Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version He sat in his customary place by the wall, opposite Jonathan, and Abner sat next to Saul, but David’s place was empty. New Living Translation He sat at his usual place against the wall, with Jonathan sitting opposite him and Abner beside him. But David’s place was empty. English Standard Version The king sat on his seat, as at other times, on the seat by the wall. Jonathan sat opposite, and Abner sat by Saul’s side, 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. Berean Literal Bible And the king sat on his seat, as time by time, on a seat by the wall. And Jonathan arose, and Abner sat at the side of Saul, and the place of David was found empty. King James Bible 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. New King James Version Now the king sat on his seat, as at other times, on a seat by the wall. And Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul’s side, but David’s place was empty. New American Standard Bible Now the king sat on his seat as usual, the seat by the wall; then Jonathan stood up and Abner sat down by Saul’s side; but David’s place was empty. NASB 1995 The king sat on his seat as usual, the seat by the wall; then Jonathan rose up and Abner sat down by Saul’s side, but David’s place was empty. NASB 1977 And the king sat on his seat as usual, the seat by the wall; then Jonathan rose up and Abner sat down by Saul’s side, but David’s place was empty. Legacy Standard Bible And the king sat on his seat as usual, the seat by the wall; then Jonathan rose up, and Abner sat down by Saul’s side, but David’s place was missing. Amplified Bible The king sat on his seat as on previous occasions, on his seat by the wall; then Jonathan stood up, and Abner [his commander] sat down by Saul’s side, but David’s place was empty. Berean Annotated Bible He sat in his usual place by the wall, opposite Jonathan (YHWH has given) and beside Abner (my father is a lamp), but David’s (beloved) place was empty. Christian Standard Bible He sat at his usual place on the seat by the wall. Jonathan sat facing him and Abner took his place beside Saul, but David’s place was empty. Holman Christian Standard Bible He sat at his usual place on the seat by the wall. Jonathan sat facing him and Abner took his place beside Saul, 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. Contemporary English Version by the wall, just as he always did. Jonathan sat across from him, and Abner sat next to him. But David's place was empty. English Revised 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation He sat in his usual seat by the wall, while Jonathan stood. Abner sat beside Saul, but David's place was empty. Good News Translation and sat in his usual place by the wall. Abner sat next to him, and Jonathan sat across the table from him. David's place was empty, International Standard Version The king sat down at his place as before, in the seat by the wall. Jonathan stood while Abner sat next to Saul, but David's place was empty. NET Bible The king sat down in his usual place by the wall, with Jonathan opposite him and Abner at his side. But David's place was vacant. New Heart English Bible The king sat on his seat, as at other times, even on the seat by the wall; and Jonathan sat opposite, and Abner sat by Saul's side: but David's place was empty. Webster's Bible Translation 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHe sat in his usual place by the wall, opposite Jonathan and beside Abner, but David’s place was empty. World English Bible The king sat on his seat, as at other times, even on the seat by the wall; and Jonathan stood up, and Abner sat by Saul’s side, but David’s place was empty. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the king sits on his seat, as time by time, on a seat by the wall, and Jonathan rises, and Abner sits at the side of Saul, and David’s place is looked after. Berean Literal Bible And the king sat on his seat, as time by time, on a seat by the wall. And Jonathan arose, and Abner sat at the side of Saul, and the place of David was found empty. Young's Literal Translation and the king sitteth on his seat, as time by time, on a seat by the wall, and Jonathan riseth, and Abner sitteth at the side of Saul, and David's place is looked after. Smith's Literal Translation And the king will sit upon his seat as from time to time, to a seat of the wall: and Jonathan will rise, and Abner will sit by Saul's side, and David's seat will be reviewed. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when the king sat down upon his chair (according to custom) which was beside the wall, Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul's side, and David's place appeared empty. Catholic Public Domain Version And when the king had sat down on his chair, (according to custom) which was beside the wall, Jonathan rose up, and Abner sat beside Saul, and David’s place appeared empty. New American Bible he took his usual place against the wall. Jonathan sat facing him, while Abner sat at the king’s side. David’s place was vacant. New Revised Standard Version The king sat upon his seat, as at other times, upon the seat by the wall. Jonathan stood, while Abner sat by Saul’s side; but David’s place was empty. