“He will protect his faithful ones, but the wicked will disappear in darkness. No one will succeed by strength alone.

“Then I will raise up a faithful priest who will serve me and do what I desire. I will establish his family, and they will be priests to my anointed kings forever.

But be sure to fear the Lord and faithfully serve him. Think of all the wonderful things he has done for you.

Finally, Saul sent him away and appointed him commander over 1,000 men, and David faithfully led his troops into battle.

And may you treat me with the faithful love of the Lord as long as I live. But if I die,

treat my family with this faithful love, even when the Lord destroys all your enemies from the face of the earth.”

“But sir,” Ahimelech replied, “is anyone among all your servants as faithful as David, your son-in-law? Why, he is the captain of your bodyguard and a highly honored member of your household!

Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God.