1 Samuel 20:18

“Then Jonathan said to David, tomorrow [is] the new moon, etc.] The first day of the month, as David had before observed, (<092005>1 Samuel 20:5); and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty; or be inquired after, because not in his usual place at mealtime.”

“20:18-22 Jonathan’s ruse would allow David to get the message even if there could be no face-to-face meeting; the boy’s presence would allay suspicion and provide Jonathan an alibi for going to the field. As it happened, no one but the boy accompanied Jonathan to the field, so when the boy left, David was able to speak with Jonathan face to face (20:40-42).”

“new moon: Sa1 20:5 and thou shalt: Among the forms of salutation and compliment used in Persia, one was, according to my mode of notation in italics, Ja i shama khali bud pish yaran, signifying, Thy place or seat was empty among thy friends. This phrase, or the greater part of it, was frequently addressed to myself when coming into a circle of Persian acquaintances, after an absence of several days or weeks. It reminded me of a passage in the First book of Samuel ( Sa1 20:18). And thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty. And again, David's place was empty." Sir W. Ouseley's Travels, vol i. preface, p.16. empty: Heb. missed 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 20:19”