“And the king sat upon his seat, as at other times, even upon a seat by the wall: and Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul’s side, and David’s place was empty.”
This verse is part of the narrative of the relationship between David, who would later become king, and Jonathan, the son of King Saul:To understand the context, it’s helpful to briefly review the events leading up to this verse.
Jonathan and David had developed a deep friendship and covenant with each other. However, Saul, who was the reigning king of Israel, became increasingly jealous of David’s popularity and success. Saul’s jealousy and fear of David’s rising influence led him to seek David’s death, even though David had faithfully served him and been victorious in battle on behalf of Israel.
In 1 Samuel 20, Jonathan and David devised a plan to determine Saul’s intentions towards David. They decided that Jonathan would test his father’s reaction during a feast to see if Saul harbored any ill will towards David. They agreed upon a prearranged sign: If Saul reacted calmly, it would indicate that David was safe, but if Saul became angry or hostile, it would mean David was in danger.
Context:is not present here. The narrative describes the scene at the feast. It says that King Saul sat upon his seat, as he had done at other times, which implies a sense of normalcy and routine. Saul occupied a seat by the wall, which was a place of honor and prominence. Jonathan, who was Saul’s son and heir to the throne, rose from his seat and moved to a different position. Abner, who was Saul’s commander-in-chief, sat by Saul’s side, indicating his close proximity and loyalty to the king. However, the significant detail mentioned is that David’s place was empty.
The empty seat reserved for David is a powerful symbol of his absence and exclusion from the feast. It serves as a visible sign that something is amiss and that David is not welcome or safe in Saul’s presence. This empty seat highlights the tension and impending conflict between Saul and David, as Saul’s jealousy has driven a wedge between them.
The verse sets the stage for the events that follow, which reveal Saul’s reaction to David’s absence and Jonathan’s subsequent conversation with him. The chapter continues to unfold with Jonathan fulfilling the plan to gauge Saul’s attitude towards David, leading to a distressing realization that Saul indeed sought to harm David. This realization prompts Jonathan to warn David about his father’s intentions and to facilitate David’s escape.
Overall, 1 Samuel 20:25 showcases the strained relationship between Saul and David, highlighting the danger David faced and the loyalty and courage of Jonathan as he sought to protect his friend. It serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative, leading to further developments in the story of David’s rise to the throne and Saul’s eventual downfall.
