1 Samuel 20:24
“So David hid himself in the field. When the new moon had come, the king sat himself down to eat food.”
What does 1 Samuel 20:24 mean?
David had fled from King Saul, who wanted him dead, and was hiding in the countryside while his close friend Jonathan stayed at court. The "new moon" here refers to a religious festival when families and officials gathered for a formal meal, a significant event that Saul would definitely attend. By noticing whether David showed up to this required celebration, Saul would have concrete proof of where David's loyalty lay, and Jonathan could observe the king's reaction to spot whether danger was truly coming. It's a moment of suspense where a simple absence at a meal becomes a test with life-or-death consequences.