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.
Original Language Analysis
מָחָ֣ר
To morrow
H4279
מָחָ֣ר
To morrow
Strong's:
H4279
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, deferred, i.e., the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter
יִפָּקֵ֖ד
and thou shalt be missed
H6485
יִפָּקֵ֖ד
and thou shalt be missed
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
6 of 9
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
1 Samuel 20:25And 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.1 Samuel 20:5And 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.
Historical Context
Fixed seating arrangements at royal feasts reflected status and favor. David's assigned seat indicated his honored position in the court. Absence from required royal functions demanded explanation and drew attention.
Questions for Reflection
- When has your absence from a situation revealed others' true attitudes toward you?
- How can strategic withdrawal create opportunities for hidden realities to surface?
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Analysis & Commentary
Then Jonathan said to David, To morrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty.
Jonathan's statement 'thy seat will be empty' acknowledges David's established position at the royal table. The empty seat would force Saul to notice David's absence and reveal his response. The phrase 'thou shalt be missed' (paqad, to visit/attend to) indicates both David's importance and the test's mechanism. Sometimes absence speaks more clearly than presence. David's empty seat would provoke Saul to reveal what he concealed when David was present.