1 Samuel 20:19
1 Samuel 20:19 in Multiple Translations
When you have stayed three days, hurry down to the place you hid on the day this trouble began, and remain beside the stone Ezel.
And when thou hast stayed three days, then thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was in hand, and shalt remain by the stone Ezel.
And when thou hast stayed three days, thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was in hand, and shalt remain by the stone Ezel.
And on the third day it will be specially noted, and you will go to the place where you took cover when the other business was in hand, waiting by the hill over there.
In three days time, go quickly to where you hid when all this started, and stay there beside the pile of stones.
Therefore thou shalt hide thy selfe three dayes, then thou shalt goe downe quickely and come to the place where thou diddest hide thy selfe, when this matter was in hand, and shalt remayne by the stone Ezel.
and on the third day thou dost certainly come down, and hast come in unto the place where thou wast hidden in the day of the work, and hast remained near the stone Ezel.
When you have stayed three days, go down quickly and come to the place where you hid yourself when this started, and remain by the stone Ezel.
And when thou hast stayed three days, then thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was in hand , and shalt remain by the stone Ezel.
For thy seat will be empty till after tomorrow. So thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place, where thou must be hid on the day when it is lawful to work, and thou shalt remain beside the stone, which is called Ezel.
The day after tomorrow, in the evening, go to the place where you hid before. Wait by the pile of stones.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 20:19
BAB
Word Study
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 20:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/שִׁלַּשְׁתָּ֙
תֵּרֵ֣ד
מְאֹ֔ד
וּ/בָאתָ֙
אֶל
הַ/מָּק֔וֹם
אֲשֶׁר
נִסְתַּ֥רְתָּ
שָּׁ֖ם
בְּ/י֣וֹם
הַֽ/מַּעֲשֶׂ֑ה
וְ/יָ֣שַׁבְתָּ֔
אֵ֖צֶל
הָ/אֶ֥בֶן
הָ/אָֽזֶל
וְ/שִׁלַּשְׁתָּ֙
shâlash
H8027
to do three
Conj | V-Piel-2ms
תֵּרֵ֣ד
yârad
H3381
to go down
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
מְאֹ֔ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
וּ/בָאתָ֙
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/מָּק֔וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
place
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
נִסְתַּ֥רְתָּ
çâthar
H5641
to hide
V-Niphal-Perf-2ms
שָּׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
בְּ/י֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
הַֽ/מַּעֲשֶׂ֑ה
maʻăseh
H4639
deed
Art | N-ms
וְ/יָ֣שַׁבְתָּ֔
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
אֵ֖צֶל
ʼêtsel
H681
beside
Prep
הָ/אֶ֥בֶן
ʼeben
H68
stone
Art | N-fs
הָ/אָֽזֶל
ʼezel
H237
Ezel
Art | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 20:19
וְ/שִׁלַּשְׁתָּ֙
shâlash
H8027
"to do three"
Conj | V-Piel-2ms
This Hebrew verb means to do something three times or to divide something into three parts. It is used in the Bible to describe repeating an action or dividing things into thirds.
Definition: 1) to do a third time, do three times, divide in three parts 1a) (Piel) to do a third time, divide into three parts 1b) (Pual) to be three years of age, be threefold
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: do the third time, (divide into, stay) three (days, -fold, parts, years old). See also: Genesis 15:9; 1 Kings 18:34; Ezekiel 42:6.
תֵּרֵ֣ד
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
מְאֹ֔ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
וּ/בָאתָ֙
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/מָּק֔וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
Art | N-ms
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
נִסְתַּ֥רְתָּ
çâthar
H5641
"to hide"
V-Niphal-Perf-2ms
This word means to hide or conceal something, like covering it up. It can also mean to keep something secret or hidden from others, as in Psalm 27:5.
Definition: 1) to hide, conceal 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to hide oneself 1a2) to be hidden, be concealed 1b) (Piel) to hide carefully 1c) (Pual) to be hidden carefully, be concealed 1d) (Hiphil) to conceal, hide 1e) (Hithpael) to hide oneself carefully Aramaic equivalent: se.tar (סְתַר "to hide" H5642A)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be absent, keep close, conceal, hide (self), (keep) secret, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:14; Psalms 55:13; Psalms 10:11.
שָּׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
בְּ/י֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הַֽ/מַּעֲשֶׂ֑ה
maʻăseh
H4639
"deed"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to an action or deed, which can be good or bad. It is used to describe various activities, such as work, business, or achievements. The KJV translates it as act, deed, or labor.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) deed, work 1a) deed, thing done, act 1b) work, labour 1c) business, pursuit 1d) undertaking, enterprise 1e) achievement 1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment) 1g) work, thing made 1h) work (of God) 1i) product
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: act, art, [phrase] bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, [idiom] well, (handy-, needle-, net-) work(ing, -manship), wrought. See also: Genesis 5:29; Job 1:10; Psalms 8:4.
וְ/יָ֣שַׁבְתָּ֔
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
אֵ֖צֶל
ʼêtsel
H681
"beside"
Prep
Beside or near, this preposition indicates proximity or closeness to something or someone. It is often translated as at, by, or near in the King James Version, and is used to describe physical or spatial relationships in the Bible.
Definition: 1) beside, by, near, nearness, joining, proximity subst 2) (BDB) 2a) conjunction, proximity 2b) beside, in proximity, contiguous to, from beside
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: at, (hard) by, (from) (beside), near (unto), toward, with. See also H1018 (בֵּית הָאֵצֶל). See also: Genesis 39:10; 2 Chronicles 9:18; Proverbs 7:8.
הָ/אֶ֥בֶן
ʼeben
H68
"stone"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
הָ/אָֽזֶל
ʼezel
H237
"Ezel"
Art | N-proper
Ezel was a memorial stone between Ramah and Nob, where David and Jonathan said their final goodbyes. It means departure.
Definition: § Ezel = "departure" a memorial stone between Ramah and Nob; scene of final farewell between David and Jonathan
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Ezel. See also: 1 Samuel 20:19.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 20:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 20:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 20:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 20:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:19
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:19
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 20:19
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 20:19
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:19
Context — Jonathan and David Renew Their Covenant
17And Jonathan had David reaffirm his vow out of love for him, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself.
18Then Jonathan said to David, “Tomorrow is the New Moon, and you will be missed, because your seat will be empty.
19When you have stayed three days, hurry down to the place you hid on the day this trouble began, and remain beside the stone Ezel.
20I will shoot three arrows to the side of it, as if I were aiming at a target. 21Then I will send a boy and say, ‘Go, find the arrows!’ Now, if I expressly say to him, ‘Look, the arrows are on this side of you; bring them,’ then come, because as surely as the LORD lives, it is safe for you, and there is no danger.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 19:2 | so he warned David, saying, “My father Saul intends to kill you. Be on your guard in the morning; find a secret place and hide there. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 20:5 | So David told him, “Look, tomorrow is the New Moon, and I am supposed to dine with the king. Instead, let me go and hide in the field until the third evening from now. |
1 Samuel 20:19 Summary
In this verse, Jonathan is giving David instructions on how to stay safe and meet up with him again. Jonathan tells David to wait three days and then go to the place where he hid before, near the stone Ezel. This shows that Jonathan is looking out for David's well-being and wants to help him, just like God wants to help us (as seen in Psalm 121:1-2). By following Jonathan's instructions, David is able to trust in his friend's plan and wait for God's timing, which is an important lesson for us to learn as well (Psalm 27:14).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the stone Ezel in this verse?
The stone Ezel appears to be a pre-arranged meeting point for David and Jonathan, similar to how God instructed Moses to meet Him at the burning bush in Exodus 3:2. This stone serves as a landmark for their secret communication.
Why did Jonathan instruct David to wait three days before returning to the meeting point?
Jonathan's instruction for David to wait three days may have been to ensure his safety and to allow time for any potential danger to pass, as seen in 1 Samuel 20:19. This waiting period also gave Jonathan time to assess the situation and prepare for their meeting.
How does this verse demonstrate the trust and loyalty between David and Jonathan?
This verse shows the deep trust and loyalty between David and Jonathan, as Jonathan is taking great risks to protect and communicate with David, much like the friendship and loyalty described in Proverbs 17:17 and 18:24.
What can we learn from Jonathan's actions in this verse about being a good friend?
Jonathan's actions in this verse demonstrate the importance of being a loyal and supportive friend, as seen in Proverbs 27:17, where iron sharpens iron. His selfless actions towards David serve as a model for Christian friendship and loyalty.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate loyalty and trust to my friends, just like Jonathan did for David?
- How can I apply the principle of waiting and trusting in God's timing, as seen in David's waiting period, to my own life?
