1 Samuel 20:6 Meaning and Explanation
“If thy father at all miss me, then say, David earnestly asked leave of me that he might run to Bethlehem his city: for there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the family.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →David gives Jonathan the explanation to offer Saul: David has gone to Bethlehem for his family's yearly sacrifice.
What Does 1 Samuel 20:6 Mean?
David scripts the answer Jonathan should give if Saul notices the empty seat. A yearly clan sacrifice at Bethlehem, David's hometown, was a true and honorable obligation, the sort of family devotion no one could fault. The reason is plausible because it is rooted in real custom.
Behind the plan lies David's longing for his father's house and the worship of his people. Even as a fugitive, the rhythms of sacrifice and family draw him homeward. The believer hunted in the world still belongs to a household and an altar, and remembers where he comes from.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 20:6
What does 1 Samuel 20:6 mean?
David gives Jonathan the explanation to offer Saul: David has gone to Bethlehem for his family's yearly sacrifice.