15 While David was at Horesh in the Desert of Ziph, he learned thata Saul had come out to take his life.q 16 And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strengthr in God. 17 “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be kings over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.” 18 The two of them made a covenantt before the Lord. Then Jonathan went home, but David remained at Horesh.

19 The Ziphitesu went up to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Is not David hiding among usv in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hakilah,w south of Jeshimon? 20 Now, Your Majesty, come down whenever it pleases you to do so, and we will be responsible for givingx him into your hands.”

21 Saul replied, “The Lord blessy you for your concernz for me. 22 Go and get more information. Find out where David usually goes and who has seen him there. They tell me he is very crafty. 23 Find out about all the hiding places he uses and come back to me with definite information. Then I will go with you; if he is in the area, I will tracka him down among all the clans of Judah.”

24 So they set out and went to Ziph ahead of Saul. Now David and his men were in the Desert of Maon,b in the Arabah south of Jeshimon.c