10. David prayed, “Lord God of Israel, I was told that Saul is planning to come here. What should I do? Suppose he threatens to destroy the town because of me.
11. Would the leaders of Keilah turn me over to Saul? Or is he really coming? Please tell me, Lord.”“Yes, he will come,” the Lord answered.
12. David asked, “Would the leaders of Keilah hand me and my soldiers over to Saul?”“Yes, they would,” the Lord answered.
13. David and his six hundred men got out of there fast and started moving from place to place. Saul heard that David had left Keilah, and he decided not to go after him.
14. David stayed in hideouts in the hill country of Ziph Desert. Saul kept searching, but God never let Saul catch him.
15. One time, David was at Horesh in Ziph Desert. He was afraid because Saul had come to the area to kill him.
16. But Jonathan went to see David, and God helped him encourage David.
17. “Don't be afraid,” Jonathan said. “My father Saul will never get his hands on you. In fact, you're going to be the next king of Israel, and I'll be your highest official. Even my father knows it's true.”
18. They both promised the Lord that they would always be loyal to each other. Then Jonathan went home, but David stayed at Horesh.
19. Some people from the town of Ziph went to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Your Majesty, David has a hideout not far from us! It's near Horesh, somewhere on Mount Hachilah south of Jeshimon.
20. If you come, we will help you catch him.”