1 Samuel 20:25 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →At the feast, everyone takes their usual places, but David's seat stands empty.
What Does 1 Samuel 20:25 Mean?
The narrator lingers over the seating: Saul in his customary place by the wall, Abner his commander beside him, Jonathan rising. Every accustomed place is filled but one. The camera of the text settles on the single vacant spot, David's place was empty.
That empty place is the still center of the scene. All the ordinary order of the court is intact, yet the absence of one man holds the whole table's attention and will soon split it open. Sometimes the most important thing in a room is the one who is not there, and the gap his faithfulness leaves behind.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 20:25
What does 1 Samuel 20:25 mean?
At the feast, everyone takes their usual places, but David's seat stands empty.