1 Samuel 20:12
And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee; And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee;
The verse belongs to Jonathan's covenant friendship with David, in which Jonathan's soul was knit to David's soul, Jonathan loved him as his own soul, and they were united as brothers. Jonathan's stripping off his robe and giving David his garments, his sword, his bow, and his girdle expressed that union. The verse records Jonathan's promise to sound out his father about his feeling toward David on the next day and the third day, and to send word to David and reveal whether there was good toward him. Jonathan at first believed Saul had changed his purpose and would do nothing important or unimportant without revealing it to him, and after God had stopped Saul and his messengers at Ramah, he could not believe Saul would still harm David because that would be open rebellion against God.
David was not convinced and insisted earnestly that death was only a step away from him. The test was set for the sacred new moon festival on the day after their talk, when both young men were expected at the king's table but David was afraid to come. David was to visit his brothers at Bethlehem and then hide in a field near the banqueting hall, staying away for three days while Jonathan watched Saul, and if Saul asked about David, Jonathan was to say David had asked leave to attend his father's household sacrifice at Bethlehem. If Saul responded with approval and without anger, it would be safe for David to return to court, but if Saul became enraged at his absence, it would settle that David must flee.
That loyal friendship was joined by God's providence to preserve David's life as the future ruler of Israel when Saul sought to kill him, working out God's gracious purposes for David and for the people of Israel. Through this period David's wise conduct helped him gain the people's confidence, while hardships taught him to trust fully in God as he was being prepared to rule Israel.