and when the New Moon had come
The New Moon marks the beginning of the Hebrew month and is a time of religious observance and celebration, as outlined in Numbers 28:11-15. It was customary for the Israelites to hold a special meal and offer sacrifices. This context highlights the significance of the event and the expectation that David would be present at the royal table, making his absence conspicuous. The New Moon festival underscores the cultural and religious practices of ancient Israel, providing a backdrop for the unfolding drama.

the king sat down to eat
King Saul's act of sitting down to eat during the New Moon festival indicates his role as the leader and host of the ceremonial meal. This setting emphasizes the royal court's formalities and the importance of maintaining appearances and traditions. Saul's position at the table also reflects his authority and the tension between his kingly duties and personal vendetta against David. The meal setting is a common biblical motif where significant events and revelations occur, such as in the Last Supper, drawing a parallel to the unfolding of God's plan through seemingly ordinary circumstances.

• David’s action is a literal, physical hiding place, not a metaphor. The text earlier notes Saul’s murderous intent (1 Samuel 19:1, 10), so a field outside the palace offers immediate concealment.

• Jonathan and David had just agreed on this plan: “Behold, tomorrow is the New Moon, and I am expected to sit with the king. But let me go so that I may hide in the field until the evening of the third day” (1 Samuel 20:5).

• Similar scenes show God providing refuge in literal locations—e.g., Elijah by the brook Cherith (1 Kings 17:3-4) and David later in the strongholds of Engedi (1 Samuel 23:14).

• David’s obedience to the agreed signal with Jonathan displays faith and patience; he does not take matters into his own hands but waits for God’s timing, echoing Psalm 27:14.

• The New Moon marked the first day of the month in Israel’s calendar, a God-ordained time of worship and fellowship (Numbers 10:10; 28:11-15).

• Attendance at the king’s table during this feast carried covenantal and communal significance, similar to later references where Elisha is asked, “Why go to him today? It is neither New Moon nor Sabbath,” (2 Kings 4:23).

• Jonathan expects Saul to notice David’s absence because David, as Saul’s son-in-law and a commander (1 Samuel 18:13), would normally honor the festival.

• The festival setting heightens the drama: on a day meant for celebration and offerings (Isaiah 1:13-14), Saul’s hidden hatred will be exposed.

• Royal meals in Scripture often reveal character (Esther 1:3-8; Luke 14:7-11). Here Saul’s posture at the table will soon uncover jealous rage (1 Samuel 20:30-33).

• Verse 25 describes the seating order—Saul by the wall, Jonathan opposite—showing a formal arrangement that David’s empty seat will disrupt.

• A king’s table is typically a place of security—“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” (Psalm 23:5)—yet Saul’s table becomes a place of plotting, illustrating the inversion that sin brings.

• The scene fulfils Samuel’s earlier warning that a king would seize authority (1 Samuel 8:11-18); Saul’s reaction will confirm his drift from God’s heart.

The verse sets a real-world stage: David literally hides in a field, the New Moon festival arrives, and Saul takes his ceremonial seat. Each detail is factual history and rich with meaning. David’s hiding showcases prudent faith; the festival underscores covenantal life; Saul’s table reveals a broken kingship. God is sovereign in every movement, advancing His redemptive plan while safeguarding His anointed servant.