Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version So David said, “Look, tomorrow is the New Moon feast, and I am supposed to dine with the king; but let me go and hide in the field until the evening of the day after tomorrow. New Living Translation David replied, “Tomorrow we celebrate the new moon festival. I’ve always eaten with the king on this occasion, but tomorrow I’ll hide in the field and stay there until the evening of the third day. English Standard Version David said to Jonathan, “Behold, tomorrow is the new moon, and I should not fail to sit at table with the king. But let me go, that I may hide myself in the field till the third day at evening. Berean Standard Bible So David told him, “Look, tomorrow is the New Moon, and I am supposed to dine with the king. Instead, let me go and hide in the field until the third evening from now. Berean Literal Bible And David said to Jonathan, “Indeed, the New Moon is tomorrow, and I shall surely sit with the king to eat. Let me go, that I may hide in the field until the third evening. King James Bible 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. New King James Version And David said to Jonathan, “Indeed tomorrow is the New Moon, and I should not fail to sit with the king to eat. But let me go, that I may hide in the field until the third day at evening. New American Standard Bible So David said to Jonathan, “Behold, tomorrow is the new moon, and I am obligated to sit down to eat with the king. But let me go so that I may hide myself in the field until the third evening. NASB 1995 So David said to Jonathan, “Behold, tomorrow is the new moon, and I ought to sit down to eat with the king. But let me go, that I may hide myself in the field until the third evening. NASB 1977 So David said to Jonathan, “Behold, tomorrow is the new moon, and I ought to sit down to eat with the king. But let me go, that I may hide myself in the field until the third evening. Legacy Standard Bible So David said to Jonathan, “Behold, tomorrow is the new moon, and I ought to sit down to eat with the king. But let me go, that I may hide myself in the field until the third evening. Amplified Bible David said to Jonathan, “Behold, tomorrow is the New Moon [observance], and I should sit at the table to eat [the sacrificial meal] with the king; but let me go, so that I may hide myself in the field until the third evening. Berean Annotated Bible So David (beloved) told him (YHWH has given), “Look, tomorrow is the New Moon (the New Moon feast), and I am supposed to dine with the king. Instead, let me go and hide in the field until the third evening from now. Christian Standard Bible So David told him, “Look, tomorrow is the New Moon, and I’m supposed to sit down and eat with the king. Instead, let me go, and I’ll hide in the countryside for the next two nights. Holman Christian Standard Bible So David told him, “Look, tomorrow is the New Moon, and I’m supposed to sit down and eat with the king. Instead, let me go, and I’ll hide in the field until the third night. American Standard Version 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. Contemporary English Version David answered: Tomorrow is the New Moon Festival, and I'm supposed to eat dinner with your father. But instead, I'll hide in a field until the evening of the next day. English Revised Version And David said unto Jonathan, Behold, tomorrow 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation David replied, "Tomorrow is the New Moon Festival, when I should sit and eat at the king's [table]. But let me go and hide in the countryside for two more nights. Good News Translation "Tomorrow is the New Moon Festival," David replied, "and I am supposed to eat with the king. But if it's all right with you, I will go and hide in the fields until the evening of the day after tomorrow. International Standard Version David told Jonathan, "Look, the New Moon is tomorrow, and I'm expected to sit down with the king to eat. Let me go so I can hide in the field until the evening of the day after tomorrow. NET Bible David said to Jonathan, "Tomorrow is the new moon, and I am certainly expected to join the king for a meal. You must send me away so I can hide in the field until the third evening from now. New Heart English Bible So David said to Jonathan, "Look, tomorrow is the new moon, and I should not fail to sit with the king to eat. Instead, let me go so that I may hide myself in the field until evening. Webster's Bible Translation And David said to 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 to the third day at evening. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo David told him, “Look, tomorrow is the New Moon, and I am supposed to dine with the king. Instead, let me go and hide in the field until the third evening from now. World English Bible David said to Jonathan, “Behold, tomorrow is the new moon, and I should not fail to dine with the king; but let me go, that I may hide myself in the field to the third day at evening. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd David says to Jonathan, “Behold, the new moon [is] tomorrow; and I certainly sit with the king to eat; and you have sent me away, and I have been hidden in a field until the third evening; Berean Literal Bible And David said to Jonathan, “Indeed, the New Moon is tomorrow, and I shall surely sit with the king to eat. Let me go, that I may hide in the field until the third evening. Young's Literal Translation And David saith unto Jonathan, 'Lo, the new moon is to-morrow; and I do certainly sit with the king to eat; and thou hast sent me away, and I have been hidden in a field till the third evening; Smith's Literal Translation And David will say to Jonathan, Behold, the new moon to-morrow, and I sitting, shall sit down with the king to eat: and thou sentest me away and I was hid in the field till the evening of the third. