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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 20:25 He sat in his usual place by the wall, opposite Jonathan and beside Abner, but David's place was empty.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/20-25.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/09_1Sa_20_25.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 20:25 - Jonathan and David Renew Their Covenant" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He sat in his usual place by the wall, opposite Jonathan and beside Abner, but David's place was empty." /><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/20-25.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/20-25.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 25</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="/ad5.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/20-24.htm" title="1 Samuel 20:24">◄</a> 1 Samuel 20:25 <a href="/1_samuel/20-26.htm" title="1 Samuel 20:26">►</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 />He sat in his customary place by the wall, opposite Jonathan, and Abner sat next to Saul, but David&#8217s place was empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />He sat at his usual place against the wall, with Jonathan sitting opposite him and Abner beside him. But David’s place was empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The king sat on his seat, as at other times, on the seat by the wall. Jonathan sat opposite, and Abner sat by Saul’s side, but David’s place was empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />He sat in his usual place by the wall, opposite Jonathan and beside Abner, but David’s place was empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the king sat upon his seat, as at other times, <i>even</i> upon a seat by the wall: and Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul's side, and David's place was empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now the king sat on his seat, as at other times, on a seat by the wall. And Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul’s side, but David’s place was empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now the king sat on his seat as usual, the seat by the wall; then Jonathan stood up and Abner sat down by Saul’s side; but David’s place was empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The king sat on his seat as usual, the seat by the wall; then Jonathan rose up and Abner sat down by Saul&#8217s side, but David&#8217s place was empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And the king sat on his seat as usual, the seat by the wall; then Jonathan rose up and Abner sat down by Saul’s side, but David’s place was empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And the king sat on his seat as usual, the seat by the wall; then Jonathan rose up, and Abner sat down by Saul’s side, but David’s place was missing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The king sat on his seat as on previous occasions, on his seat by the wall; then Jonathan stood up, and Abner [his commander] sat down by Saul’s side, but David’s place was empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He sat at his usual place on the seat by the wall. Jonathan sat facing him and Abner took his place beside Saul, but David’s place was empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He sat at his usual place on the seat by the wall. Jonathan sat facing him and Abner took his place beside Saul, but David&#8217s place was empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the king sat upon his seat, as at other times, even upon the seat by the wall; and Jonathan stood up, and Abner sat by Saul's side: but David's place was empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />by the wall, just as he always did. Jonathan sat across from him, and Abner sat next to him. But David's place was empty. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the king sat upon his seat, as at other times, even upon the seat by the wall; and Jonathan stood up, and Abner sat by Saul's side: but David's place was empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He sat in his usual seat by the wall, while Jonathan stood. Abner sat beside Saul, but David's place was empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />and sat in his usual place by the wall. Abner sat next to him, and Jonathan sat across the table from him. David's place was empty, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The king sat down at his place as before, in the seat by the wall. Jonathan stood while Abner sat next to Saul, but David's place was empty. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />He sat in his usual place by the wall, opposite Jonathan and beside Abner, but David?s place was empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The king sat down in his usual place by the wall, with Jonathan opposite him and Abner at his side. But David's place was vacant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The king sat on his seat, as at other times, even on the seat by the wall; and Jonathan sat opposite, and Abner sat by Saul's side: but David's place was empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the king sat upon his seat, as at other times, even upon a seat by the wall: and Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul's side, and David's place was empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The king sat on his seat, as at other times, even on the seat by the wall; and Jonathan stood up, and Abner sat by Saul’s side, but David’s place was empty. <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 the king sits on his seat, as time by time, on a seat by the wall, and Jonathan rises, and Abner sits at the side of Saul, and David’s place is looked after.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and the king sitteth on his seat, as time by time, on a seat by the wall, and Jonathan riseth, and Abner sitteth at the side of Saul, and David's place is looked after.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the king will sit upon his seat as from time to time, to a seat of the wall: and Jonathan will rise, and Abner will sit by Saul's side, and David's seat will be reviewed.