1 Samuel 20:24
So David hid himself in the field: and when the new moon was come, the king sat him down to eat meat.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֣י
H1961
וַיְהִ֣י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
4 of 10
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הַחֹ֔דֶשׁ
and when the new moon
H2320
הַחֹ֔דֶשׁ
and when the new moon
Strong's:
H2320
Word #:
5 of 10
the new moon; by implication, a month
וַיֵּ֧שֶׁב
sat him down
H3427
וַיֵּ֧שֶׁב
sat him down
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
עֶל
H5921
עֶל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
New Moon feasts were significant religious observances requiring attendance of court officials. The king presiding over such feasts demonstrated royal piety. David's hidden position contrasted sharply with his expected place at the king's table.
Questions for Reflection
- How do ordinary religious occasions sometimes become moments of significant testing?
- What does it feel like to wait hidden while crucial events unfold elsewhere?
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Analysis & Commentary
So David hid himself in the field: and when the new moon was come, the king sat him down to eat meat.
The plan begins execution: David hid while the king proceeded with the New Moon feast. The contrast between David hiding in the field and Saul eating at his table captures their respective positions - one hunted, one hunting. The New Moon feast proceeded normally, with Saul unaware his intentions would soon be exposed. Divine providence often works through ordinary occasions; religious festivals became testing ground for Saul's heart. David waited in the field while events unfolded at the table.