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.
Original Language Analysis
מָחָ֔ר
Behold to morrow
H4279
מָחָ֔ר
Behold to morrow
Strong's:
H4279
Word #:
7 of 19
properly, deferred, i.e., the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter
אֵשֵׁ֥ב
and I should not fail
H3427
אֵשֵׁ֥ב
and I should not fail
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
9 of 19
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
אֵשֵׁ֥ב
and I should not fail
H3427
אֵשֵׁ֥ב
and I should not fail
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
10 of 19
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
11 of 19
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
וְשִׁלַּחְתַּ֙נִי֙
but let me go
H7971
וְשִׁלַּחְתַּ֙נִי֙
but let me go
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
14 of 19
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
וְנִסְתַּרְתִּ֣י
that I may hide
H5641
וְנִסְתַּרְתִּ֣י
that I may hide
Strong's:
H5641
Word #:
15 of 19
to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively
Cross References
Numbers 10:10Also in the day of your gladness, and in your solemn days, and in the beginnings of your months, ye shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; that they may be to you for a memorial before your God: I am the LORD your God.Numbers 28:11And in the beginnings of your months ye shall offer a burnt offering unto the LORD; two young bullocks, and one ram, seven lambs of the first year without spot;1 Samuel 19:2But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself:Psalms 81:3Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day.
Historical Context
New Moon festivals were observed with special sacrifices and feasts (Numbers 28:11-15). Court officials were expected to attend royal feasts. The three-day period provided sufficient time to assess Saul's response. David's planned hiding place would later become the location for Jonathan's arrow signal.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance trusting God with making prudent preparations for danger?
- What does David's strategic planning teach about faithful wisdom in threatening situations?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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.
David's plan leveraged the New Moon feast (rosh chodesh) as test of Saul's intentions. His obligation to 'sit with the king at meat' was formal court protocol; absence would be noticed. The phrase 'hide myself in the field' shows David's continued fear despite Jonathan's assurances. The 'third day' allowed time for Saul's response to develop fully. Prudent planning combined with trust in God - David did not presume on past deliverances but prepared for the worst while hoping for the best.