Bible Strands
1 Samuel 23:17
saying, “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.”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jonathan addresses David in the forest of Horesh immediately after encouraging him in God. He delivers this assurance during a private encounter that precedes their formal covenant.
The words — The Hebrew אַל־ תִּירָא (al-tira) commands "do not be afraid," while יַד (yad) literally means "hand" in the phrase for laying a hand on someone.
The thread — This declaration parallels Jonathan’s warning in 1 Samuel 20:31 and confirms David’s later realization in 1 Samuel 24:20 that the kingdom will be established in his hands.
Why it lands — The text states David will rule Israel and Jonathan will serve as second-in-command, with Saul’s acknowledgment of this fact. This requires the reader to accept divine succession as a settled reality rather than a contingent outcome.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth.
Cross-references
- 1 Samuel 20:31 For as long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Now send for him and bring him to me, for he must surely die!”
- 1 Samuel 24:20 Now I know for sure that you will be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands.
- Job 5:11 He sets the lowly on high, so that mourners are lifted to safety.
- Isaiah 54:17 No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.
- Acts 28:16 When we arrived in Rome, Paul was permitted to stay by himself, with a soldier to guard him.
- Hebrews 13:6 So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”
- Psalms 27:1 Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread?
- Psalms 46:1 For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.
- Psalms 91:1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
- Proverbs 14:26 He who fears the LORD is secure in confidence, and his children shall have a place of refuge.