17
And Jonathan again took an oath to David, because of his love for him: for David was as dear to him as his very soul.
18
Then Jonathan said to him, Tomorrow is the new moon: and it will be seen that you are not present, for there will be no one in your seat.
19
And on the third day it will be specially noted, and you will go to the place where you took cover when the other business was in hand, waiting by the hill over there.
20
And on the third day I will send arrows from my bow against its side as if at a mark.
21
And I will send my boy to have a look for the arrow. And if I say to him, See, the arrow is on this side of you; take it up! then you may come; for there is peace for you and no evil, by the living Lord.
22
But if I say to the boy, See, the arrow has gone past you: then go on your way, for the Lord has sent you away.
23
As for what you and I were talking of, the Lord is between you and me for ever.
24
So David went to a secret place in the country: and when the new moon came, the king took his place at the feast.
25
And the king took his seat, as at other times, by the wall: and Jonathan was in front, and Abner was seated by Saul's side, but there was no one in David's seat.
26
But Saul said nothing that day, for his thought was, Something has taken place making him unclean; it is clear that he is not clean.
27
And on the day after the new moon, that is, the second day, there was still no one in David's seat: and Saul said to his son Jonathan, Why has the son of Jesse not come to the feast yesterday or today?