This verse from 1 Samuel 20:5 is part of a larger conversation between David and Jonathan, and it's crucial to understand the context to grasp its meaning. Here's a breakdown:
"David said to Jonathan, “Behold, tomorrow is the new moon...": David is pointing out the timing. The New Moon was a significant event, a monthly festival where people would often feast with the king.
"...and I should not fail to dine with the king...": David, as a prominent member of Saul's court, was expected to be present at the New Moon feast. His absence would be noticed.
"...but let me go, that I may hide myself in the field to the third day at evening.": This is the core of the verse. David is asking Jonathan for permission to skip the feast and hide in a field. He needs Jonathan to cover for him.
Why the field? David wants to test King Saul's intentions. He fears Saul wants to kill him, and this absence is a test to see how Saul will react.
"To the third day at evening": David won't just be gone for one day; he'll be gone for three. This extended absence would definitely raise questions.
In essence, David is saying:
> "Jonathan, tomorrow is the New Moon feast, and I'm supposed to be there with King Saul. But I suspect Saul wants to kill me. Please let me hide in the field for three days. I need to see how Saul reacts to my absence. If Saul gets angry, it proves he's trying to harm me."
Why is this significant?
This verse is a key moment in the developing conflict between David and Saul. David trusts Jonathan implicitly, and he's relying on Jonathan's loyalty and friendship to help him determine whether Saul is truly a threat. It sets the stage for Jonathan to intercede with Saul and understand Saul's intentions towards David. This is part of a larger plan between David and Jonathan to determine if David should continue serving Saul or flee for his life.
This verse from 1 Samuel 20:5 is part of a larger conversation between David and Jonathan, and it's crucial to understand the context to grasp its meaning. Here's a breakdown:
"David said to Jonathan, “Behold, tomorrow is the new moon...": David is pointing out the timing. The New Moon was a significant event, a monthly festival where people would often feast with the king.
"...and I should not fail to dine with the king...": David, as a prominent member of Saul's court, was expected to be present at the New Moon feast. His absence would be noticed.
"...but let me go, that I may hide myself in the field to the third day at evening.": This is the core of the verse. David is asking Jonathan for permission to skip the feast and hide in a field. He needs Jonathan to cover for him.
Why the field? David wants to test King Saul's intentions. He fears Saul wants to kill him, and this absence is a test to see how Saul will react.
"To the third day at evening": David won't just be gone for one day; he'll be gone for three. This extended absence would definitely raise questions.
In essence, David is saying:
> "Jonathan, tomorrow is the New Moon feast, and I'm supposed to be there with King Saul. But I suspect Saul wants to kill me. Please let me hide in the field for three days. I need to see how Saul reacts to my absence. If Saul gets angry, it proves he's trying to harm me."
Why is this significant?
This verse is a key moment in the developing conflict between David and Saul. David trusts Jonathan implicitly, and he's relying on Jonathan's loyalty and friendship to help him determine whether Saul is truly a threat. It sets the stage for Jonathan to intercede with Saul and understand Saul's intentions towards David. This is part of a larger plan between David and Jonathan to determine if David should continue serving Saul or flee for his life.