1 Samuel 20:27

27 But on the day after the New Moon, the second day, David’s place was still empty, and Saul asked his son Jonathan, “Why hasn’t the son of Jesse come to the meal either yesterday or today?”

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 He sat in his usual place by the wall, opposite Jonathan and beside Abner, but David’s place was empty.
26 Saul said nothing that day because he thought, “Something has happened to David to make him ceremonially unclean—surely he is unclean.”
27 But on the day after the New Moon, the second day, David’s place was still empty, and Saul asked his son Jonathan, “Why hasn’t the son of Jesse come to the meal either yesterday or today?”
28 Jonathan answered, “David urgently requested my permission to go to Bethlehem,
29 saying, ‘Please let me go, because our clan is holding a sacrifice in the city, and my brother has told me to be there. So now, if I have found favor in your eyes, please let me go and see my brothers.’ That is why he has not come to the king’s table.”
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