So David was hid in the field, and the new moon came, and the king sat down to eat bread.

And David hid himself in the field; and it was the new moon, and the king sat at table to eat.

And David is hidden in the field, and it is the new moon, and the king sitteth down by the food to eat,

So David went to a secret place in the country: and when the new moon came, the king took his place at the feast.

So David hid himself in the field; and when the new moon was come, the king sat him down to the meal to eat.

So David hid himself in the field. And when the new moon had come, the king sat at the table to eat.

Therefore, David was hidden in the field. And the new moon came, and the king sat down to eat bread.

So David hid himself in the field,.... Not directly, but at the time appointed; for he went to Bethlehem, and returned from thence before that time:
and when the new moon was come; the first clay of the month, which was a solemn festival:
the king sat him down to eat meat; Saul sat down at his table to eat of the provisions that were set upon it; which it is very probable were the peace offerings for that day, which he, his family, and nobles, feasted on together; it is in the Hebrew, "he sat down at the bread" (b), which is put for all the food on the table, and the provisions of it.
(b) "ad vel juxta panem", Pagninus, Montanus.

None were more constant than David in attending holy duties; nor had he been absent, but self-preservation obliged him to withdraw. In great peril present opportunities for Divine ordinances may be waved. But it is bad for us, except in case of necessity, to omit any opportunity of statedly attending on them. Jonathan did wisely and well for himself and family, to secure an interest in David, yet for this he is blamed. It is good to take God's people for our people. It will prove to our advantage at last, however it may now be thought against our interest. Saul was outrageous. What savage beasts, and worse, does anger make men!

David thereupon concealed himself in the field, whilst Jonathan, as agreed upon, endeavoured to apologize for his absence from the king's table.

Hid himself - Namely, at the time appointed: for it seems probable, that he went first to Bethlehem, and thence returned to the field, when the occasion required.