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And when the king sat down upon his chair (according to custom) which was beside the wall, Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul's side, and David's place appeared empty. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And when the king had sat down on his chair, (according to custom) which was beside the wall, Jonathan rose up, and Abner sat beside Saul, and David’s place appeared empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />he took his usual place against the wall. Jonathan sat facing him, while Abner sat at the king’s side. David’s place was vacant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The king sat upon his seat, as at other times, upon the seat by the wall. Jonathan stood, while Abner sat by Saul’s side; but David’s place was empty.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the king sat upon his seat by the wall as at other times; and Jonathan went and sat upon a seat, and Abner sat by Saul's side, but David's place was empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the King reclined on his couch as at all times on the side of the wall, and Jonathan stood and he reclined and Abnir was at the side of Shaul, and the place of David was empty<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the king sat upon his seat, as at other times, even upon the seat by the wall; and Jonathan stood up, and Abner sat by Saul's side; but David's place was empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he sat upon his seat as in former times, even on his seat by the wall, and he went before Jonathan; and Abenner sat on one side of Saul, and the place of David was empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/20-25.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=6066" 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">24</span>So David hid in the field, and when the New Moon had come, the king sat down to eat. <span class="reftext">25</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">He</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</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">in</a> <a href="/hebrew/6471.htm" title="6471: kə·p̄a·‘am (Prep-k:: N-fs) -- A beat, foot, anvil, occurrence. Or pa;amah; from pa'am; a stroke, literally or figuratively.">his usual</a> <a href="/hebrew/6471.htm" title="6471: bə·p̄a·‘am (Prep-b:: N-fs) -- A beat, foot, anvil, occurrence. Or pa;amah; from pa'am; a stroke, literally or figuratively."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4186.htm" title="4186: mō·wō·šā·ḇōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Or moshab; from yashab; a seat; figuratively, a site; abstractly, a session; by extension an abode; by implication, population.">place</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4186.htm" title="4186: mō·wō·šaḇ (N-msc) -- Or moshab; from yashab; a seat; figuratively, a site; abstractly, a session; by extension an abode; by implication, population."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7023.htm" title="7023: haq·qîr (Art:: N-ms) -- A wall. Or qir; or qiyrah; from quwr; a wall.">by the wall,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: way·yā·qām (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">opposite</a> <a href="/hebrew/3083.htm" title="3083: yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān (N-proper-ms) -- From Yhovah and nathan; Jehovah-given; Jehonathan, the name of four Israelites.">Jonathan</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.">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/6654.htm" title="6654: miṣ·ṣaḏ (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- A side. Contr. From an unused root meaning to sidle off; a side; figuratively, an adversary.">beside</a> <a href="/hebrew/74.htm" title="74: ’aḇ·nêr (N-proper-ms) -- My father is a lamp, an Isr. name. Or nabiyner; from 'ab and niyr; father of light; Abner, an Israelite.">Abner,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites."></a> <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.">but David’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/4725.htm" title="4725: mə·qō·wm (N-msc) -- Or maqom; also mqowmah; or mqomah; from quwm; properly, a standing, i.e. A spot; but used widely of a locality; also of a condition.">place</a> <a href="/hebrew/6485.htm" title="6485: way·yip·pā·qêḏ (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To attend to, visit, muster, appoint. A primitive root; to visit; by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc.">was empty.</a> </span><span class="reftext">26</span>Saul said nothing that day because he thought, “Something has happened to David to make him ceremonially unclean—surely he is unclean.”…<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/18-10.htm">1 Samuel 18:10-11</a></span><br />The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house while David played the harp as usual. Now Saul was holding a spear, / and he hurled it, thinking, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/19-9.htm">1 Samuel 19:9-10</a></span><br />But as Saul was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand, a spirit of distress from the LORD came upon him. While David was playing the harp, / Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear. But David eluded him and the spear struck the wall. And David fled and escaped that night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-14.htm">1 Samuel 16:14</a></span><br />Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a spirit of distress from the LORD began to torment him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-44.htm">1 Samuel 25:44</a></span><br />But Saul had given his daughter Michal, David’s wife, to Palti son of Laish, who was from Gallim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/28-3.htm">1 Samuel 28:3-5</a></span><br />Now by this time Samuel had died, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in Ramah, his own city. And Saul had removed the mediums and spiritists from the land. / The Philistines gathered together and camped at Shunem, while Saul gathered all Israel and camped at Gilboa. / When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid and trembled violently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/14-24.htm">1 Samuel 14:24</a></span><br />Now the men of Israel were in distress that day, for Saul had placed the troops under an oath, saying, “Cursed is the man who eats any food before evening, before I have taken vengeance on my enemies.” So none of the troops tasted any food.