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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 20:18 Then Jonathan said to David, "Tomorrow is the New Moon, and you will be missed if your seat is empty.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/20-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/09_1Sa_20_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 20:18 - Jonathan and David Renew Their Covenant" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then Jonathan said to David, Tomorrow is the New Moon, and you will be missed if your seat is 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/20-18.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/20-18.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 18</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="/ad18.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/20-17.htm" title="1 Samuel 20:17">◄</a> 1 Samuel 20:18 <a href="/1_samuel/20-19.htm" title="1 Samuel 20:19">►</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 />Then Jonathan said to David, &#8220Tomorrow is the New Moon feast. You will be missed, because your seat will be empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then Jonathan said, “Tomorrow we celebrate the new moon festival. You will be missed when your place at the table is empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Jonathan said to him, “Tomorrow is the new moon, and you will be missed, because your seat will be empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Jonathan said to David, “Tomorrow is the New Moon, and you will be missed, because your seat will be empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then Jonathan said to David, To morrow <i>is</i> the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Jonathan said to David, “Tomorrow <i>is</i> the New Moon; and you will be missed, because your seat will be empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Jonathan said to him, “Tomorrow is the new moon, and you will be missed since your seat will be empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then Jonathan said to him, &#8220Tomorrow is the new moon, and you will be missed because your seat will be empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then Jonathan said to him, “Tomorrow is the new moon, and you will be missed because your seat will be empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Jonathan said to him, “Tomorrow is the new moon, and you will be missed because your seat will be missing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then Jonathan said to David, “Tomorrow is the New Moon [festival], and you will be missed because your seat will be empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Jonathan said to him, “Tomorrow is the New Moon; you’ll be missed because your seat will be empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Jonathan said to him, &#8220Tomorrow is the New Moon; you&#8217ll be missed because your seat will be empty. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Jonathan said unto him, To-morrow is the new moon: and thou wilt be missed, because thy seat will be empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />After this Jonathan said: Tomorrow is the New Moon Festival, and people will wonder where you are, because your place at the table will be empty. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Then Jonathan said unto him, Tomorrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"Tomorrow is the New Moon Festival," Jonathan told him, "and you will be missed when your seat is empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then Jonathan said to him, "Since tomorrow is the New Moon Festival, your absence will be noticed if you aren't at the meal. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Jonathan told him, "Tomorrow is the New Moon, and you will be missed because your seat is empty. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Jonathan said to David, ?Tomorrow is the New Moon, and you will be missed, because your seat will be empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Jonathan said to him, "Tomorrow is the new moon, and you will be missed, for your seat will be empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then Jonathan said, "Tomorrow is the new moon: and you will be missed, because your seat will be empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then Jonathan said to David, To-morrow is the new-moon: and thou wilt be missed, because thy seat will be empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then Jonathan said to him, “Tomorrow is the new moon, and you will be missed, because your seat will be 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 Jonathan says to him, “Tomorrow [is] the new moon, and you have been looked after, for your seat 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 Jonathan saith to him, 'To-morrow is new moon, and thou hast been looked after, for thy seat 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 Jonathan will say to him, To-morrow the new moon: and thou wert reviewed, for thy 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 Jonathan said to him: To morrow is the new moon, and thou wilt be missed: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Jonathan said to him: “Tomorrow is the new moon, and you will be sought.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Jonathan then said to him: “Tomorrow is the new moon; you will be missed, since your place will be vacant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Jonathan said to him, “Tomorrow is the new moon; you will be missed, because your place will be 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 />Then Jonathan said to him. Tomorrow is the new moon; and you shall be missed, because your seat will be 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 Jonathan said to him: “Tomorrow is the beginning of the month, and you will be missed because your seat will be 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 Jonathan said unto him: 'To-morrow is the new moon; and thou wilt be missed, thy seat will be empty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Jonathan said, To-morrow <i>is</i> the new moon, and thou wilt be enquired for, because thy seat will be observed as vacant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/20-18.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=6001" 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">17</span>And Jonathan had David reaffirm his vow out of love for him, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself. <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><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.">Then Jonathan</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">to David,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4279.htm" title="4279: mā·ḥār (Adv) -- Tomorrow, in time to come. Probably from 'achar; properly, deferred, i.e. The morrow; usually tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter.">“Tomorrow</a> <a href="/hebrew/2320.htm" title="2320: ḥō·ḏeš (N-ms) -- New moon, a month. From chadash; the new moon; by implication, a month.">is the New Moon,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6485.htm" title="6485: wə·nip̄·qaḏ·tā (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To attend to, visit, muster, appoint. A primitive root; to visit; by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc.">and you will be missed</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">if</a> <a href="/hebrew/4186.htm" title="4186: mō·wō·šā·ḇe·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Or moshab; from yashab; a seat; figuratively, a site; abstractly, a session; by extension an abode; by implication, population.">your seat</a> <a href="/hebrew/6485.htm" title="6485: yip·pā·qêḏ (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- To attend to, visit, muster, appoint. A primitive root; to visit; by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc.">is empty.