24 So David hid in the field ; and when the new moon came , the king sat down to eat food . 25 The king sat on his seat as usual , the seat by the wall ; then Jonathan rose up and Abner sat down by Saul's side , but David's place was empty . 26 Nevertheless Saul did not speak anything that day , for he thought , "It is an accident , he is not clean , surely he is not clean ." 27 It came about the next day , the second day of the new moon , that David's place was empty ; so Saul said to Jonathan his son , "Why has the son of Jesse not come to the meal , either yesterday or today ?" 28 Jonathan then answered Saul , " David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem , 29 for he said , 'Please let me go , since our family has a sacrifice in the city , and my brother has commanded me to attend. And now , if I have found favor in your sight , please let me get away that I may see my brothers .' For this reason e he has not come to the king's table ." 30 Then Saul's anger burned against Jonathan and he said to him, "You son of a perverse , rebellious woman! Do I not know that you are choosing the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of your mother's nakedness ? 31 "For as long e as the son of Jesse lives on the earth , neither you nor your kingdom will be established . Therefore now , send and bring him to me, for he must surely die ." 32 But Jonathan answered Saul his father and said to him, " Why should he be put to death ? What has he done ?" 33 Then Saul hurled his spear at him to strike him down ; so Jonathan knew that his father had decided to put David to death . 34 Then Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger , and did not eat food on the second day of the new moon , for he was grieved over David because his father had dishonored him.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:24-34
Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:24-34
(Read 1 Samuel 20:24-34)
None were more constant than David in attending holy duties; nor had he been absent, but self-preservation obliged him to withdraw. In great peril present opportunities for Divine ordinances may be waved. But it is bad for us, except in case of necessity, to omit any opportunity of statedly attending on them. Jonathan did wisely and well for himself and family, to secure an interest in David, yet for this he is blamed. It is good to take God's people for our people. It will prove to our advantage at last, however it may now be thought against our interest. Saul was outrageous. What savage beasts, and worse, does anger make men!