1 Samuel 20:2-4

(2) And he said unto him, God forbid; thou shalt not die: behold, my father will do nothing either great or small, but that he will shew it me: and why should my father hide this thing from me? it is not so. (3) And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death. (4) Then said Jonathan unto David, Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee.

It is somewhat astonishing, that as David had been anointed for the succession to the kingdom, and as such, was sure of the Lord's design, that his faith had not got the better of his fears. But we see in him, that mingled frame of mind which distinguishes, more or less, all God's people. Sometimes believing, and acting according to that belief. At others doubting, and then calling in question all God's promises. Fear not, little flock, (saith Jesus to his people) it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. But in the midst of this, how often do we find the people of God complaining lest they should fail of the grace of God. Luke 12:32 ; Hebrews 12:15 .