And when Saul sent messengers to take David, she said, He is sick.
The episode belongs to the period after David killed Goliath. By that time Saul had kept David with him and would not let him go back to his father's house. By that time Jonathan had become deeply bound to David in affection, his soul knit with David's soul, loving him as his own soul. Jonathan and David had made a covenant to be united as brothers. In connection with that bond, Jonathan had given David his robe and clothing, even to his sword and his bow and his girdle. David had been entrusted with important responsibilities, had preserved his modesty, and had won the affection of the people and the royal household.
The episode belongs to the period after David killed Goliath. By that time Saul had kept David with him and would not let him go back to his father's house. By that time Jonathan had become deeply bound to David in affection, his soul knit with David's soul, loving him as his own soul. Jonathan and David had made a covenant to be united as brothers. In connection with that bond, Jonathan had given David his robe and clothing, even to his sword and his bow and his girdle. David had been entrusted with important responsibilities, had preserved his modesty, and had won the affection of the people and the royal household.