David Hides from Saul

But David was not convinced. He declared to Jonathan, “As the Lord lives and as your soul lives, there is but a step between me and death.”BOE 331.4

At the time of the new moon, Israel celebrated a sacred festival. Both David and Jonathan would be expected to appear at the king’s table, but David was afraid to come, and it was arranged that he would visit his brothers in Bethlehem. On his return he was to hide in a field not far from the banqueting hall, absenting himself from the presence of the king for three days. Jonathan would observe the effect on Saul. If the king made no angry demonstration, then it would be safe for David to return to court.BOE 331.5

When David’s place was vacant the second day, the king asked, “‘Why has the son of Jesse not come to eat, either yesterday or today?’ So Jonathan answered Saul, ‘David earnestly asked permission of me to go to Bethlehem. And he said, “Please let me go, for our family has a sacrifice in the city, and my brother has commanded me to be there. And now, if I have found favor in your eyes, please let me get away and see my brothers.” Therefore he has not come to the king’s table.’”BOE 331.6

When Saul heard these words, his anger was uncontrollable. He declared that as long as David lived, Jonathan could not become king. David should be sent for immediately, that he might be put to death. Jonathan again pleaded, “Why should he be killed? What has he done?” This only made the king more satanic in his fury, and he now hurled at his own son the spear intended for David.BOE 331.7

The prince was sad and offended. Leaving his father’s presence, he went at the appointed time to the spot where David was to learn the king’s intentions. They wept bitterly. The king’s dark passion cast its shadow on the young men, and their grief was too intense for expression. Jonathan’s last words to David as they separated were: “Go in peace, since we have both sworn in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘May the Lord be between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.’”BOE 331.8

David hurried to Nob. The tabernacle had been taken to this place from Shiloh, and Ahimelech the high priest ministered here. The priest looked at David in astonishment, as he came hurriedly and apparently alone. He asked what had brought him there, and in his desperation the young man resorted to deception. David told the priest he had been sent on a secret errand by the king.BOE 332.1