17 ‘Don’t be afraid,’ he said. ‘My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You shall be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.’
18 The two of them made a covenant before the Lord. Then Jonathan went home, but David remained at Horesh.
19 The Ziphites went up to Saul at Gibeah and said, ‘Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hakilah, south of Jeshimon?
20 Now, Your Majesty, come down whenever it pleases you to do so, and we will be responsible for giving him into your hands.’
21 Saul replied, ‘The Lord bless you for your concern 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 track him down among all the clans of Judah.’