1 Samuel 20:25

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} sat {H3427} upon his seat {H4186}, as at other times {H6471}, even upon a seat {H4186} by the wall {H7023}: and Jonathan {H3083} arose {H6965}, and Abner {H74} sat {H3427} by Saul's {H7586} side {H6654}, and David's {H1732} place {H4725} was empty {H6485}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king sat at his usual place by the wall. Y'honatan stood up, and Avner sat next to Sha'ul, but David's place was empty.

Berean Standard Bible

He sat in his usual place by the wall, opposite Jonathan and beside Abner, but David’s place was empty.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 20:25 meticulously sets the scene for a pivotal confrontation at King Saul's New Moon feast, detailing the customary seating arrangement of the royal court. The verse highlights Saul's rigid adherence to tradition and the presence of key figures like Jonathan and Abner, but its dramatic climax is the conspicuous absence of David. This "empty place" serves as a powerful visual cue, immediately signaling David's perilous situation and precipitating the unfolding drama that will reveal the depth of Saul's murderous intent and the unwavering loyalty of Jonathan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a highly charged narrative arc detailing King Saul's escalating paranoia and murderous jealousy toward David, whom God had chosen to replace Saul as king. Chapters 18-19 recount Saul's repeated attempts to kill David, leading David to flee. Chapter 20 opens with David seeking Jonathan's help to discern Saul's true intentions. Jonathan, David's loyal friend and Saul's son, devises a plan: David will hide, and Jonathan will observe Saul's reaction to David's absence at the New Moon feast. Verse 25 describes the beginning of this test, setting the stage for Saul's explosive reaction in the verses that follow, ultimately confirming David's need to flee permanently. The detailed description of the seating arrangement underscores the formality and significance of the event, making David's absence all the more glaring.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The New Moon feast (Hebrew: _Rosh Chodesh_) was a significant religious and social observance in ancient Israel, often marked by sacrifices and communal meals, as seen in [Numbers 28:11-15](/numbers/28-11 "Numbers 28:11-15 - New Moon Offerings") and [2 Kings 4:23](/2_kings/4-23 "2 Kings 4:23 - The Shunammite Woman and the New Moon"). It was a time when prominent figures, especially those connected to the royal court, would be expected to attend. The seating arrangement at a royal feast was highly structured, reflecting hierarchy and status. Sitting "by the wall" could indicate a place of honor or a specific, established position for the king, emphasizing his authority and the formality of the occasion. The presence of Abner, Saul's cousin and commander of his army ([1 Samuel 14:50](/1_samuel/14-50 "1 Samuel 14:50 - Abner, Commander of Saul's Army")), by Saul's side further highlights the official and public nature of the gathering, where any deviation from the norm would be immediately noticed.
* **Key Themes:** The central themes converging in 1 Samuel 20:25 include the **destabilizing effects of Saul's paranoia** and his increasingly erratic rule, which contrasts sharply with the established order of the court. David's "empty place" is a stark visual representation of this instability and the king's descent into tyranny, where personal vendetta overshadows stable governance. Another crucial theme is **Jonathan's unwavering loyalty and courageous friendship** toward David. Jonathan's presence at the feast, despite knowing David is in hiding, is part of his strategic effort to protect his friend and honor the covenant they made ([1 Samuel 18:3](/1_samuel/18-3 "1 Samuel 18:3 - Jonathan's Covenant with David")). This loyalty stands in stark contrast to the betrayal and hostility emanating from Saul. Finally, the **significance of absence** itself becomes a powerful motif. David's vacant seat is not merely a physical void but a potent symbol of his forced exile, the broken relationship with Saul, and the impending transfer of the kingdom, foreshadowing the divine appointment of David as king over Israel, as hinted at in [1 Samuel 16:1-13](/1_samuel/16 "1 Samuel 16 - David Anointed King").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Seat (Hebrew, _kisse'_):** This word refers to a throne or a seat of authority. Its repeated use in the phrase "sat upon his seat, as at other times, [even] upon a seat by the wall" emphasizes the king's customary, formal, and authoritative presence. It underscores the established order of the court and the expectation of regularity, which David's absence then profoundly disrupts. The "seat by the wall" might denote a specific, perhaps elevated or prominent, position that was traditionally Saul's.
* **Empty (Hebrew, _nip̄qaḏ_):** This is the Niphal (passive) form of the verb _paqad_, which means "to visit," "to inspect," "to muster," or "to miss/be absent." In the Niphal, it means "to be missed," "to be absent," or "to be sought out/inspected." The use of _nip̄qaḏ_ here is crucial, as it indicates that David's absence was not merely a casual no-show but was specifically noticed, accounted for, and deemed significant. It implies a deliberate, conspicuous void that immediately drew attention and had serious implications for the unfolding drama, as it was the very test Jonathan had orchestrated.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king sat upon his seat, as at other times, [even] upon a seat by the wall:"** This opening clause establishes the setting and Saul's position. It highlights the customary nature of the feast ("as at other times"), emphasizing the expected regularity and formality of the royal court. Saul's presence on his "seat by the wall" denotes his established place of authority and the public nature of the gathering. This detail sets a baseline of normalcy against which David's absence will be sharply contrasted.
* **"and Jonathan arose,"** Jonathan's action is briefly noted. This could signify a number of things: perhaps he arose to serve, to observe, or out of a subtle unease as the test of his father's intentions began. His movement might indicate his active participation and keen observation of the scene, preparing for the moment when David's absence would be noticed.
* **"and Abner sat by Saul's side,"** Abner, Saul's cousin and the commander of his army, occupied a place of honor and close proximity to the king. This detail reinforces the formal and political nature of the gathering, indicating that the king was surrounded by his loyal inner circle and military leadership. Abner's presence underscores the weight and public scrutiny of the event.
* **"and David's place was empty."** This is the climactic and most significant part of the verse. The stark declaration of David's vacant seat is the central point, confirming the success of Jonathan's plan to test Saul. It is a powerful visual representation of David's forced absence and the severe danger he faces. This "empty place" immediately draws attention and serves as the catalyst for Saul's furious outburst in the subsequent verses, revealing the depth of his animosity and confirming David's need for permanent flight.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to heighten the drama and convey its profound meaning. **Foreshadowing** is evident, as David's empty seat strongly foreshadows his permanent separation from Saul's court and his future as king, distinct from Saul's lineage. The "empty place" functions as potent **Symbolism**, representing not only David's physical absence but also the broken relationship between him and Saul, the impending rupture of Saul's kingdom, and the divine hand guiding David away from a hostile environment towards his destiny. There is a clear **Contrast** established between the rigid, "as at other times" seating of Saul and Abner, representing the established but failing order, and David's conspicuous absence, which signifies disruption and the emergence of a new, divinely appointed order. Finally, a subtle layer of **Dramatic Irony** exists, as the reader (and Jonathan) knows the reason for David's absence and the danger he is in, while Saul initially does not, making his eventual furious reaction all the more revealing of his true character.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 20:25, though seemingly a simple description of a seating arrangement, carries profound theological weight. It illustrates God's sovereign hand at work, even in the midst of human conflict and political intrigue. David's forced absence, a result of Saul's unrighteous jealousy, is not a sign of God's abandonment but rather a demonstration of His protective providence, guiding His chosen one away from danger and preparing him for the throne. The verse underscores the tragic consequences of a king who rejects God's Spirit and succumbs to sin, leading to the disintegration of his kingdom and the alienation of those closest to him. Conversely, it highlights the divine value of covenant loyalty and true friendship, epitomized by Jonathan, whose actions reflect a selfless love that transcends familial and political ties. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that God's plans for His anointed will prevail, regardless of human opposition or the seemingly empty spaces left by His servants in times of trial.

