David trusted God’s plan as he waited in hiding for protection and vindication.
“So David hid in the field; and when the new moon came, the king sat down to eat food.” (v.24) holds a vital clue to the tense situation unfolding in Gibeah, a city in the territory of Benjamin, located a few miles north of Jerusalem. King Saul (who ruled around 1050-1010 BC) regularly held a meal during the New Moon festival, a monthly observance in ancient Israel (Numbers 10:10 references such feasts, though not italicized as it is a supporting verse). This particular occasion became significant because it exposed Saul’s growing hostility toward David, whom God had chosen to be the next king (1 Samuel 16:13). By describing how “David hid in the field” (v.24), the verse reflects David’s attempt to avoid Saul’s anger while trusting in the Lord’s promises.
This verse also highlights the faithfulness of David in the midst of danger and political unrest. Despite being hunted by Saul, David chose not to confront or harm the king. Such restraint reflects David’s character and reliance on God rather than on force or schemes (compare with Matthew 26:52 where Jesus advises Peter to put away his sword). David’s presence “in the field” during the New Moon also underscores the urgency and severity of the threat against him—the celebration of a holy and joyful occasion ironically coincides with David’s need for secrecy and self-preservation.
Furthermore, the tension in this scene sets the stage for the deep covenant friendship between David and Jonathan, Saul’s son (1 Samuel 20:16-17). Jonathan, who lived during the same era (around 11th century BC), recognizes David as the anointed of the LORD. Their close bond foreshadows the sacrificial love and loyalty most profoundly demonstrated in Jesus Christ, who would later teach about true friendship and divine covenant love (John 15:13). Through David’s hiding, we see a precursor to God’s protective involvement in the trajectory of salvation history.
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1 Samuel 20:24 meaning
“So David hid in the field; and when the new moon came, the king sat down to eat food.” (v.24) holds a vital clue to the tense situation unfolding in Gibeah, a city in the territory of Benjamin, located a few miles north of Jerusalem. King Saul (who ruled around 1050-1010 BC) regularly held a meal during the New Moon festival, a monthly observance in ancient Israel (Numbers 10:10 references such feasts, though not italicized as it is a supporting verse). This particular occasion became significant because it exposed Saul’s growing hostility toward David, whom God had chosen to be the next king (1 Samuel 16:13). By describing how “David hid in the field” (v.24), the verse reflects David’s attempt to avoid Saul’s anger while trusting in the Lord’s promises.
This verse also highlights the faithfulness of David in the midst of danger and political unrest. Despite being hunted by Saul, David chose not to confront or harm the king. Such restraint reflects David’s character and reliance on God rather than on force or schemes (compare with Matthew 26:52 where Jesus advises Peter to put away his sword). David’s presence “in the field” during the New Moon also underscores the urgency and severity of the threat against him—the celebration of a holy and joyful occasion ironically coincides with David’s need for secrecy and self-preservation.
Furthermore, the tension in this scene sets the stage for the deep covenant friendship between David and Jonathan, Saul’s son (1 Samuel 20:16-17). Jonathan, who lived during the same era (around 11th century BC), recognizes David as the anointed of the LORD. Their close bond foreshadows the sacrificial love and loyalty most profoundly demonstrated in Jesus Christ, who would later teach about true friendship and divine covenant love (John 15:13). Through David’s hiding, we see a precursor to God’s protective involvement in the trajectory of salvation history.