HE STRENGTHENED HIS HAND IN GOD

"And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God." KJV (1 Sam 23:16)

In a resounding victory over the Philistines, David and his warriors had "saved the inhabitants of Keilah." The Philistines had come up against that city, seeking to rob their threshingfloors. Word of the victory got back to Saul, who was seeking to kill David, for he saw him as a competitor instead of his servant. Hearing that David was in Keilah, he reasoned, "God hath delivered him into mine hand; for He is shut in, by entering into a town that hath gates and bars." He then summoned the people of war "to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men." He did not know that David knew that Saul was plotting evil against him, and had therefore made arrangements for Abiathar the priest to come to him with "the ephod." This was a means of inquiring of the Lord, seeking direction and insight. He then asked the Lord, "O LORD God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake. Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard? O LORD God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. And the LORD said, He will come down." Would the people he had just delivered betray David to Saul? The Lord answered, "They will deliver thee up" (1 Sam 23:1-12). Immediately, David gathered his men and left that place, going into the wilderness. There he abode in strongholds, remaining in the mountains of the wilderness of Ziph. Hearing that David had left Keilah, Saul aggressively looked for him. He "sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand." David perceived that Saul was out to take his life. He therefore remained in a forest in the wilderness of Ziph (23:13-15).
It was at this point that Jonathan, Saul's son and close friend to David, "arose and went to David in the woods." Our text says he strengthened David's hand in God. He did so by reminding him of the promise of God. "Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel" (23:17). Although the king was ruthless, Saul would not be able to make the promise of God void. David had already been anointed king, and nothing could stop it from happening. How the people of God need similar encouragement! They too have been designated to reign with Christ. Their hands can also be strengthened in the Lord by faithful reminders of that appointment. This is a good work for you to do.