1 Samuel 20:18

Then Jonathan said to David, To morrow [is] the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty.

Then Jonathan {H3083} said {H559} to David {H1732}, To morrow {H4279} is the new moon {H2320}: and thou shalt be missed {H6485}, because thy seat {H4186} will be empty {H6485}.

Y'honatan said to him, "Tomorrow is Rosh-Hodesh, and you will be missed, because your seat will be empty.

Then Jonathan said to David, “Tomorrow is the New Moon, and you will be missed if your seat is empty.

Then Jonathan said unto him, To-morrow is the new moon: and thou wilt be missed, because thy seat will be empty.

Context of 1 Samuel 20:18

This verse is a crucial part of the unfolding drama between David, Jonathan, and King Saul. Following their deep covenant of friendship, Jonathan is laying out a plan to determine if his father, King Saul, truly intends to kill David. David has been in hiding due to Saul's growing jealousy and murderous intent. The "new moon" festival was a significant monthly religious and social observance in ancient Israel, requiring the king and his court (including David, as a key member of the royal household) to be present for a ceremonial meal and sacrifices. Jonathan's warning highlights the immediate danger David faces and the careful strategy required to protect him.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Unwavering Loyalty and Friendship: Jonathan's words demonstrate his profound loyalty to David, prioritizing their bond over his own potential claim to the throne or his father's wrath. This friendship is a beacon of faithfulness amidst political intrigue and personal danger.
  • Imminent Danger and Strategic Planning: The verse underscores the precariousness of David's situation. Jonathan's detailed plan, including David's absence at the new moon feast, is a calculated move to expose Saul's true feelings and ensure David's safety.
  • Observance of Custom: The mention of the "new moon" festival highlights the importance of religious and social customs in Israelite life. David's absence from such a public and expected event would be highly noticeable and immediately raise questions, serving as the catalyst for Jonathan's test of Saul.

Linguistic Insights

The term "new moon" (Hebrew: chodesh) refers to the first day of the lunar month, which was celebrated with special sacrifices and feasting (Numbers 28:11-15). It was a time when all prominent members of the court were expected to be present. Jonathan's statement, "thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty," emphasizes the certainty that David's absence would be immediately noted and investigated by Saul, making it the perfect trigger for their plan.

Practical Application

1 Samuel 20:18 reminds us of the profound value of true friendship and loyalty, especially during times of adversity. Jonathan's courage to stand by David, even when it meant defying his own father and risking his future, serves as an inspiring example. It also speaks to the importance of discernment and careful planning when navigating difficult or dangerous situations, relying on trusted allies for support and counsel.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Samuel 20:5

    And David said unto Jonathan, Behold, to morrow [is] 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 [day] at even.

  • 1 Samuel 20:25

    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.
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