Praise the Lord Jesus Christ, please study this chapter and then answer all 62 questions at the end of this chapter.

1 Samuel Chapter 14

1 Samuel 14:1 “Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armor, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines’ garrison, that [is] on the other side. But he told not his father.”

“Jonathan” was the eldest son of Saul, the first king of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin. Initially, Jonathan served as Saul’s right-hand man and lieutenant (verses 11, 13-14; 13:2 where he commanded one thousand men). Later, Jonathan became such a close friend of David that he not only supported David against his father (Chapters 18-19), but relinquished his undoubted claim to become Saul’s successor in favor of David (Chapter 20). Finally, Jonathan died at Gilboa during Saul’s last campaign against the Philistines (Chapter 31). Jonathan was a man of fine character, whose moral integrity was matched by resolution and endurance. He was athletic and brave (verse 13; 2 Sam. 1:22-27). Jonathan will always be remembered for befriending David. Jonathan and David represent the highest ideal of Hebrew friendship. Jonathan’s descendants were famous soldiers who were, like their ancestors, skilled at shooting with the bow (1 Chron. 8:40).

“The other side”: Jonathan and his armor-bearer left the Israeli camp to approach the Philistine outpost.

Jonathan seemed to be much braver than Saul. We do not know specifically what day this happens. It was however, after the happenings (in chapter 13). Jonathan told no one, but his armor-bearer. It would be much easier for the two of them to slip close to the Philistines without being detected. He probably did not tell his father, because his father would have stopped him. I would believe the LORD put this idea in the heart of Jonathan.

1 Samuel 14:2 “And Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree which [is] in Migron: and the people that [were] with him [were] about six hundred men;”

“Pomegranate tree”: These trees are common to Israel’s landscape, normally growing as low shrubs with spreading branches. This may have been a particularly large one.

It seems that, Saul was relaxing with his men in Gibeah. More specifically, they were in Migron. It seems Saul was sitting in the shade under the pomegranate tree. 600 of the men were with Saul. They were probably near enough to help, if Jonathan needed them. Saul did not know where Jonathan was, but God knew.

1 Samuel 14:3 “And Ahiah, the son of Ahitub, Ichabod’s brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the LORD’S priest in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people knew not that Jonathan was gone.”

“Ahiah”: “Brother of the Lord.” He was the great-grandson of Eli the High-Priest, another house which had been rejected of the Lord (2:22-36).

“Wearing an ephod”: The ephod was a white garment worn by the priest that was attached to the body by a belt. A breastpiece worn over the ephod had pouches that were used by the priests to carry certain devices used in determining the will of God, i.e., the Urim and Thummim, or sacred lots (see note on Exodus 28:5-13). Apparently, Saul chose not to use it for seeking the Lord’s will.

We remember from a previous lesson that Phinehas was one of the two sons of Eli, who sinned greatly against God. We remember that, Ichabod received his name, because of the sins of his father. Ahitub had to be a younger brother. Ahiah, the son of Ahitub, had been restored to the priesthood at this time. He had on the ephod, so he must have been high priest. “Ahiah” means brother of Jehovah. Ahiah was in charge of the Ark. The Ark was kept at Shiloh. They had no idea that Jonathan had gone to the Philistines.

1 Samuel 14:4 “And between the passages, by which Jonathan sought to go over unto the Philistines’ garrison, [there was] a sharp rock on the one side, and a sharp rock on the other side: and the name of the one [was] Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh.”

“Bozez … Seneh”: Hebrew terms. Bozez may mean “Slippery.” Seneh means “thorny”.

These two rocks seemed to guard the entrance to this garrison. It seemed this was a natural garrison protected by high rocks on three sides.

1 Samuel 14:5 “The forefront of the one [was] situate northward over against Michmash, and the other southward over against Gibeah.”

The northern precipice of this rock was towards Michmash, where the Philistines lay encamped, and where was the passage of Michmash the garrison went into and possessed.

“And the other southward, over against Gibeah”: The southern precipice faced Gibeah, and both precipices were to be got over before he could get to the garrison, these lying between the two passages; the one at one end, called the passage of Michmash, the other at the other, which might be called the passage of Gibeah.

