1 Samuel 20:25 Commentary and Bible Study

All took their assigned places at the feast, the king coming in last apparently with his back to the wall in the place of honour, and Abner, the captain of his army, next to him, and possibly Jonathan on his other side. Jonathan arose, probably out of deference to his father, but then sat down again (verse 34). David’s place, however, was empty and this was noticable to all, because he had a place of honour at the taaaable. Saul seems to hope there is a good reason for David’s absence so he says nothing on the first day, but this is not for David’s sake; it is for his own sake. It is not that he is unwilling to think evil of David – he already does – but he does not want to believe he has been insulted, as he sees it, by David not being present on such an important occasion. David, he tells himself, is not with them because of some ceremonial uncleanness which compels him to stay away. But on the second day it is too much for him. David is bringing shame on him, and everyone present must have noticed. Saul therefore asks Jonathan for an explanation. He cannot seem to bring himself to refer to David by name in a friendly way, and instead says: ‘Wherefore cometh not the son of Jesse to meat, neither yesterday, nor to day?’ He is primed to explode with anger. Jonathan relates the fabricated story they have agreed together, and adopts David’s dishonesty – he has gone to Bethlehem for a family sacrifice at the request of his brother, and earnestly requests to be excused. This is the moment of truth which David had anticipated. The hatred which he suspects is in Saul’s heart will not be able to tolerate this excuse, and he will give away his real feelings, and no longer be able to hide them from Jonathan. Saul’s anger turns on Jonathan who has offered this excuse on behalf of his friend. From Saul’s point of view in his paranoid state of mind, everyone is against him and plotting against him, even his own son. Saul cares about his dynasty, and is determined to protect it. His own son, who ought surely to have an interest in this, is acting against his father’s and his own interest in being so considerate to David. Saul is deeply frustrated and angry. Can’t Jonathan see that he is undermining his own future prospects of reigning over Israel? But Jonathan is of a completely different mind. Can’t his father see that God is sovereign over the affairs of Israel, and he has already revealed that he has chosen David, not Jonathan? Jonathan is happy to submit to God’s will. The unbelieving and ambitious Saul cannot comprehend the thinking of his believing son. As far as he is concerned his own son is a disaster and is bringing shame on the whole family.Saul therefore demands that David be brought to him, to be killed there and then. Jonathan is loyal according to the covenant he has made, and defends David to his father’s face, and Saul in his anger concludes that his son Jonathan is incorrigible, and bursts out in murderous rage. The anger which he feels towards David is directed straight at Jonathan, and in his frustration he lashes out at his own son to kill him with the javelin habitually at hand. His uncontrolled temper has even gone this far. Jonathan now sees that David had been entirely correct in his assessment of his father. He in turn is filled with fierce anger, but in his case righteous anger, and he leaves the room. He is outraged that his father should act so dishonourably, so ungratefully, so wickedly, towards David who has only done him good. This all took place at the start of the meal, for Jonathan leaves without eating.