Say, David earnestly asked of me Jonathan, being the king's son and deputy, used, it seems, to give license to military men to depart for a season upon just occasions. There is a yearly sacrifice for all the family It is likely it was a custom among pious families to meet together once a year, and praise God for his mercies toward them all.
Related Commentaries of 1 Samuel 20:6
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 sacrificeb there for all the family.