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd David said to Jonathan: Behold to morrow is the new moon, and I according to custom am wont to sit beside the king to eat: let me go then that I may be hid in the field till the evening of the third day. Catholic Public Domain Version Then David said to Jonathan: “Behold, tomorrow is the new moon, and I am accustomed to sit in a seat beside the king to eat. Therefore, permit me that I may be hidden in the field, until the evening of the third day. New American Bible David answered: “Tomorrow is the new moon, when I should in fact dine with the king. Let me go and hide in the open country until evening. New Revised Standard Version David said to Jonathan, “Tomorrow is the new moon, and I should not fail to sit with the king at the meal; but let me go, so that I may hide in the field until the third evening. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd David said to Jonathan, Behold, tomorrow is the new moon, and I should not fail to sit in the presence of your father to eat; but let me go that I may hide myself in the field until the third day at evening. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And David said to Jonathan: “Behold, the beginning of the month is tomorrow, and I sit down before your father to eat, and send me to hide in a field until the third evening OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And David said unto Jonathan: 'Behold, to-morrow is the new moon, when I should sit with the king to eat; so let me go, that I may hide myself in the field unto the third day at even. Brenton Septuagint Translation And David said to Jonathan, Behold, to-morrow is the new moon, and I shall not on any account sit down to eat, but thou shalt let me go, and I will hide in the plain till the evening. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jonathan Helps David…4Then Jonathan said to David, “Whatever you desire, I will do for you.” 5So David told him, “Look, tomorrow is the New Moon, and I am supposed to dine with the king. Instead, let me go and hide in the field until the third evening from now. 6If your father misses me at all, tell him, ‘David urgently requested my permission to hurry to Bethlehem, his hometown, because there is an annual sacrifice for his whole clan.’… Cross References So David told him, 1 Samuel 23:16-18 And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God, / saying, “Do not be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. And you will be king over Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this is true.” / So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home. 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. … 2 Samuel 7:18 Then King David went in, sat before the LORD, and said, “Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far? “Look, tomorrow is the New Moon, 2 Kings 4:23 “Why would you go to him today?” he replied. “It is not a New Moon or a Sabbath.” “Everything is all right,” she said. Psalm 81:3 Sound the ram’s horn at the New Moon, and at the full moon on the day of our Feast. Numbers 28:11-15 At the beginning of every month, you are to present to the LORD a burnt offering of two young bulls, one ram, and seven male lambs a year old, all unblemished, / along with three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering with each bull, two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering with the ram, / and a tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering with each lamb. This is a burnt offering, a pleasing aroma, a food offering to the LORD. … and I am supposed to dine with the king. 2 Samuel 9:7 “Do not be afraid,” said David, “for surely I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.” 2 Samuel 9:13 So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, because he always ate at the king’s table, and he was lame in both feet. 2 Samuel 19:28 For all the house of my grandfather deserves death from my lord the king, yet you have set your servant among those who eat at your table. What further right, then, do I have to keep appealing to the king?” Instead, let me go and hide in the field 1 Samuel 19:2 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. Joshua 2:16 “Go to the hill country,” she said, “so that your pursuers will not find you. Hide yourselves there for three days until they have returned; then go on your way.” 1 Kings 17:3 “Leave here, turn eastward, and hide yourself by the Brook of Cherith, east of the Jordan. until the third evening from now. Joshua 1:11 “Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Prepare your provisions, for within three days you will cross the Jordan to go in and take possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess.’” Esther 4:16 “Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day, and I and my maidens will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish!” 1 Samuel 30:12 a piece of a fig cake and two clusters of raisins. So he ate and was revived, for he had not had any food or water for three days and three nights. 