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/22-6.htm">1 Samuel 22:6-8</a></span><br />Soon Saul learned that David and his men had been discovered. At that time Saul was sitting under the tamarisk tree on the hill at Gibeah, with his spear in hand and all his servants standing around him. / Then Saul said to his servants, “Listen, men of Benjamin! Is the son of Jesse giving all of you fields and vineyards and making you commanders of thousands or hundreds? / Is that why all of you have conspired against me? Not one of you told me that my own son had made a covenant with the son of Jesse. Not one of you has shown concern for me or revealed to me that my son has stirred up my own servant to lie in wait against me, as is the case today.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-26.htm">1 Samuel 15:26-28</a></span><br />“I will not return with you,” Samuel replied. “For you have rejected the word of the LORD, and He has rejected you as king over Israel.” / As Samuel turned to go, Saul grabbed the hem of his robe, and it tore. / So Samuel said to him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to your neighbor who is better than you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/24-20.htm">1 Samuel 24:20-21</a></span><br />Now I know for sure that you will be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands. / So now, swear to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants or wipe out my name from my father’s house.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/26-2.htm">1 Samuel 26:2</a></span><br />So Saul, accompanied by three thousand chosen men of Israel, went down to the Wilderness of Ziph to search for David there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/3-1.htm">2 Samuel 3:1</a></span><br />Now the war between the house of Saul and the house of David was protracted. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/6-20.htm">2 Samuel 6:20-23</a></span><br />When David returned home to bless his own household, Saul’s daughter Michal came out to meet him. “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today!” she said. “He has uncovered himself today in the sight of the maidservants of his subjects, like a vulgar person would do.” / But David said to Michal, “I was dancing before the LORD, who chose me over your father and all his house when He appointed me ruler over the LORD’s people Israel. I will celebrate before the LORD, / and I will humiliate and humble myself even more than this. Yet I will be honored by the maidservants of whom you have spoken.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/12-7.htm">2 Samuel 12:7-9</a></span><br />Then Nathan said to David, “You are that man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. / I gave your master’s house to you and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you the house of Israel and Judah, and if that was not enough, I would have given you even more. / Why then have you despised the command of the LORD by doing evil in His sight? You put Uriah the Hittite to the sword and took his wife as your own. You have slain him with the sword of the Ammonites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/1-5.htm">1 Kings 1:5-6</a></span><br />At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, “I will be king!” And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him. / (His father had never once reprimanded him by saying, “Why do you act this way?” Adonijah was also very handsome, born next after Absalom.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-22.htm">1 Kings 2:22</a></span><br />King Solomon answered his mother, “Why do you request Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Since he is my older brother, you might as well request the kingdom for him and for Abiathar the priest and for Joab son of Zeruiah!”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the king sat on his seat, as at other times, even on a seat by the wall: and Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul's side, and David's place was empty.</p><p class="hdg">as at other times</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/16-20.htm">Judges 16:20</a></b></br> And she said, The Philistines <i>be</i> upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/17-57.htm">Abner</a> <a href="/judges/14-10.htm">Customary</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-16.htm">David's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-18.htm">Empty</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-18.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-7.htm">Opposite</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-35.htm">Riseth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-27.htm">Rose</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-24.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-24.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-10.htm">Saul's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-18.htm">Seat</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-9.htm">Seated</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-21.htm">Side</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-4.htm">Sitteth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-3.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-12.htm">Time</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-7.htm">Times</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-10.htm">Usual</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-10.htm">Wall</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/26-5.htm">Abner</a> <a href="/esther/1-13.htm">Customary</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-27.htm">David's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-27.htm">Empty</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-27.