1 Samuel 20:24 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 20:24 mean?

1 Samuel 20:24 describes how David went into hiding in a field, while King Saul sat down to eat during the festival of the new moon. This sets the stage for the test Jonathan and David had planned to find out Saul’s true intentions toward David.

In this scene, David is hiding because he fears for his life, and Jonathan is helping him. The new moon festival was a regular event where the king and his court would gather for a meal. David’s absence from this meal would be noticed, and Saul’s reaction would reveal whether he still wanted to harm David, as Jonathan and David had discussed earlier in the chapter.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 20:24

• "hid" (סָתַר, satar): This word means to conceal or hide oneself. David’s action is deliberate and secretive, showing his real fear of Saul.
• "field" (שָׂדֶה, sadeh): The field is an open area outside the city, emphasizing David’s vulnerability and the seriousness of the situation.
• "moon" (חֹדֶשׁ, chodesh): This refers to the new moon, marking the beginning of the month in the Hebrew calendar. The new moon festival was a significant communal and religious event, making David’s absence especially noticeable.
• "meat" (לֶחֶם, lechem): This word usually means "bread" or "food" in general, not just meat. The verse is describing a meal, not specifically a meat dish.

Why 1 Samuel 20:24 matters

• The verse highlights the tension and danger David faced, making clear why he needed to hide and why Jonathan’s loyalty was so crucial.
• It shows the importance of the new moon festival as a public and religious event, where absences would be obvious and meaningful.
• This verse sets up the test that will reveal Saul’s intentions, moving the story forward and deepening the relationship between David and Jonathan.