1 Samuel 20:25

upon a seat by the wall Saul occupied the place of honour at the top or the centre of the table opposite the entrance.

and Jonathan arose This appears to mean that Jonathan first occupied his usual seat by Saul's side, but when Abner entered resigned the place to him, probably not wishing to sit next his father in David's absence. The Sept. has a different reading, "And he preceded Jonathan," which is equally obscure. Josephus says, "When they had sat down beside Saul, Jonathan on the right, and Abner on the left."