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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 20:24 So David hid in the field, and when the New Moon had come, the king sat down to eat.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/20-24.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/09_1Sa_20_24.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 20:24 - Jonathan and David Renew Their Covenant" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So David hid in the field, and when the New Moon had come, the king sat down to eat." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/20-24.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/20-24.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/20.htm">Chapter 20</a> > Verse 24</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/20-23.htm" title="1 Samuel 20:23">◄</a> 1 Samuel 20:24 <a href="/1_samuel/20-25.htm" title="1 Samuel 20:25">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/20.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/20.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />So David hid in the field, and when the New Moon feast came, the king sat down to eat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So David hid himself in the field, and when the new moon festival began, the king sat down to eat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So David hid himself in the field. And when the new moon came, the king sat down to eat food.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So David hid in the field, and when the New Moon had come, the king sat down to eat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />So David hid himself in the field: and when the new moon was come, the king sat him down to eat meat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then David hid in the field. And when the New Moon had come, the king sat down to eat the feast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So David hid himself in the field; and when the new moon came, the king sat down to eat food.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So David hid in the field; and when the new moon came, the king sat down to eat food.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So David hid in the field; and when the new moon came, the king sat down to eat food.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So David hid in the field; and when the new moon came, the king sat down to eat food.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So David hid in the field; and when the New Moon [festival] came, the king sat down to eat food.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So David hid in the countryside. At the New Moon, the king sat down to eat the meal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So David hid in the field. At the New Moon, the king sat down to eat the meal. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />So David hid himself in the field: and when the new moon was come, the king sat him down to eat food.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />So David hid there in the field. During the New Moon Festival, Saul sat down to eat <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />So David hid himself in the field: and when the new moon was come, the king sat him down to eat meat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />So David hid in the countryside. When the New Moon Festival came, King Saul sat down to eat the festival meal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So David hid in the fields. At the New Moon Festival, King Saul came to the meal <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />David hid in the field. When the New Moon arrived, the king sat down to eat. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So David hid in the field, and when the New Moon had come, the king sat down to eat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So David hid in the field. When the new moon came, the king sat down to eat his meal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />So David hid himself in the field. And when the new moon had come, the king sat at the table to eat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />So David hid himself in the field: and when the new-moon had come, the king sat down to eat food.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />So David hid himself in the field. When the new moon had come, the king sat himself down to eat food. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And David is hidden in the field, and it is the new moon, and the king sits down by the food to eat,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And David is hidden in the field, and it is the new moon, and the king sitteth down by the food to eat,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And David will hide in the field: and it will be the new moon, and the king will sit down to the bread to eat.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />So David was hid in the field, and the new moon came, and the king sat down to eat bread. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Therefore, David was hidden in the field. And the new moon came, and the king sat down to eat bread.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So David hid in the open country. On the day of the new moon, when the king sat down at the feast to dine,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So David hid himself in the field. When the new moon came, the king sat at the feast to eat.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />So David hid himself in the field; and when the new moon came, the king sat down to dine.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And David was hidden in a field, and it was the beginning of the month, and the King reclined to eat bread<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />So David hid himself in the field; and when the new moon was come, the king sat him down to the meal to eat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />So David hides himself in the field, and the <i>new</i> month arrives, and the king comes to the table to eat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/20-24.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=6059" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Jonathan and David Renew Their Covenant</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">23</span>And as for the matter you and I have discussed, the LORD is a witness between you and me forever.” <span class="reftext">24</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">So David</a> <a href="/hebrew/5641.htm" title="5641: way·yis·sā·ṯêr (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To hide, conceal. A primitive root; to hide, literally or figuratively.">hid</a> <a href="/hebrew/7704.htm" title="7704: baś·śā·ḏeh (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Field, land. Or saday; from an unused root meaning to spread out; a field.">in the field,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2320.htm" title="2320: ha·ḥō·ḏeš (Art:: N-ms) -- New moon, a month. From chadash; the new moon; by implication, a month.">and when the New Moon</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">had come,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ʿal (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3899.htm" title="3899: hal·le·ḥem (Art:: N-ms) -- Bread, food. From lacham; food, especially bread, or grain."