1 Samuel 20:27

27 And it came to pass the next day after the new moon, the second [day of the month], as David's place was empty, that Saul said to Jonathan his son, Why has not the son of Jesse come to table, neither yesterday nor to-day?

1 Samuel 20:27 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 20:27

And it came to pass on the morrow, [which was] the second
[day] of the month
The Targum is,

``and it was on the day after it, which was the intercalation of the second month;''

when the beginning of the month was judged of by the appearance of the moon, and there was a difficulty about that, what day it appeared on, two days were kept for it; and Abarbinel F5 is clear for it, that two days were kept in this month; but if this was not the case, since the remainder of peace offerings might be eaten the next day, ( Leviticus 7:16 ) . Saul and his guests might meet on the second day for that purpose:

that David's place was empty:
on that day also:

and Saul said to Jonathan his son;
who he knew was David's friend and confident, and could give the best account of him:

wherefore cometh not the son of Jesse to meat, neither yesterday nor
today;
he accounted for his not coming yesterday, because he supposed he might be under some ceremonial uncleanness; but then that only lasted to the evening of that day; but not coming the second day when he was clean, he inquires after him; and not owning him for his son-in-law, by way of contempt, and to lessen him in the esteem of all at table, he calls him the son of Jesse.


FOOTNOTES:

F5 Comment. in Exod. xii.

1 Samuel 20:27 In-Context

25 And the king sat on his seat, as at other times, on the seat by the wall; and Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul's side, and David's place was empty.
26 And Saul said nothing that day; for he thought, Something has befallen [him], that he is not clean: surely he is not clean.
27 And it came to pass the next day after the new moon, the second [day of the month], as David's place was empty, that Saul said to Jonathan his son, Why has not the son of Jesse come to table, neither yesterday nor to-day?
28 And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me [to go] to Bethlehem,
29 and said, Let me go, I pray thee; for we have a family sacrifice in the city; and my brother himself has commanded me [to be there]; and now, if I have found favour in thy sight, let me go away, I pray thee, and see my brethren. He has therefore not come to the king's table.
The Darby Translation is in the public domain.