- In what ways can I use everyday objects or landmarks, like the stone Ezel, to remind me of God's presence and guidance in my life?
- What are some potential risks or challenges that I may face as a result of standing up for what is right, and how can I prepare for them like Jonathan did?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 20:19
And [when] thou hast stayed three days,.... From court, either at Bethlehem, which seems most probable, or in some other place incognito; however, not in the field he proposed to hide himself in,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 20:19
And when thou hast stayed three days, then thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was in hand, and shalt remain by the stone Ezel.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:19
When thou hast stayed three days; either at Bethlehem with thy friends, , or elsewhere, as thou shalt see fit. When the business was in hand, Heb. in the day of business; or, of the business. And these words are to be joined, either, 1. With the words next foregoing; and so they note the time when David hid himself there; which was, when this same business which now they were treating about was in agitation formerly, to wit, to discover Saul’ s mind and purpose towards him, ,3. Or, 2. With the more remote words; and so they note the time when David should come to the place appointed, and formerly used to hide himself in, upon a like occasion, to wit, in the day when the business here spoken of was to be done, i.e. when the discovery of Saul’ s mind was to be made. By the stone Ezel, or, by the stone of going, or travelling, i.e. by that stone which directs travellers in the way, to wit, in some cave, or convenient place, which was near that stone.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:19
1 Samuel 20:19 And [when] thou hast stayed three days, [then] thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was [in hand], and shalt remain by the stone Ezel.Ver. 19. When the business was in hand.] When I advertised thee of my father’ s intent to kill thee, and when I made intercession for thee to my father, being hard wrought about it. By the stone Ezel.] That is, By the stone of walking, saith Lyra; because Jonathan and David used there to walk and talk of private businesses: as a certain hill near Cambridge was commonly called Heretics’ Hill, because thither Bilney and Latimer used to resort for holy conference. Lapidem Mercurialem intelligit, saith Vatablus here, i.e., He meaneth a stone that set travellers their right way.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:19
(19) Go down quickly.—“Quickly” represents, but not faithfully, the Hebrew m’od. “Quickly” comes from the Vulg., descende ergo festinus. The literal rendering of m’od is “greatly,” and probably Dean Payne Smith’s rendering, “and on the third day go a long way (greatly) down into the valley,” represents the meaning of the original, which has been a general stumbling-block with the versions. The Chaldee, Arabic, and Syriac here interpret rather than translate, “on the third day thou will be missed the more.” “It did not matter,” writes the Dean, “whether David went fast or slow, as he was to hide there some time, but it was important that David should be far away, so that no prying eye might chance to catch sight of him.” When the business was in hand.—The expression, b’yom hammaãseh, rendered in our version by “when the business was in hand,” is one hard to understand. Perhaps the best translation is that adopted by Gesenius, De Wette, and Maurer, who render it quite literally “on the day of the deed,” and understand by “deed” King Saul’s design of killing David (see 1 Samuel 19:2). By the stone Ezel.—This stone, or cairn, or possibly ruin, is mentioned nowhere else. Some have supposed it to have been a road-stone, or stone guide-post. The following ingenious conjecture is hazarded in the Speaker’s Commentary:—“The LXX. here, and again in 1 Samuel 20:41 (where the spot, but not the stone, is spoken of), read argab, or ergab, a word meaning a heap of stones. If this is the true reading, David’s hiding place was either a natural cavernous rock, which was called argab, or some ruin of an ancient building equally suited for a hiding place.” Ewald, slightly changing the text, understands the word as signifying “the lonely waste.”
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 20:19
19. when the business was in hand] Lit. “on the day of the business,” either the incident recorded in 1 Samuel 19:1-7, or some unknown matter. the stone Ezel] The name “stone of departure” may have been given in remembrance of the parting of David and Jonathan beside it. The Sept. however, (cp. 1 Samuel 20:41), reads “beside yonder heap of stones;” either some natural rocks or a heap of ruins, which might serve for a hiding-place. The rendering of E. V. marg. “the stone that sheweth the way” comes from the Targum, which gives “sign-stone.”
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 20:19
The stone Ezel - It is not mentioned elsewhere, except possibly in 1 Samuel 20:41, where see the note.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 20:19
19. When the business was in hand — Margin, in the day of the business. Referring to the circumstance of Jonathan’s previous intercession for David, (1 Samuel 19:3,) that business or affair so similar to the one now in hand.