17 “Don’t be afraid,” he told David, “my father Saul won’t find you. You will rule Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this.”
18 Both of them made a pledge in the Lord’s presence. David stayed in Horesh, and Jonathan went home.
19 Then the men of Ziph went to Saul in Gibeah. They said, “David is hiding with us in fortified camps at Horesh on the hills of Hachilah, south of Jeshimon.
20 Come, Your Majesty, whenever you want. We will hand him over to you.”
21 Saul responded, “The Lord bless you for feeling sorry for me!
22 Please make more plans, and watch where he goes. Who has seen him there? I’m told he’s very clever.
23 Watch and learn about all the hiding places where he may be hiding, and come back to me with the facts. Then I’ll go with you, and if he’s in the country, I’ll search for him among all the families of Judah.”