Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 20 - Verse 24

When David hid himself in the field, he was fleeing from King Saul who was seeking to kill him out of jealousy and fear of losing his kingdom. David, the future king of Israel, was a skilled warrior and had gained favor with the people for his bravery and loyalty. However, King Saul saw him as a threat to his reign and sought to eliminate him. As David hid in the field, he awaited the signal of the new moon which would mark the start of a feast where he was expected to attend in order to maintain his cover and gather information. This verse highlights the tense and dangerous situation that David found himself in, as he navigated the treacherous political landscape of ancient Israel.

One interpretation of the verse "So David hid himself in the field: and when the new moon was come, the king sat him down to eat meat" highlights the theme of loyalty and trust in God. David, who was hiding from King Saul, demonstrated his faith in God by patiently waiting for the right moment, which was during the new moon festival, to approach the king. This shows David's reliance on divine timing rather than taking matters into his own hands. The mention of the new moon, which marked the beginning of the month in the Hebrew calendar, may symbolize a fresh start or new beginnings. Additionally, the act of sitting down to eat meat with the king can be seen as a gesture of reconciliation and peace, signifying the restoration of relationships. This verse reminds readers of the importance of trusting in God's timing and the potential for reconciliation even in the midst of conflict.