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. 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. 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. Majority Standard Bible He sat in his usual place by the wall, opposite Jonathan and beside Abner, 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. 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. 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 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. 1 Samuel 28:3-5 Now by this time Samuel had died, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in Ramah, his own city. And Saul had removed the mediums and spiritists from the land. / The Philistines gathered together and camped at Shunem, while Saul gathered all Israel and camped at Gilboa. / When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid and trembled violently. 1 Samuel 14:24 Now the men of Israel were in distress that day, for Saul had placed the troops under an oath, saying, “Cursed is the man who eats any food before evening, before I have taken vengeance on my enemies.” So none of the troops tasted any food. 1 Samuel 22:6-8 Soon Saul learned that David and his men had been discovered. At that time Saul was sitting under the tamarisk tree on the hill at Gibeah, with his spear in hand and all his servants standing around him. / Then Saul said to his servants, “Listen, men of Benjamin! Is the son of Jesse giving all of you fields and vineyards and making you commanders of thousands or hundreds? / Is that why all of you have conspired against me? Not one of you told me that my own son had made a covenant with the son of Jesse. Not one of you has shown concern for me or revealed to me that my son has stirred up my own servant to lie in wait against me, as is the case today.” 1 Samuel 15:26-28 “I will not return with you,” Samuel replied. “For you have rejected the word of the LORD, and He has rejected you as king over Israel.” / As Samuel turned to go, Saul grabbed the hem of his robe, and it tore. / So Samuel said to him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to your neighbor who is better than you. 1 Samuel 24:20-21 Now I know for sure that you will be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands. / So now, swear to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants or wipe out my name from my father’s house.” 1 Samuel 26:2 So Saul, accompanied by three thousand chosen men of Israel, went down to the Wilderness of Ziph to search for David there. 2 Samuel 3:1 Now the war between the house of Saul and the house of David was protracted. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker. 2 Samuel 6:20-23 When David returned home to bless his own household, Saul’s daughter Michal came out to meet him. “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today!” she said. “He has uncovered himself today in the sight of the maidservants of his subjects, like a vulgar person would do.” / But David said to Michal, “I was dancing before the LORD, who chose me over your father and all his house when He appointed me ruler over the LORD’s people Israel. I will celebrate before the LORD, / and I will humiliate and humble myself even more than this. Yet I will be honored by the maidservants of whom you have spoken.” ... 2 Samuel 12:7-9 Then Nathan said to David, “You are that man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. / I gave your master’s house to you and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you the house of Israel and Judah, and if that was not enough, I would have given you even more. / Why then have you despised the command of the LORD by doing evil in His sight? You put Uriah the Hittite to the sword and took his wife as your own. You have slain him with the sword of the Ammonites. 1 Kings 1:5-6 At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, “I will be king!” And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him. / (His father had never once reprimanded him by saying, “Why do you act this way?” Adonijah was also very handsome, born next after Absalom.) 1 Kings 2:22 King Solomon answered his mother, “Why do you request Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Since he is my older brother, you might as well request the kingdom for him and for Abiathar the priest and for Joab son of Zeruiah!” 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 This phrase indicates a customary practice, suggesting a structured and hierarchical setting at the royal table. The Hebrew root for "usual" (מוּסָב, musab) implies a designated or appointed place, reflecting the order and protocol in the court of King Saul. This setting underscores the importance of tradition and the respect for authority within the Israelite monarchy, highlighting the tension when such order is disrupted, as seen with David's absence. by the wall opposite Jonathan 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.(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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