These were two lookout stations for the entire garrison.

Verse 6-17: Calling the Philistines “uncircumcised” was a term of contempt emphasizing the covenant relationship Israel enjoyed with God (Gen. 17:10-14). Jonathan trusted God, while Saul was more concerned about the number of men in his army (13:15).

1 Samuel 14:6 “And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armor, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for [there is] no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.”

“Uncircumcised”: This was a derogatory term used by the Israelites to describe the Philistines.

“By many or by few”: Jonathan demonstrated the great faith that should have been demonstrated by the king (13:11).

Jonathan had great faith in the LORD. He knew that he and his armor-bearer would be a majority, if the LORD was with them. The fact that Jonathan mentioned them being uncircumcised, shows that he believes God is with him and not with the Philistines. The Israelites had a covenant agreement with the LORD. Jonathan has no fear that the LORD will be with him and his armor-bearer. Two can put ten thousand to flight, if the two are in the perfect will of God.

1 Samuel 14:7 “And his armor-bearer said unto him, Do all that [is] in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I [am] with thee according to thy heart.”

He will do readily and cheerfully.

“Do all that is in thine heart”: Whatever is thy pleasure, that thou hast a mind to do; that is upon thy heart, and thou art desirous of, and strongly inclined and affected to.

“Turn thee”: Witch way thou wilt, towards the garrison of the Philistines or elsewhere.

“Behold, I am with thee, according to thy heart”: I will go with thee wherever thou goest, and do whatsoever thou would have me to do. I am at thy command, and according to thy wish and desire, and in all things subject to thy will; I am as thine own heart.

Jonathan’s armor-bearer had confidence that what Jonathan said was true. If Jonathan is brave enough to do this, certainly the armor-bearer will go with him and help.

Verses 8-10: Jonathan’s combat strategy was formulated in terms of waiting for the proper sign of divine approval (see the note on 10:2-6).

1 Samuel 14:8 “Then said Jonathan, Behold, we will pass over unto [these] men, and we will discover ourselves unto them.”

They will go over the precipices to them, as steep and as cragged as they are.

“And we will discover ourselves to them”: Present themselves to them at daylight, and let them know plainly who they were, that they were Hebrews.

These two could easily go in undetected. A whole army would have been seen immediately. We see from this, that one person can sometimes restore the confidence of a whole people by the actions he takes. Even in our land today, one or two people could start a revival which would sweep across our land. We just need to have the courage to step out and do it. The men will not know they are there, until they want them to know it.

1 Samuel 14:9 “If they say thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up unto them.”

By this and what follows he gives his man a sign by which both might know how they should conduct themselves in this expedition, and what would be the issue, whether they should succeed or not.

“Tarry until we come to you” This, as it would express boldness in the men of the garrison, and show that they were ready to come out and fight, would portend evil, and then what they had to do was to be upon the defensive.

“Then we will stand still in our place” Wait till they came to them, and make the best defense of themselves as they could, showing as little fear as possible, and not attempting to retreat and flee.

“And will not go up unto them”: Neither go backwards nor forwards; not backward, which would show fear; or forward, to expose themselves to too much danger from the garrison, they appearing to be bold and intrepid.

1 Samuel 14:10 “But if they say thus, Come up unto us; then we will go up: for the LORD hath delivered them into our hand: and this [shall be] a sign unto us.”

“A sign unto us”: This was an unusual manner for determining the will of the Lord, but not with similar precedent, e.g., Gideon’s fleece (Judges 6:36-40). Jonathan was allowed to determine the will of God by the reaction of his enemies.

This is like laying a fleece before the LORD. What the Philistines say, when they see Jonathan and his armor-bearer, will determine whether Jonathan will stay where he is, or attack them. If they say come up to them, this is a sign from God that Jonathan is to attack.

1 Samuel 14:11 “And both of them discovered themselves unto the garrison of the Philistines: and the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves.”

“Hebrews”: The oldest term used by Gentile nations to refer to the people of Israel.

“The holes where they had hid themselves”: Many of the Israelites were hiding in fear over the battle. Apparently they thought Jonathan and his armor bearer were Israelite deserters coming to the Philistine side.

