27. The second day. If it had been merely a question of uncleanness, David could have washed himself and been clean at eventide and thus been present the second day. When Saul discovered that he was absent he betrayed his real feelings by inquiring of his son concerning “the son of Jesse.” His hatred for David was so great that his words were probably far from kindly (see 31). Twice David had slipped away from his murderous hand; he was determined he should not do so again.