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the king sat upon his seat by the wall as at other times; and Jonathan went and sat upon a seat, and Abner sat by Saul's side, but David's place was empty. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the King reclined on his couch as at all times on the side of the wall, and Jonathan stood and he reclined and Abnir was at the side of Shaul, and the place of David was empty OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And 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. Brenton Septuagint Translation And he sat upon his seat as in former times, even on his seat by the wall, and he went before Jonathan; and Abenner sat on one side of Saul, and the place of David was empty. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jonathan and David Renew Their Covenant…24So David hid in the field, and when the New Moon had come, the king sat down to eat. 25He sat in his usual place by the wall, opposite Jonathan and beside Abner, but David’s place was empty. 26Saul said nothing that day because he thought, “Something has happened to David to make him ceremonially unclean—surely he is unclean.”… Cross References He sat in his usual place by the wall, 1 Samuel 9:22-24 Then Samuel took Saul and his servant, brought them into the hall, and seated them in the place of honor among those who were invited—about thirty in all. / And Samuel said to the cook, “Bring the portion I gave you and told you to set aside.” / So the cook picked up the leg and what was attached to it and set it before Saul. Then Samuel said, “Here is what was kept back. It was set apart for you. Eat, for it has been kept for you for this occasion, from the time I said, ‘I have invited the people.’” So Saul dined with Samuel that day. Luke 14:7-10 When Jesus noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, He told them a parable: / “When you are invited to a wedding banquet, do not sit in the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited. / Then the host who invited both of you will come and tell you, ‘Give this man your seat.’ And in humiliation, you will have to take the last place. … Genesis 43:33 They were seated before Joseph in order by age, from the firstborn to the youngest, and the men looked at one another in astonishment. opposite Jonathan 1 Samuel 18:1-4 After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself. / And from that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father’s house. / Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. … 1 Samuel 19:1-7 Then Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Jonathan delighted greatly in David, / so he warned David, saying, “My father Saul intends to kill you. Be on your guard in the morning; find a secret place and hide there. / I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, so I can ask about you. And if I find out anything, I will tell you.” … 2 Samuel 1:26 I grieve for you, Jonathan, my brother. You were delightful to me; your love to me was extraordinary, surpassing the love of women. and beside Abner, 1 Samuel 26:5-16 Then David set out and went to the place where Saul had camped. He saw the place where Saul and Abner son of Ner, the general of his army, had lain down. Saul was lying inside the inner circle of the camp, with the troops camped around him. / And David asked Ahimelech the Hittite and Abishai son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, “Who will go down with me to Saul in the camp?” “I will go with you,” answered Abishai. / That night David and Abishai came to the troops, and Saul was lying there asleep in the inner circle of the camp, with his spear stuck in the ground by his head. And Abner and the troops were lying around him. … 1 Samuel 14:50-51 His wife’s name was Ahinoam daughter of Ahimaaz. The name of the commander of his army was Abner, the son of Saul’s uncle Ner. / Saul’s father Kish and Abner’s father Ner were sons of Abiel. 2 Samuel 2:8-10 Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, moved him to Mahanaim, / and made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin—over all Israel. / Saul’s son Ish-bosheth was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and he reigned for two years. The house of Judah, however, followed David. but David’s place was empty. 1 Samuel 19:11-17 Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!” / So Michal lowered David from the window, and he ran away and escaped. / Then Michal took a household idol and laid it in the bed, placed some goat hair on its head, and covered it with a garment. … Psalm 109:8 May his days be few; may another take his position. Acts 1:20 “For it is written in the book of Psalms: ‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and, ‘May another take his position.’ 1 Samuel 18:10-11 The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house while David played the harp as usual. Now Saul was holding a spear, / and he hurled it, thinking, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice. 1 Samuel 19:9-10 But as Saul was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand, a spirit of distress from the LORD came upon him. While David was playing the harp, / Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear. But David eluded him and the spear struck the wall. And David fled and escaped that night. 