1-samuel 23:16
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.
American King James Version (AKJV)
And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.
American Standard Version (ASV)
And Jonathan, Saul's son, arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
And Saul's son Jonathan went to David in Horesh, and made his hands strong in God;
Webster's Revision
And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.
World English Bible
Jonathan, Saul's son, arose, and went to David into the woods, and strengthened his hand in God.
English Revised Version (ERV)
And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.
Clarke's 1-samuel 23:16 Bible Commentary
And Jonathan - strengthened his hand in God - It is probable that there was always a secret intercourse between David and Jonathan, and that by this most trusty friend he was apprised of the various designs of Saul to take away his life. As Jonathan well knew that God had appointed David to the kingdom, he came now to encourage him to trust in the Most High, and to assure him that the hand of Saul should not prevail against him; and at this interview they renewed their covenant of friendship. Now all this Jonathan could do, consistently with his duty to his father and his king. He knew that David had delivered the kingdom; he saw that his father was ruling unconstitutionally; and he knew that God had appointed David to succeed Saul. This he knew would come about in the order of Providence; and neither he nor David took one step to hasten the time. Jonathan, by his several interferences, prevented his father from imbruing his hands in innocent blood: a more filial and a more loyal part he could not have acted; and therefore, in his attachment to David, he is wholly free of blame.
Barnes's 1-samuel 23:16 Bible Commentary
A touching example of mutual fidelity between friends. The humility and unselfish love of Jonathan is apparent in 1 Samuel 23:17.
Wesley's 1-samuel 23:16 Bible Commentary
23:16 And strengthened - He comforted and supported him against all his fears, by minding him of God's infallible promises made to him, and his singular providence which hitherto had and still would be with him.