14. David stayed in the strongholds that were in the desert and in the hill country of the desert of Ziph. Saul looked for him all the time, but God did not deliver David into his hand.
15. David realized that Saul had come out to seek his life; at that time David was in Horesh in the desert of Ziph.
16. Then Jonathan son of Saul left and went to David at Horesh. He encouraged him through God.
17. He said to him, “Don’t be afraid! For the hand of my father Saul cannot find you. You will rule over Israel, and I will be your second in command. Even my father Saul realizes this.”
18. When the two of them had made a covenant before the Lord, David stayed on at Horesh, but Jonathan went to his house.
19. Then the Ziphites went up to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Isn’t David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh on the hill of Hakilah, south of Jeshimon?
20. Now at your own discretion, O king, come down. Delivering him into the king’s hand will be our responsibility.”
21. Saul replied, “May you be blessed by the Lord, for you have had compassion on me.
22. Go and make further arrangements. Determine precisely where he is and who has seen him there, for I am told that he is extremely cunning.