1 Samuel 18:3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Treasury of Scripture And David said to 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 to the third day at even. 1 Samuel 20:6 If thy father at all miss me, then say, David earnestly asked leave of me that he might run to Bethlehem his city: for there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the family. Numbers 10:10 Also 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 28:11 And 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; that I may 1 Samuel 20:19 And when thou hast stayed three days, then thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was in hand, and shalt remain by the stone Ezel. 1 Samuel 19:2 But 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: Psalm 55:12 For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: Jump to Previous David Dine Evening Hide Jonathan Meat Moon Morrow New New-Moon Ought Sit Table Third Tomorrow To-MorrowJump to Next David Dine Evening Hide Jonathan Meat Moon Morrow New New-Moon Ought Sit Table Third Tomorrow To-Morrow1 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 So David told him David, the anointed future king of Israel, is speaking to Jonathan, the son of King Saul. Their friendship is a central theme in this narrative, highlighting loyalty and covenantal love. David's communication with Jonathan is crucial as it reflects the trust and bond between them, despite the tension with Saul. Look, tomorrow is the New Moon and I am supposed to dine with the king Instead, let me go and hide in the field until the third evening from now Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe anointed future king of Israel, currently serving in King Saul's court. He is in a precarious position due to Saul's jealousy and attempts on his life. 2. Jonathan The son of King Saul and a close friend of David. He is caught between his loyalty to his father and his covenant friendship with David. 3. King Saul The first king of Israel, who has become increasingly hostile towards David due to jealousy and fear of losing his throne. 4. New Moon Festival A significant religious and social event in ancient Israel, marking the beginning of the month. It involved sacrifices and communal meals. 5. Field The place where David plans to hide, symbolizing his need for safety and the precariousness of his situation. Teaching Points The Importance of Godly FriendshipsJonathan and David's relationship exemplifies the strength and support found in friendships rooted in faith and mutual respect. Believers should seek and cultivate friendships that encourage spiritual growth and provide support in times of trial. Trusting God's Timing David's decision to hide rather than confront Saul shows his reliance on God's timing and protection. In our lives, we should trust God's plan and timing, even when circumstances seem dire. The Role of Tradition and Community The New Moon festival highlights the importance of communal worship and tradition. Engaging in regular fellowship and worship with other believers strengthens our faith and community bonds. Courage in Adversity David's situation required courage and wisdom. As believers, we are called to face challenges with faith and courage, trusting in God's provision and guidance. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 20:5?2. How does David's plan in 1 Samuel 20:5 demonstrate reliance on God's guidance? 3. What does David's request reveal about his relationship with Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:5? 4. How can we apply David's strategic thinking to our spiritual battles today? 5. How does 1 Samuel 20:5 connect to themes of loyalty and friendship in Scripture? 6. What can we learn from David's actions about seeking God's protection and wisdom? 7. What is the significance of David's absence from the New Moon feast in 1 Samuel 20:5? 8. How does 1 Samuel 20:5 reflect the covenant between David and Jonathan? 9. Why was the New Moon feast important in the context of 1 Samuel 20:5? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 20? 11. Is there any archaeological evidence to confirm or question the function and setting of Saul’s court described in 1 Samuel 20? 12. Why would God permit ongoing conflict and bloodshed among His chosen people throughout 2 Samuel 20 if the monarchy was divinely sanctioned? 13. How do we reconcile the timing of the New Moon feast in 1 Samuel 20:5 with other Old Testament passages referencing similar observances? 14. Why does King David, described elsewhere as righteous (1 Kings 15:5), resort to deceit and murder in 2 Samuel 11:14-17? What Does 1 Samuel 20:5 Mean So David told him- David seeks out Jonathan, the trusted covenant friend (1 Samuel 18:3–4), to share the plan that will expose Saul’s heart. - Speaking plainly reflects mutual loyalty; honest counsel between friends is praised throughout Scripture (Proverbs 27:9; Ecclesiastes 4:9–10). Look - The word signals urgency: David wants Jonathan’s full attention for a life-and-death matter, much like “Behold” used to highlight critical truths (Genesis 6:13; Isaiah 7:14). - It invites Jonathan to perceive events from David’s viewpoint, preparing him to act (1 Samuel 20:2, 8). Tomorrow is the New Moon - The New Moon was a divinely appointed assembly with burnt offerings and fellowship meals (Numbers 28:11–14; Psalm 81:3). - Attendance at Saul’s table on such a holy day was both a religious duty and a public affirmation of David’s standing in the royal court (2 Kings 4:23). I am supposed to dine with the king - As son-in-law (1 Samuel 18:27) and military leader (1 Samuel 18:5), David held an honored seat. Absence would be glaring, giving their test clear parameters (1 Samuel 20:25). - Dining with a king signifies covenant favor (2 Samuel 9:7); David’s invitation underscores how far Saul has drifted from righteousness (1 Samuel 19:10). Instead, let me go and hide in the field - David balances faith in God with prudent action; he refuses presumption, echoing Proverbs 22:3 about taking refuge from danger (1 Samuel 19:2–3). - The “field” provides secrecy while keeping David close enough for Jonathan’s signal (1 Samuel 20:19–21). Until the third evening from now - Three days give Saul time to reveal consistent intent, reflecting the biblical pattern of confirmation over a set period (Genesis 42:17–18; Joshua 2:16). - The delay allows Jonathan to observe, report, and then warn, ensuring the matter is settled “by the LORD” (1 Samuel 20:12–13). summary David’s single verse outlines a carefully crafted plan grounded in covenant friendship, respect for God’s ordained festivals, and practical wisdom. By skipping the New Moon meal and hiding for three days, David gives Saul’s heart room to show itself while safeguarding his own life. The episode teaches believers to blend trust in God with thoughtful action, to honor sacred gatherings, and to rely on faithful companions when confronting danger and discerning truth. (5) The new moon.