Not many days passed before Jon'a-than had an opportunity to prove his friendship. Saul announced to his officers that he intended to kill Da'vid at once, and Jon'a-than came forward to plead for the condemned officer. He then secretly warned Da'vid of his great danger, advising him to go into hiding until he could intercede with his father.
Jon'a-than then boldly, but with proper respect for his father defended his young friend. In gentle tones he reminded Saul of Da'vid's willingness to give his life for the welfare of the nation when he slew Go-li'ath, and when he attacked the Phi-lis'tines, and of his unquestioned loyalty to the king in all his services. The king's anger was quieted for the time, and he gave his word that Da'vid should not be slain. The young captain was welcomed once more at the king's house, and was encouraged to resume his service in the army. This he did, and slew large numbers of Phi-lis'tines in battle.
Before long, however, Saul was troubled again by fits of depression and unrest, so Da'vid tried to soothe him by playing the harp. Once again the king's sudden anger led him to hurl a javelin at the one who sought to help him, but again Da'vid was unharmed. Men were sent to guard the home of Da'vid so that he could not escape, and Saul declared that he should be slain the next morning.
Mi'chal's quick thinking saved the life of her husband on this occasion. After helping him escape through a window, she placed an idol in Da'vid's bed and told the messengers of Saul that he was too ill to be disturbed. Her trick succeeded, but the next day Saul ordered that Da'vid be brought to him in his bed, so that he might slay him at once. Saul then rebuked his daughter severely for deceiving him, and she defended herself by saying that Da'vid had threatened to kill her if she did not help him. This was not true, but it made many people believe that she was secretly in league with her father in the effort to take the life of Da'vid.
After making his escape, Da'vid went directly to the home of the prophet Sam'u-el in Ra'mah and told him of Saul's repeated efforts to kill him. It must have brought great relief and peace of mind to Da'vid to enjoy once again the friendly help and advice of the religious leader of the nation. They talked together for a long time, and then went to a place called Na'ioth, where a group of young prophets were engaged in worship. How long Da'vid remained here we are not told, but it was probably for a considerable time. It is thought by some that it was during this restful period in company with the prophets that he wrote the part of the 119th Psalm which so beautifully describes the security of those who trust in the Law of the LORD. Here are some of the gems from that Psalm which may well describe Da'vid's feelings at the time:
"Princes did also sit and speak against me;
But thy servant did meditate in Thy statues.
The proud have had me in derision,
Yet have I not declined from Thy Law.
Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me;
Yet Thy Commandments are my delight.
Oh how I love Thy Law!
It is my meditation all the day.
The Law of Thy mouth is better unto me
Than thousands of gold and silver.
I know, O LORD, that Thy judgments are right,
And Thou in faithfulness has afflicted me.
It is good for me that I have been afflicted;
That I might learn Thy statutes."
