Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

Chapter 64
David Flees
This chapter is based on 1 Samuel 18 to 22.
After Goliath was killed, Saul kept David with him and would
not let him return to his father's house. And "the soul of Jonathan
was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own
soul." Jonathan and David made a covenant to be united like
brothers, and the king's son "took off the robe that was on him and
gave it to David, with his armor, even to his sword and his bow, and
his belt." Yet David preserved his modesty and won the affection of
the people as well as of the royal household. It was clear that the
blessing of God was with him.
Saul felt that the kingdom would be more secure if someone
could be connected with him who received instruction from the
Lord. David's presence might be a protection to Saul when he went
out with him to war.
The guiding hand of God had connected David with Saul.
David's position at the royal court would give him a knowledge of
statecraft and would enable him to gain the confidence of the nation.
Hardships that he experienced through Saul's hostility would lead
him to feel his dependence upon God. And the friendship of
Jonathan was also in God's plan--to preserve the life of Israel's
589