--On the religious ceremonies connected with the day of the new moon at the beginning of each month, see the Mosaic enactments in Numbers 10:10; Numbers 28:11-15.At the court of Saul the feast seems to have been carefully observed, doubtless with the blast of trumpets, and with solemn burnt offerings and sin offerings, for we notice in this narrative that the plea of possible ceremonial uncleanness was at once accepted as an excuse for absence. (See 1Samuel 20:26.) The sacrificial and ceremonial rites were accompanied by a state and family banquet, at which David, as the king's son-in-law, and also as holding a high post in the royal army, was expected to be present. Jonathan persisted in looking upon his father's later designs against the life of David as simply frenzied acts, incident upon his distressing malady, and evidently believed that after his strange seizure at Ramah he would return, and treat David with the confidence of old days when he met him at the feast of the new moon. David, however, believed otherwise, and was convinced, to use his own expressive words, that there was but a step between him and death. He would not trust himself, therefore, to Saul's hands until his friend had made the experiment he suggested. Verses 5-7. - Tomorrow is the new moon. The first day of the new moon was a joyful festival, its appearance being greeted with the sounding of trumpets, and celebrated by a burnt offering and a sin offering. It was, moreover, kept by Saul as a family festival, at which David, as his son-in-law, was expected to be present. As, moreover, David was to hide unto the third day at even, counting from the time when he was arranging his plans with Jonathan, it is plain that it was the rule to prolong the feasting unto the second day. When then Jonathan, convinced by David's pleading, had consented to aid him in his own way, they arrange that he shall absent himself from this festival, and remain during it hidden out of sight. In case Saul missed him and asked the reason of his absence, Jonathan was to offer as an excuse for him that he had earnestly requested leave to pay a hurried visit to Bethlehem, in order to be present at an annual festival: and if Saul took the excuse in good part it would be a sign that he had no malicious purposes towards David, whereas if he fell into a rage it would be a proof of a settled evil design. A yearly sacrifice for all the family. For all the mishpachah, i.e. not for all Jesse's household, but for all that subdivision of the tribe of Judah to which Jesse belonged; for a tribe was divided into families, and these again into fathers' houses (Joshua 7:16, 17). The occasion would thus be a grand one. In 1 Samuel 16:2 we have an instance of a special sacrifice at Bethlehem, but this feast of the mishpachah was held every year; and evidently before the temple was built at Jerusalem these local sacrifices were the rule. We may well believe that there was such a festival, and that the fictitious part of Jonathan's story was that David had been summoned to it.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So Davidדָּוִ֜ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse told וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say him, יְהוֹנָתָ֗ן (yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3083: Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites “Look, הִֽנֵּה־ (hin·nêh-) Interjection Strong's 2009: Lo! behold! tomorrow מָחָ֔ר (mā·ḥār) Adverb Strong's 4279: Deferred, the morrow, tomorrow, hereafter is the New Moon, חֹ֙דֶשׁ֙ (ḥō·ḏeš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2320: The new moon, a month and I am וְאָנֹכִ֛י (wə·’ā·nō·ḵî) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular Strong's 595: I supposed to dine יָשֹׁב־ (yā·šōḇ-) Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry with עִם־ (‘im-) Preposition Strong's 5973: With, equally with the king. הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king Instead, let me go וְשִׁלַּחְתַּ֙נִי֙ (wə·šil·laḥ·ta·nî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular | first person common singular Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out and hide וְנִסְתַּרְתִּ֣י (wə·nis·tar·tî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular Strong's 5641: To hide, conceal in the field בַשָּׂדֶ֔ה (ḇaś·śā·ḏeh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7704: Field, land until עַ֖ד (‘aḏ) Preposition Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while the third הַשְּׁלִשִֽׁית׃ (haš·šə·li·šîṯ) Article | Number - ordinal feminine singular Strong's 7992: Third, feminine a, third, a third, a third-story cell) evening {from now}. הָעֶ֥רֶב (hā·‘e·reḇ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6153: Evening Links 1 Samuel 20:5 NIV1 Samuel 20:5 NLT 1 Samuel 20:5 ESV 1 Samuel 20:5 NASB 1 Samuel 20:5 KJV 1 Samuel 20:5 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 20:5 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 20:5 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 20:5 French Bible 1 Samuel 20:5 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 20:5 David said to Jonathan Behold tomorrow (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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