If thy father at all miss me, then say, David earnestly asked leave of me that he might run to Bethlehem his city: for there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the family.

1 SAMUEL 20:6KJV
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1 Samuel 20:6 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 20:6 mean?

1 Samuel 20:6 records David’s instructions to Jonathan about what to say if King Saul notices David’s absence: Jonathan should tell Saul that David asked permission to go to Bethlehem for a yearly family sacrifice. This is part of David’s plan to avoid Saul, who he suspects wants to harm him.

In this verse, David is speaking to Jonathan, Saul’s son, as they work together to test Saul’s intentions toward David. The setting is tense, with David fearing for his life and needing Jonathan’s help to find out if Saul truly means him harm. The mention of a “yearly sacrifice” in Bethlehem shows David using a believable reason for his absence, rooted in family and religious tradition.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 20:6

  • The word for “miss” is פָּקַד (paqad), which can mean to notice someone’s absence or to pay attention. Here, it highlights the expectation that Saul will be aware of David’s absence at the royal table.
  • The word for “earnestly asked” is שָׁאַל (sha’al), which means to ask or request. The doubling of this word in the Hebrew (emphasized in the tags as “earnestly asked”) shows David’s supposed eagerness or urgency in seeking permission.
  • The word for “run” is רוּץ (ruts), which literally means to run or hurry. This adds a sense of urgency to David’s request, making his absence seem more pressing and believable.
  • The word for “sacrifice” is זֶבַח (zevach), which refers to an animal sacrifice, often part of a communal or family religious event. Mentioning this gives David’s excuse a religious and familial legitimacy.

Why 1 Samuel 20:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies the careful planning and trust between David and Jonathan as they try to navigate Saul’s unpredictable behavior.
  • The details in David’s instructions show how seriously he takes the threat from Saul and how much he relies on Jonathan’s loyalty.
  • Understanding the cultural importance of family sacrifices in ancient Israel helps explain why David’s excuse would be convincing to Saul and others at court.