* [Psalm 37:23-24](/psalms/37-23 "Psalm 37:23-24 - The Lord Directs the Steps of the Righteous")
* [Proverbs 17:17](/proverbs/17-17 "Proverbs 17:17 - A Friend Loves at All Times")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The "empty place" of David in 1 Samuel 20:25 resonates deeply with the human experience of absence, loss, and the tension between what is expected and what truly is. It compels us to consider the spaces in our own lives—whether physical, relational, or spiritual—that may feel empty or disrupted. This verse reminds us that even in moments of profound uncertainty, forced separation, or hostile environments, God is actively at work, orchestrating circumstances for His redemptive purposes. It challenges us to cultivate the kind of discerning wisdom that David and Jonathan exhibited, recognizing true danger and seeking refuge, while also inspiring us to embody Jonathan's unwavering loyalty and courageous love for others, even when it demands great personal sacrifice. Ultimately, it encourages us to trust in God's providence, knowing that He can use even an "empty place" to move His plans forward and bring about His perfect will, protecting His servants and preparing them for their appointed roles.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in your life do you perceive "empty places" or significant absences, and how might God be at work within them?**
* **How does Jonathan's loyalty to David challenge your understanding of true friendship and covenant commitment?**
* **In what situations are you called to discern hostile intentions, and how can you rely on God's wisdom for protection and guidance?**
* **How does Saul's reaction to David's absence serve as a warning against the destructive power of jealousy and unchecked anger?**

### FAQ
**Why was David's place empty, and what was the significance of this?**

Answer: David's place was empty because he was in hiding, having fled from King Saul's repeated attempts to kill him. His absence was part of a plan devised by Jonathan, Saul's son and David's closest friend, to ascertain the true depth of Saul's murderous intentions. Jonathan instructed David to hide and then observed Saul's reaction when David's customary seat at the New Moon feast remained vacant. The significance of this empty seat was profound: it was a deliberate test, a visual confirmation of David's perilous situation, and a stark symbol of the broken relationship between Saul and David. It directly led to Saul's furious outburst in [1 Samuel 20:30-33](/1_samuel/20-30 "1 Samuel 20:30-33 - Saul's Rage Against Jonathan"), confirming that David could no longer safely remain at court and needed to flee permanently.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "empty place" of David at Saul's table, a symbol of his forced exile and the impending transfer of the kingdom, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate "empty place" that signifies the triumph of God's true King: the empty tomb of Jesus Christ. Just as David's absence from Saul's court marked the end of an old, failing order and the ushering in of God's chosen king, so too the empty tomb on Easter morning signaled the definitive end of sin's reign and the inauguration of Christ's eternal kingdom. David's empty seat was a sign of danger and flight, but the empty tomb of Jesus is a sign of victory, resurrection, and the promise of new life for all who believe ([Matthew 28:5-6](/matthew/28-5 "Matthew 28:5-6 - The Empty Tomb")). Furthermore, just as David was absent to be preserved for his future reign, Jesus, after His resurrection, ascended to the Father, preparing a "place" for His followers ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place for Us")), promising to return and take them to Himself. Thus, 1 Samuel 20:25, with its poignant "empty place," subtly points forward to the ultimate King whose absence from the grave guarantees His eternal presence and reign, securing a place for all His people in His glorious kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.

Judges 16:20

And she said, The Philistines [be] 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.