could? What an encouragement Jonathan must have been for David, an oasis of hope, there in the desert wilderness of Zin! The text does not say how Jonathan knew where to find David. The narrative doesn’t dwell on the risks Jonathan ran; it only says he “encouraged him in his faith in God.”

How did Jonathan encourage David?

“You yourself will be king over Israel, and I’ll be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows it is true.” 1 Samuel 23:17b (HCSB)

Jonathan simply reaffirms God’s promise to David, a promise which is not directly stated in 1 Samuel, yet everyone seems to know about it. (24:4, 25:28-31, 2 Samuel 3:9-10, 17-18) Of course, Jonathan’s presence would have been a great comfort for David. Yet, our temporal personal presence does not provide the “abiding” encouragement like the certainty of God’s Word. That is why daily interaction with the Bible is paramount to a believer’s life. Bible reading is worth even more than showing compassion to others, as that is the outworking of our interaction with God’s Word. But the motivation for works of compassion must come from within, from the storehouse of Scripture in the heart and mind of a committed follower of Jesus.

Our best encouragement comes not from being “cuddly” for the people of God but from the Word of God. I am not depreciating the helpfulness of personal touch or care. But in an age that wallows in “caring” and “sensitivity,” believers need to know that solid encouragement comes not from emotional closeness but from close, constant proximity to God’s promises in His Word.

We cannot help seeing here (in Jonathan’s mission) the shadow of One greater than Jonathan. Today’s chapter is about the Lord, Who sustains us. No, Saul is not gone for good; David’s distress is not over; final relief has not arrived. But 1 Samuel 23 shows what resources the Lord gives His servants in the middle of their trials to withstand the pressure. True peace is not always displayed as the absence of conflict; it is most often manifested as the presence of peace in the midst of conflict.

Yes, the darkness is still there, but at least part of it is the “shadow” of the Almighty.