1 Samuel 16:14 Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a spirit of distress from the LORD began to torment him. 1 Samuel 25:44 But Saul had given his daughter Michal, David’s wife, to Palti son of Laish, who was from Gallim. Treasury of Scripture And the king sat on his seat, as at other times, even on a seat by the wall: and Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul's side, and David's place was empty. as at other times 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. Jump to Previous Abner Customary David's Empty Jonathan Opposite Riseth Rose Sat Saul Saul's Seat Seated Side Sitteth Stood Time Times Usual WallJump to Next Abner Customary David's Empty Jonathan Opposite Riseth Rose Sat Saul Saul's Seat Seated Side Sitteth Stood Time Times Usual Wall1 Samuel 20 1. David consults with Jonathan for his safety11. Jonathan and David renew their covenant by oath 18. Jonathan's token to David 23. Saul, missing David, seeks to kill Jonathan 35. Jonathan affectionately takes his leave of David He sat in his usual place by the wall This phrase refers to King Saul, who is seated in a position of authority and security. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the seating arrangement at a banquet or feast was significant, often reflecting one's status and relationship to the host. Sitting by the wall would provide Saul with a strategic vantage point, allowing him to observe the entire room. This setting underscores Saul's paranoia and need for control, as he is increasingly suspicious of those around him, particularly David. opposite Jonathan and beside Abner but David’s place was empty Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, who was chosen by God but later rejected due to his disobedience. In this passage, he is depicted as sitting in his usual place, indicating his established authority and routine. 2. Jonathan The son of King Saul and a close friend of David. He is seated opposite Saul, highlighting his position within the royal family and his loyalty to both his father and David. 3. Abner The commander of Saul's army and a relative of Saul. His presence beside Saul signifies his importance and influence in the king's court. 4. David The future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel. His absence at the table is significant, as it foreshadows the tension and conflict between him and Saul. 5. The Royal Court The setting of this event, where the king and his officials gather, reflecting the political and familial dynamics at play. Teaching Points The Importance of Position and PresenceSaul's position at the table signifies authority, while David's absence highlights the tension and conflict. Reflect on the importance of being present in your relationships and responsibilities. Loyalty and Friendship Jonathan's position opposite Saul symbolizes his divided loyalties. Consider how you can remain loyal to friends and family, even in challenging circumstances. God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs Despite the political intrigue, God's plan for David's future kingship is unfolding. Trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem uncertain. The Cost of Disobedience Saul's disobedience led to his rejection by God and the eventual rise of David. Reflect on the consequences of disobedience in your own life and the importance of aligning with God's will. Courage in Adversity David's absence is a strategic move for his safety. Consider how you can demonstrate courage and wisdom in the face of adversity. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 20:25?2. Why was Saul's seat empty in 1 Samuel 20:25, and what does it signify? 3. How does Jonathan's loyalty to David reflect Christ-like friendship and commitment? 4. What can we learn about God's sovereignty from Saul's actions in 1 Samuel 20:25? 5. How should Christians respond when faced with hostility from authority figures? 6. How does 1 Samuel 20:25 connect to Jesus' teachings on love and loyalty? 7. Why did Saul sit in his usual place by the wall in 1 Samuel 20:25? 8. What does Saul's seating arrangement reveal about his character in 1 Samuel 20:25? 9. How does 1 Samuel 20:25 reflect the tension between Saul and David? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 20? 11. Does the nature of Jonathan's covenant with David in 1 Samuel 20:16 present any inconsistencies with later depictions of Israelite covenants? 12. Who was high priest when David went into the House of GOD and ate the consecrated bread? Abiathar (Mark 2:26) Ahimelech, the father of Abiathar (I Samuel 1:1; 22:20) 13. Why does Saul's sudden rage toward Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:30-33 seem disproportionate and historically uncontextualized? 