Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Samuel 20:6

6 If thy father at all miss me , then say, David earnestly asked leave of me , that he might run to Bethlehem his city , for there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the family .

Quest. How could David imagine that Saul would expect his Company, whom he had once and again endeavoured to kill? Ans. First, He might suppose that David would ascribe all that to his Madness and Frantick fits, which being over, he would promise himself safety in the Kings presence. Secondly, David might not think that Saul would indeed expect him to Feast with him, considering his late and great danger from Saul; but that Saul would make use of this pretence, and require his presence, that he might lay hold upon him; and therefore he desired to try the experiment.

Who being the Kings Son and Deputy, used to give License to Military Men to depart for a season upon just occasions.

i. e. The place of his Birth and Education, Ioh. 7. 42.

A Sacrifice which was offered up in some high-place there Yearly, upon some special occasion not mentioned in Scripture, which was accompanied with a Feast: or, a yearly Feast, as the Hebrew word is sometimes used.

Wherein all the Members of our Family used to meet together, when they will earnestly expect me above others, and will charge me with Pride and Unnaturalness if I neglect their Invitation.

Marginal references: Or, [illegible: 1+ letters]east.