1 Samuel 14:36-46
36 Then Saul said, “Let’s go down after the Philistines by night and take plunder among them until the morning light, and let’s not leave a man among them alive.” And they said, “Do whatever seems good to you.” So the priest said, “Let’s approach God here.”
37 So Saul inquired of God: “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will You hand them over to Israel?” But He did not answer him on that day.
38 Then Saul said, “Come here, all you leaders of the people, and investigate and see how this sin has happened today.
39 For as the Lord lives, who saves Israel, even if it is in my son Jonathan, he shall assuredly die!” But not one of all the people answered him.
40 Then he said to all Israel, “You shall be on one side, and I and my son Jonathan will be on the other side.” And the people said to Saul, “Do what seems good to you.”
41 Therefore, Saul said to the Lord, the God of Israel, “Give a perfect lot.” And Jonathan and Saul were selected by lot, but the people were exonerated.
42 Then Saul said, “Cast lots between me and my son Jonathan.” And Jonathan was selected by lot.
43 So Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” And Jonathan told him, and said, “I did indeed taste a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand. Here I am, I must die!”
44 And Saul said, “May God do the same to me and more also, for you shall certainly die, Jonathan!”
45 But the people said to Saul, “Must Jonathan die, he who has brought about this great victory in Israel? Far from it! As the Lord lives, not even a hair of his head shall fall to the ground, because he has worked with God this day.” So the people rescued Jonathan and he did not die.
46 Then Saul went up from pursuing the Philistines, and the Philistines went to their own place.
Jonathan in Danger
Jonathan selected by lot
Saul proposed to annihilate the Philistine army by dawn, and the people agreed. Having eaten from the enemy’s spoil, they had regained their strength. However, the priest Ahijah suggested that they should first confirm the Lord’s will. (1) The method to ascertain God’s will likely involved the Urim and Thummim. (2) Yet, on that day, they received no answer from God. (3) Saul concluded that the reason for this was that someone had broken the oath and immediately began a search for the culprit. Saul’s oath was foolish, but an oath is still an oath. The one who broke it would be “cursed.” (4) Here, Saul makes another foolish statement. “Even if it is my son Jonathan, he shall assuredly die!” Until then, it had been said that the one who broke the oath would be “cursed,” but here it escalates to “shall assuredly die.” (5) The Urim and Thummim were likely used again for casting lots. The lots narrowed down the selection, and finally, Jonathan was selected.
People saving Jonathan’s life
When Saul demanded an explanation from Jonathan, Jonathan honestly confessed what he had done. Remarkably, he did so without any self-defense. He could have said he was unaware of the oath, but he did not even say that. The irony is that Saul, who knowingly committed a sin, is judging Jonathan, who broke the oath unknowingly. Those who are defiant against God’s authority often act harshly to those who do not follow their own authority. Saul’s arrogance, foolishness, and selfishness become apparent to everyone at this point. Saul pronounced a death sentence on his son Jonathan, but there was fierce opposition from the people. They questioned why Jonathan, who had brought victory, must die. The people shouted that not even a finger should be laid on him, and as a result, Jonathan’s life was spared. Because of this incident, the battle was halted, and the Israelites missed the opportunity to completely defeat the enemy. Those who stray from God end up walking the path of stubbornness and foolishness. Are you maintaining a gentle heart?
Today's prayer
Holy God, please deliver me from the arrogance of Saul. Give me the ability to keep my heart gentle. I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.