</a> </span><span class="reftext">19</span>When you have stayed three days, hurry down to the place you hid on the day this trouble began, and remain beside the stone Ezel.…<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/19-11.htm">1 Samuel 19:11</a></span><br />Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/23-16.htm">1 Samuel 23:16-18</a></span><br />And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God, / saying, “Do not be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. And you will be king over Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this is true.” / 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/15-27.htm">2 Samuel 15:27-28</a></span><br />The king also said to Zadok the priest, “Are you not a seer? Return to the city in peace—you with your son Ahimaaz, and Abiathar with his son Jonathan. / See, I will wait at the fords of the wilderness until word comes from you to inform me.”<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="/matthew/26-18.htm">Matthew 26:18</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.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-47.htm">Matthew 26:47-50</a></span><br />While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people. / Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/14-12.htm">Mark 14:12-16</a></span><br />On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb was to be sacrificed, Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” / So He sent two of His disciples and told them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jug of water will meet you. Follow him, / and whichever house he enters, say to the owner, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is My guest room, where I may eat the Passover with My 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. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then Jonathan said to David, To morrow is the new moon: and you shall be missed, because your seat will be empty.</p><p class="hdg">new moon (See on verse</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/20-5.htm">1 Samuel 20:5</a></b></br> And David said unto Jonathan, Behold, to morrow <i>is</i> the new moon, and I should not fail to sit with the king at meat: but let me go, that I may hide myself in the field unto the third <i>day</i> at even.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/20-18.htm">1 Samuel 20:18</a></b></br> Then Jonathan said to David, To morrow <i>is</i> the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty.</p><p class="hdg">empty [heb] missed </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/20-17.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/6-3.htm">Empty</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-17.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/numbers/31-49.htm">Missed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-5.htm">Moon</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-12.htm">Morrow</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-5.htm">New</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-5.htm">New-Moon</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-5.htm">Present</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-18.htm">Seat</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-12.htm">Tomorrow</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-12.htm">To-Morrow</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-11.htm">Wilt</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/20-24.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-25.htm">Empty</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-25.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-19.htm">Missed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-24.htm">Moon</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-27.htm">Morrow</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-24.htm">New</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-24.htm">New-Moon</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-3.htm">Present</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-25.htm">Seat</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-19.htm">Tomorrow</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-19.htm">To-Morrow</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-9.htm">Wilt</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>Then Jonathan said to David</b><br>Jonathan, the son of King Saul, is speaking to David, who is anointed to be the next king of Israel. Their friendship is a significant theme in 1 Samuel, highlighting loyalty and covenantal love. Jonathan's willingness to help David, despite his father's hostility, reflects a deep commitment to God's will and to David as God's chosen.<p><b>Tomorrow is the New Moon</b><br>The New Moon marked the beginning of the month in the Hebrew calendar and was a time for special sacrifices and feasting (<a href="/numbers/28-11.htm">Numbers 28:11-15</a>). It was a significant religious observance, and attendance was expected, especially for those in the king's court. This context underscores the tension, as David's absence would be conspicuous.<p><b>and you will be missed</b><br>David's absence from the New Moon feast would be noticeable, indicating his important role in Saul's court. This phrase suggests the depth of the danger David faced, as his absence could provoke Saul's suspicion and wrath. It also highlights the bond between Jonathan and David, as Jonathan is concerned for David's safety.<p><b>because your seat will be empty</b><br>The empty seat symbolizes David's precarious position and the threat to his life from Saul. It also foreshadows the eventual separation between David and Saul's household. In a broader biblical context, the empty seat can be seen as a type of Christ, who was rejected and whose absence was felt by His followers. The imagery of an empty seat can also evoke themes of loss and longing for restoration, which are fulfilled in Christ's ultimate kingship.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jonathan.htm">Jonathan</a></b><br>The son of King Saul and a close friend of David. Known for his loyalty and covenant friendship with David, Jonathan plays a crucial role in protecting David from Saul's wrath.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel. At this point in the account, David is a fugitive, fleeing from King Saul's attempts to kill him.