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-20.htm">Opposite</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-34.htm">Riseth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-34.htm">Rose</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-23.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-26.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-30.htm">Saul's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-23.htm">Seat</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-6.htm">Seated</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-9.htm">Side</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-23.htm">Sitteth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-7.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-35.htm">Time</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-41.htm">Times</a> <a href="/mark/15-8.htm">Usual</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-16.htm">Wall</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>He sat in his usual place by the wall</b><br>This phrase refers to King Saul, who is seated in a position of authority and security. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the seating arrangement at a banquet or feast was significant, often reflecting one's status and relationship to the host. Sitting by the wall would provide Saul with a strategic vantage point, allowing him to observe the entire room. This setting underscores Saul's paranoia and need for control, as he is increasingly suspicious of those around him, particularly David.<p><b>opposite Jonathan</b><br>Jonathan, Saul's son, is seated across from his father, indicating his importance and close relationship with the king. Jonathan's loyalty to David, however, creates tension in this familial bond. This seating arrangement highlights the internal conflict within Saul's household, as Jonathan's covenant with David (<a href="/1_samuel/18-3.htm">1 Samuel 18:3</a>) stands in contrast to Saul's growing animosity towards David. Jonathan's position also foreshadows his role as a mediator between Saul and David.<p><b>and beside Abner</b><br>Abner, the commander of Saul's army and his cousin, is seated next to Saul, signifying his high rank and influence in the kingdom. Abner's presence at the table reflects the military and political dynamics at play, as he is a key figure in Saul's regime. This positioning also emphasizes the loyalty expected from Saul's inner circle, contrasting with David's absence and the underlying threat Saul perceives from him.<p><b>but David’s place was empty</b><br>David's absence is conspicuous and significant, as he was expected to be present at the king's table. This empty seat symbolizes the growing rift between Saul and David, as well as David's precarious position in the royal court. It also foreshadows the eventual separation and conflict between Saul and David. Theologically, David's absence can be seen as part of God's providential plan, as David is being prepared for his future role as king. This moment also prefigures Christ, who, like David, was rejected by the authorities of His time but was destined for a greater purpose.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, who was chosen by God but later rejected due to his disobedience. In this passage, he is depicted as sitting in his usual place, indicating his established authority and routine.<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 seated opposite Saul, highlighting his position within the royal family and his loyalty to both his father and David.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/abner.htm">Abner</a></b><br>The commander of Saul's army and a relative of Saul. His presence beside Saul signifies his importance and influence in the king's court.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel. His absence at the table is significant, as it foreshadows the tension and conflict between him and Saul.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_royal_court.htm">The Royal Court</a></b><br>The setting of this event, where the king and his officials gather, reflecting the political and familial dynamics at play.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_position_and_presence.htm">The Importance of Position and Presence</a></b><br>Saul's position at the table signifies authority, while David's absence highlights the tension and conflict. Reflect on the importance of being present in your relationships and responsibilities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/loyalty_and_friendship.htm">Loyalty and Friendship</a></b><br>Jonathan's position opposite Saul symbolizes his divided loyalties. Consider how you can remain loyal to friends and family, even in challenging circumstances.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_human_affairs.htm">God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs</a></b><br>Despite the political intrigue, God's plan for David's future kingship is unfolding. Trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem uncertain.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_disobedience.htm">The Cost of Disobedience</a></b><br>Saul's disobedience led to his rejection by God and the eventual rise of David. Reflect on the consequences of disobedience in your own life and the importance of aligning with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_in_adversity.htm">Courage in Adversity</a></b><br>David's absence is a strategic move for his safety. Consider how you can demonstrate courage and wisdom in the face of adversity.<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/is_jonathan's_covenant_with_david_inconsistent.htm">Does the nature of Jonathan's covenant with David in 1 Samuel 20:16 present any inconsistencies with later depictions of Israelite covenants?</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/why_is_saul's_rage_at_jonathan_so_extreme.htm">Why does Saul's sudden rage toward Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:30-33 seem disproportionate and historically uncontextualized?