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: way·yê·šeḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">sat down</a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: le·’ĕ·ḵō·wl (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">to eat.</a> </span><span class="reftext">25</span>He sat in his usual place by the wall, opposite Jonathan and beside Abner, but David’s place was empty.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/19-2.htm">1 Samuel 19:2</a></span><br />so he warned David, saying, “My father Saul intends to kill you. Be on your guard in the morning; find a secret place and hide there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-3.htm">1 Samuel 18:3</a></span><br />Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/23-18.htm">1 Samuel 23:18</a></span><br />So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-29.htm">1 Samuel 25:29</a></span><br />And should someone pursue you and seek your life, then the life of my lord will be bound securely by the LORD your God in the bundle of the living. But He shall fling away the lives of your enemies like stones from a sling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/9-1.htm">2 Samuel 9:1</a></span><br />Then David asked, “Is there anyone left from the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for the sake of Jonathan?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/1-26.htm">2 Samuel 1:26</a></span><br />I grieve for you, Jonathan, my brother. You were delightful to me; your love to me was extraordinary, surpassing the love of women.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/4-23.htm">2 Kings 4:23</a></span><br />“Why would you go to him today?” he replied. “It is not a New Moon or a Sabbath.” “Everything is all right,” she said.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/55-13.htm">Psalm 55:13-14</a></span><br />But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend. / We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-17.htm">Proverbs 17:17</a></span><br />A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-24.htm">Proverbs 18:24</a></span><br />A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-13.htm">John 15:13-15</a></span><br />Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. / You are My friends if you do what I command you. / No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-18.htm">Matthew 26:18-20</a></span><br />He answered, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him that the Teacher says, ‘My time is near. I will keep the Passover with My disciples at your house.’” / So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover. / When evening came, Jesus was reclining with the twelve disciples.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-7.htm">Luke 22:7-13</a></span><br />Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb was to be sacrificed. / Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.” / “Where do You want us to prepare it?” they asked. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/20-7.htm">Acts 20:7</a></span><br />On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Since Paul was ready to leave the next day, he talked to them and kept on speaking until midnight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/2-42.htm">Acts 2:42</a></span><br />They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">So David hid himself in the field: and when the new moon was come, the king sat him down to eat meat.</p><p class="hdg">the king</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/50-16.htm">Psalm 50:16-21</a></b></br> But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or <i>that</i> thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/4-17.htm">Proverbs 4:17</a></b></br> For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-17.htm">Proverbs 15:17</a></b></br> Better <i>is</i> a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/20-11.htm">Country</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-18.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-34.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-19.htm">Hid</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-22.htm">Hidden</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-32.htm">Meal</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-5.htm">Meat</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-18.htm">Moon</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-18.htm">New</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-18.htm">New-Moon</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-9.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-2.htm">Secret</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/23-14.htm">Country</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-26.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-34.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-9.htm">Hid</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-20.htm">Hidden</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-24.htm">Meal</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-27.htm">Meat</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-27.htm">Moon</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-27.htm">New</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-23.htm">New-Moon</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-25.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-20.htm">Secret</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/20-1.htm">David consults with Jonathan for his safety</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/20-11.htm">Jonathan and David renew their covenant by oath</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/20-18.htm">Jonathan's token to David</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/20-23.htm">Saul, missing David, seeks to kill Jonathan</a></span><br><span class="reftext">35. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/20-35.htm">Jonathan affectionately takes his leave of David</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>So David hid in the field</b><br>David's hiding in the field signifies his precarious situation and the tension between him and King Saul. This act of hiding reflects the broader theme of David's life during this period, where he is often on the run from Saul's jealousy and wrath. The field may symbolize a place of refuge and divine protection, reminiscent of how God often provides sanctuary for His chosen ones. This scenario also foreshadows David's future as a king who will often seek God's guidance in solitude.<p><b>and when the New Moon had come</b><br>The New Moon marks the beginning of the Hebrew month and is a time of religious observance and celebration, as outlined in <a href="/numbers/28-11.htm">Numbers 28:11-15</a>. It was customary for the Israelites to hold a special meal and offer sacrifices. This context highlights the significance of the event and the expectation that David would be present at the royal table, making his absence conspicuous. The New Moon festival underscores the cultural and religious practices of ancient Israel, providing a backdrop for the unfolding drama.<p><b>the king sat down to eat</b><br>King Saul's act of sitting down to eat during the New Moon festival indicates his role as the leader and host of the ceremonial meal. This setting emphasizes the royal court's formalities and the importance of maintaining appearances and traditions. Saul's position at the table also reflects his authority and the tension between his kingly duties and personal vendetta against David. The meal setting is a common biblical motif where significant events and revelations occur, such as in the Last Supper, drawing a parallel to the unfolding of God's plan through seemingly ordinary circumstances.