1 Samuel 20:28
And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem:
And Jonathan answered Saul,.... In reply to Saul's question, and to excuse David, he said,
David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem; his own city, his native place, where his family lived, whom he was desirous to see, and yet chose not to go without asking leave; and as Saul was not at home, he asked leave of Jonathan, who was next to him, and acted for him; and he was very pressing and importunate in his suit, and therefore Jonathan could not well deny him it; and he hoped this would ben sufficient excuse for his absence, especially when what follows should be observed.
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