שמואל א, פרק כ׳, פסוק ד׳

Faced with David's deep fears, Jonathan begins to suspect that his friend might be right and that his father truly wants to take David's life. Filled with this growing doubt, Jonathan places himself entirely at David's service, asking him to create a plan to uncover the truth.

When Jonathan asks David what he wishes to do, the simple understanding is that he is appealing to David's personal desire, offering to do absolutely anything his friend wants [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. However, another perspective suggests a deeper meaning, focusing on David's intellect and wisdom. In this view, Jonathan is asking what David's logical mind dictates they must do right now to clarify the dangerous situation [מצודת דוד, אברבנאל].

By promising to carry out whatever is asked, Jonathan hands the initiative completely over to David. This open offer paves the way for David to propose a specific test: his deliberate absence from the upcoming New Moon feast. By observing how Saul reacts to David missing the meal, the two friends will finally know for certain whether the king has peaceful intentions or if he has made a final decision to kill David [אברבנאל].