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, and a man after God's own heart. At this point, he is fleeing from King Saul, who seeks to kill him out of jealousy and fear.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jonathan.htm">Jonathan</a></b><br>The son of King Saul and a close friend of David. He is caught between his loyalty to his father and his covenant friendship with David.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_saul.htm">King Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, who has turned away from God and is now consumed by jealousy and paranoia regarding David.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_field.htm">The Field</a></b><br>The place where David hides, symbolizing his vulnerability and the precariousness of his situation.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_new_moon_festival.htm">The New Moon Festival</a></b><br>A significant time in the Hebrew calendar, marking the beginning of the month and a time for communal meals and religious observance.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_godly_friendships.htm">The Importance of Godly Friendships</a></b><br>Jonathan and David's relationship exemplifies the strength and support found in friendships rooted in faith and mutual respect. Believers are encouraged to seek and nurture such relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trusting_god_in_times_of_uncertainty.htm">Trusting God in Times of Uncertainty</a></b><br>David's hiding in the field represents a period of waiting and trusting in God's protection and timing. Christians are reminded to rely on God during uncertain times.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_jealousy_and_disobedience.htm">The Consequences of Jealousy and Disobedience</a></b><br>Saul's actions are a cautionary tale of how jealousy and disobedience to God can lead to destructive behavior and broken relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/observing_god's_appointed_times.htm">Observing God's Appointed Times</a></b><br>The New Moon Festival underscores the importance of observing God's appointed times and seasons, reminding believers of the rhythm of worship and community in their lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_david_hide_from_saul_in_the_cave.htm">How could David and his men remain completely unnoticed by Saul's large army in the same cave (1 Samuel 24:3)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_high_priest_when_david_ate_bread.htm">Who was high priest when David went into the House of GOD and ate the consecrated bread? Abiathar (Mark 2:26) Ahimelech, the father of Abiathar (I Samuel 1:1; 22:20)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_1_sam_20_5_with_ot_feasts.htm">How do we reconcile the timing of the New Moon feast in 1 Samuel 20:5 with other Old Testament passages referencing similar observances?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_david_help_saul's_kin_despite_past.htm">In 2 Samuel 9:3, how do we reconcile David's swift willingness to help Saul's descendant with the longstanding hostilities described elsewhere in 1 and 2 Samuel?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(24) <span class= "bld">Sat him down.</span>--The LXX. paraphrases here, "came to the table."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 24-26.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The king sat him down to eat meat.</span> Hebrew, "the king sat down at the bread to eat." On sitting at table see <a href="/1_samuel/16-11.htm">1 Samuel 16:11</a>. <span class="cmt_word">And Jonathan arose.</span> When the king had taken his usual place, that of honour, next the wall, and therefore farthest from the door, Jonathan arose and took his place on one side of the king, while Abner sat on the other. David's place below them was left empty. The omission of the statement that Jonathan <span class="accented">sat down</span> makes the passage obscure, and the versions bungle in rendering it, but there can be little doubt that these words ought to be supplied. <span class="cmt_word">He is not clean.</span> Saul supposed that some ceremonial defilement (see <a href="/leviticus/15-2.htm">Leviticus 15:2-16</a>) had befallen David, and as the new moon was a religious festival, this would necessarily prevent his attendance. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/20-24.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">So David</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּוִ֖ד</span> <span class="translit">(dā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">hid</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּסָּתֵ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yis·sā·ṯêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5641.htm">Strong's 5641: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hide, conceal</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the field,</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּשָּׂדֶ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(baś·śā·ḏeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7704.htm">Strong's 7704: </a> </span><span class="str2">Field, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and when the New Moon</span><br /><span class="heb">הַחֹ֔דֶשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(ha·ḥō·ḏeš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2320.htm">Strong's 2320: </a> </span><span class="str2">The new moon, a month</span><br /><br /><span class="word">had come,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְהִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(way·hî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the king</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sat down</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּ֧שֶׁב</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·šeḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> </span><span class="str2">To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to eat.</span><br /><span class="heb">לֶאֱכֽוֹל׃</span> <span class="translit">(le·’ĕ·ḵō·wl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> </span><span class="str2">To eat</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/20-24.htm">1 Samuel 20:24 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/20-24.htm">1 Samuel 20:24 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/20-24.htm">1 Samuel 20:24 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/20-24.htm">1 Samuel 20:24 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/20-24.htm">1 Samuel 20:24 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/20-24.htm">1 Samuel 20:24 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/20-24.htm">1 Samuel 20:24 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/20-24.htm">1 Samuel 20:24 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/20-24.htm">1 Samuel 20:24 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/20-24.htm">1 Samuel 20:24 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/20-24.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 20:24 So David hid himself in the field: (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/20-23.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 20:23"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 20:23" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/20-25.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 20:25"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 20:25" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>