14. Are there any historical or archaeological findings that confirm or challenge the events and relationships mentioned in 1 Samuel 18? What Does 1 Samuel 20:25 Mean He sat in his usual place by the wall• King Saul takes the position of authority at the festival meal, leaning against the wall so he can survey everyone present (1 Samuel 20:24). • The fixed seat underscores Saul’s claim to stability, yet his heart is anything but steady—he has already tried twice to pin David to a wall with his spear (1 Samuel 18:11; 19:10). • God’s sovereignty over earthly rulers is quietly in view; Saul may sit where he wishes, but “the LORD removes kings and establishes them” (Daniel 2:21). Opposite Jonathan • Jonathan, the crown prince, sits across from his father, highlighting the tension between royal lineage and covenant friendship. • Jonathan’s loyalty to David (1 Samuel 18:3–4) and his appeal for David’s life (1 Samuel 19:4–5) set him spiritually opposite Saul even before their physical placement at the table. • The contrast anticipates Jesus’ teaching that love for God’s chosen can divide even the closest family bonds (Matthew 10:34–37). And beside Abner • Abner, Saul’s cousin and commander (1 Samuel 14:50), occupies the seat of military might. • The arrangement—Saul (king), Abner (general), Jonathan (heir)—forms a triangle of power, yet none of them can secure the kingdom against God’s chosen servant. • Psalm 33:16–17 reminds us, “No king is saved by the size of his army… a horse is a vain hope for deliverance.” But David’s place was empty • The vacant seat broadcasts David’s peril; it is the silent testimony of Saul’s hostility (1 Samuel 19:1–2) and the success of the secret plan Jonathan and David devised (1 Samuel 20:18–23). • Saul initially excuses the absence as ritual uncleanness (1 Samuel 20:26), but the second night his rage erupts, confirming David’s fears (1 Samuel 20:30–33). • The empty place foreshadows David’s years as a fugitive (1 Samuel 23:14) and ultimately points to God’s pattern of exalting the rejected—seen supremely when the tomb was found empty and Christ was enthroned (Acts 2:30–33). summary 1 Samuel 20:25 paints a snapshot of power, loyalty, and divine purpose at Saul’s table. Saul claims control, Jonathan embodies covenant fidelity, Abner represents human strength, and David’s empty seat exposes both Saul’s sin and God’s unfolding plan. The verse reminds us that no earthly arrangement can hinder the Lord from advancing His chosen king or fulfilling His promises. (25) David's place was empty.--All took place as the two friends had calculated. Saul's seat was by the wall--then, as now, in the East the highest place of honour was opposite the door. The exact meaning of the phrase, "and Jonathan arose," has been disputed. The LXX. translate here from a different text thus: "He (Saul) went before Jonathan." Keil speaks of this, however, as "the senseless rendering of the Greek Version." The sense in which this difficult passage is understood by Abarbanel and Rashi seems on the whole the best. Understanding that Jonathan had already seated himself after Saul, and that David's absence was observed, "he (Jonathan) arose and seated Abner at Saul's side," that is, in the place left vacant by David's absence, in order that the seat next to Saul might not be empty, he himself having taken the seat on the other side of Saul. This rendering considers vayeshev as causative, a verb in the Hipnil conjugation, written defectively, as in 2Chronicles 10:2; so Lange, who also quotes Kitto as suggesting an explanation of Saul's expecting David's presence at all at the new moon feast. David, after the strange events at Naioth by Ramah, would suppose (so the king thought) that Saul's feelings towards him had undergone a complete change, and that now, after the ecstasy into which Saul had fallen, he would be once more friendly with him as aforetime.Hebrew Heהַ֠מֶּלֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king sat וַיֵּ֣שֶׁב (way·yê·šeḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry in עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against his usual כְּפַ֣עַם ׀ (kə·p̄a·‘am) Preposition-k | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 6471: A beat, foot, anvil, occurrence place מ֨וֹשָׁב֜וֹ (mō·wō·šā·ḇōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 4186: A seat, assembly, dwelling place, dwelling, dwellers by the wall, הַקִּ֔יר (haq·qîr) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7023: A wall opposite וַיָּ֙קָם֙ (way·yā·qām) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand Jonathan יְה֣וֹנָתָ֔ן (yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3083: Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites and וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב (way·yê·šeḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry beside מִצַּ֣ד (miṣ·ṣaḏ) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6654: A side, an adversary Abner, אַבְנֵ֖ר (’aḇ·nêr) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 74: Abner -- 'my father is a lamp', an Israelite name but David’s דָּוִֽד׃ (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse place מְק֥וֹם (mə·qō·wm) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition was empty. וַיִּפָּקֵ֖ד (way·yip·pā·qêḏ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6485: To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit Links 1 Samuel 20:25 NIV1 Samuel 20:25 NLT 1 Samuel 20:25 ESV 1 Samuel 20:25 NASB 1 Samuel 20:25 KJV 1 Samuel 20:25 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 20:25 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 20:25 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 20:25 French Bible 1 Samuel 20:25 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 20:25 The king sat on his seat as (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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