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/n/new_moon_festival.htm">New Moon Festival</a></b><br>A significant religious and social event in ancient Israel, marking the beginning of the month. It was a time for sacrifices and communal meals, where attendance was expected.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_saul.htm">King Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, who becomes increasingly hostile towards David due to jealousy and fear of losing his throne.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_royal_court.htm">The Royal Court</a></b><br>The setting for the New Moon festival, where Saul, Jonathan, and other officials would gather for the feast.<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 loyalty and selflessness. In a world where relationships can be transactional, their friendship is a model of covenantal love and support.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_religious_observances.htm">Understanding Religious Observances</a></b><br>The New Moon festival reminds us of the importance of regular, communal worship and the rhythm of spiritual practices in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_in_the_face_of_adversity.htm">Courage in the Face of Adversity</a></b><br>Jonathan's willingness to stand by David, even against his father, challenges us to consider where we might need to show courage and integrity in our own relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_divine_providence.htm">The Role of Divine Providence</a></b><br>Despite the danger David faces, God's providence is evident in the protection and support he receives through Jonathan. This encourages us to trust in God's plan, even in difficult circumstances.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_disobedience.htm">The Cost of Disobedience</a></b><br>Saul's actions serve as a warning of how jealousy and disobedience to God can lead to destructive behavior and broken relationships.<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/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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/was_david's_'ten_thousands'_song_true.htm">1 Samuel 18:5-7: Did the women's song about David killing 'ten thousands' reflect historical reality or an exaggeration?</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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_1_sam_19_align_with_divine_protection.htm">How does 1 Samuel 19 reconcile with accounts in other sections of the Bible where David is portrayed as protected by divine power rather than subterfuge?</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>(18) <span class= "bld">Thou shalt be missed.</span>--Well then, resumes Jonathan--after the passionate conclusion of the solemn covenant betwixt the friends--the last trial shall be as you propose. At the State banquet of my father tomorrow your seat, as agreed upon, will be empty, then you and I--when King Saul misses you--will know the worst.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 18, 19.</span> - Jonathan now arranges his plan for communicating the result to David. For <span class="cmt_word">when thou hast stayed three days</span>, at which all the versions stumble, a slight alteration gives the right sense: "And on the third day." David on the third day was to <span class="cmt_word">go down quickly</span> - Hebrew, "greatly, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> he was to go a long way down into the valley. The rendering <span class="accented">quickly</span> is taken from the Vulgate, but makes no sense. It did not matter whether David went fast or slow, as he was to hide there for some time, but it was important that David should be far away, so that no prying eye might chance to catch sight of him. <span class="cmt_word">When the business was in hand.</span> Literally, "the day of the business," probably that narrated in <a href="/1_samuel/19-2.htm">1 Samuel 19:2-7</a>. The Septuagint, Vulgate, and Chaldee all understand "a working day," in opposition to a feast day; but "where thou didst hide thyself on a week day" gives no intelligible meaning. By the stone Ezel. As the name Ezel is formed from a verb signifying <span class="accented">to go</span>, some understand by it a <span class="accented">road stone</span>, a stone to mark the way. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/20-18.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">Then Jonathan</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוֹנָתָ֖ן</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">said</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּֽאמֶר־</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to David,</span><br /><span class="heb">ל֥וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(lōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Tomorrow</span><br /><span class="heb">מָחָ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(mā·ḥār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4279.htm">Strong's 4279: </a> </span><span class="str2">Deferred, the morrow, tomorrow, hereafter</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is the New Moon,</span><br /><span class="heb">חֹ֑דֶשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥō·ḏeš)</span><br /><span class="parse">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">and you will be missed</span><br /><span class="heb">וְנִפְקַ֕דְתָּ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·nip̄·qaḏ·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - second 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 /><br /><span class="word">if</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your seat</span><br /><span class="heb">מוֹשָׁבֶֽךָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(mō·wō·šā·ḇe·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second 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">is empty.</span><br /><span class="heb">יִפָּקֵ֖ד</span> <span class="translit">(yip·pā·qêḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - 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/20-18.htm">1 Samuel 20:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/20-18.htm">1 Samuel 20:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/20-18.htm">1 Samuel 20:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/20-18.htm">1 Samuel 20:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/20-18.htm">1 Samuel 20:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/20-18.htm">1 Samuel 20:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/20-18.htm">1 Samuel 20:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/20-18.htm">1 Samuel 20:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/20-18.htm">1 Samuel 20:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/20-18.htm">1 Samuel 20:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/20-18.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 20:18 Then Jonathan said to him Tomorrow (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/20-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 20:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 20:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/20-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 20:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 20:19" /></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>