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_findings_confirm_1_samuel_18_events.htm">Are there any historical or archaeological findings that confirm or challenge the events and relationships mentioned in 1 Samuel 18?</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>(25) <span class= "bld">David's place was empty.</span>--All took place as the two friends had calculated. Saul's seat was by the wall--then, as now, in the East the highest place of honour was opposite the door. The exact meaning of the phrase, "and Jonathan arose," has been disputed. The LXX. translate here from a different text thus: "He (Saul) went before Jonathan." Keil speaks of this, however, as "the senseless rendering of the Greek Version." The sense in which this difficult passage is understood by Abarbanel and Rashi seems on the whole the best. Understanding that Jonathan had already seated himself after Saul, and that David's absence was observed, "he (Jonathan) arose and seated Abner at Saul's side," that is, in the place left vacant by David's absence, in order that the seat next to Saul might not be empty, he himself having taken the seat on the other side of Saul. This rendering considers <span class= "ital">vayeshev </span>as causative, a verb in the Hipnil conjugation, written defectively, as in <a href="/2_chronicles/10-2.htm" title="And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was in Egypt, where he fled from the presence of Solomon the king, heard it, that Jeroboam returned out of Egypt.">2Chronicles 10:2</a>; so Lange, who also quotes Kitto as suggesting an explanation of Saul's expecting David's presence at all at the new moon feast. David, after the strange events at Naioth by Ramah, would suppose (so the king thought) that Saul's feelings towards him had undergone a complete change, and that now, after the ecstasy into which Saul had fallen, he would be once more friendly with him as aforetime.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/20-25.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">He</span><br /><span class="heb">הַ֠מֶּלֶךְ</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</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּ֣שֶׁב</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">in</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his usual</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּפַ֣עַם ׀</span> <span class="translit">(kə·p̄a·‘am)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6471.htm">Strong's 6471: </a> </span><span class="str2">A beat, foot, anvil, occurrence</span><br /><br /><span class="word">place</span><br /><span class="heb">מ֨וֹשָׁב֜וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(mō·wō·šā·ḇōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4186.htm">Strong's 4186: </a> </span><span class="str2">A seat, assembly, dwelling place, dwelling, dwellers</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by the wall,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַקִּ֔יר</span> <span class="translit">(haq·qîr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7023.htm">Strong's 7023: </a> </span><span class="str2">A wall</span><br /><br /><span class="word">opposite</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּ֙קָם֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·qām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arise, stand up, stand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Jonathan</span><br /><span class="heb">יְה֣וֹנָתָ֔ן</span> <span class="translit">(yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3083.htm">Strong's 3083: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב</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">beside</span><br /><span class="heb">מִצַּ֣ד</span> <span class="translit">(miṣ·ṣaḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6654.htm">Strong's 6654: </a> </span><span class="str2">A side, an adversary</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Abner,</span><br /><span class="heb">אַבְנֵ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(’aḇ·nêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_74.htm">Strong's 74: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abner -- 'my father is a lamp', an Israelite name</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but David’s</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּוִֽד׃</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">place</span><br /><span class="heb">מְק֥וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(mə·qō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4725.htm">Strong's 4725: </a> </span><span class="str2">A standing, a spot, a condition</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was empty.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּפָּקֵ֖ד</span> <span class="translit">(way·yip·pā·qêḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6485.htm">Strong's 6485: </a> </span><span class="str2">To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/20-25.htm">1 Samuel 20:25 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/20-25.htm">1 Samuel 20:25 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/20-25.htm">1 Samuel 20:25 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/20-25.htm">1 Samuel 20:25 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/20-25.htm">1 Samuel 20:25 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/20-25.htm">1 Samuel 20:25 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/20-25.htm">1 Samuel 20:25 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/20-25.htm">1 Samuel 20:25 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/20-25.htm">1 Samuel 20:25 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/20-25.htm">1 Samuel 20:25 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/20-25.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 20:25 The king sat on his seat as (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/20-24.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 20:24"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 20:24" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/20-26.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 20:26"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 20:26" /></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>