This just means that Jonathan and his armor-bearer made themselves obvious to the Philistines. The Philistines think they have come to surrender. They laugh about Jonathan and his armor-bearer coming out of the holes where they had been hidden.

1 Samuel 14:12 “And the men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armor-bearer, and said, Come up to us, and we will show you a thing. And Jonathan said unto his armor-bearer, Come up after me: for the LORD hath delivered them into the hand of Israel.”

The guards that were set to watch the garrison who were crying out to them, and said:

“Come up to us, and we will show you a thing”: We have something to say to you, a pretty thing to show you, when you shall pay dear for your boldness and impudence, in daring to come so near; not imagining that they could come, or would dare to attempt to come any further.

“And Jonathan said unto his armor-bearer, come up after me”: Follow me, and never fear but we will find a way to come up to them, however difficult it may be.

“For the Lord hath delivered them into the hand of Israel”: He knew by their language that God had given them a spirit of fear, that they dare not come out of their hold, and come down to them. And that he had cast them into a spirit of security and vain confidence, that they could never come at them, and give them any trouble. And from thence he concluded deliverance was at hand for the people of Israel. He was seeking not his own private interest and glory, but the public good. To which he was ready to ascribe not to his own valor and courage, but to the power, kindness, and goodness of God.

Jonathan is a brave man, who has confidence in the LORD. What they had intended to frighten Jonathan with was, in fact, the signal from God that he would win this battle.

1 Samuel 14:13 “And Jonathan climbed up upon his hands and upon his feet, and his armor-bearer after him: and they fell before Jonathan; and his armor-bearer slew after him.”

He did not attempt to go up the way or pass the Philistines kept, but turned aside and climbed up a precipice thought inaccessible, and came upon them unseen, and caught them unawares. For had he attempted to come up in any part where he was seen; they could easily have beat him down and prevented his ascent. But though the place he climbed was so very steep and cragged, yet crawling on all four, he surmounted the difficulty. For he took this method of going on his hands and feet, not so much that he might not be seen; but because otherwise he could not have got up, not being able to stand on his feet. Some think it was the precipice called Bozez he climbed, which, according to the Targum, had its name from its being very slippery.

“And his armor-bearer after him; who clambered up in the same manner, in imitation of his master, and as taught and directed by him.

“And they fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer slew after him”: Jonathan, coming upon them unawares, knocked them down; or falling upon them, and laying about him with great dispatch, wounded them, and laid them prostrate to the ground. And his armor-bearer following, also put them to death, and so between them both made quick riddance of them.

These men that were taunting Jonathan and his armor-bearer could have thrown a rock off the side of the cliff they were climbing, and killed them both, before they made it to the top. They were making sport out of this whole thing. After all, there was just Jonathan and his armor-bearer against all of these men. We see that Jonathan killed those in front of him and the armor-bearer killed those behind him.

1 Samuel 14:14 “And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armor-bearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were a half acre of land, [which] a yoke [of oxen might plow].”

That first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armor-bearer made, was about twenty men, within about a half acre of land, which a yoke of oxen might plow. This was a very ancient mode of measurement, and it still subsists in the East. The men who saw them scrambling up the rock had been surprised and killed, and the spectacle of twenty corpses would suggest to others that they were attacked by a numerous force. The success of the adventure was aided by a panic that struck the enemy, produced both by the sudden surprise and the shock of an earthquake. The feat was begun and achieved by the faith of Jonathan, and the issue was of God.

These two men (Jonathan and his armor-bearer), came in the name of the Lord. Two men killed twenty men. It seemed their bodies were scattered over a half acre.

1 Samuel 14:15 “And there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people: the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth quaked: so it was a very great trembling.”

“The earth quaked”: The earthquake affirms the fact that divine intervention aided Jonathan and his armor-bearer in their raid. The earthquake caused a panic among the Philistines. God would have intervened on Saul’s behalf in such a manner had he chosen to be faithfully patient (13:9).

There was widespread terror in the camp when it was told what happened to the garrison. They probably thought the entire army of Israel was coming against them. They had probably forgotten about an attack from Jonathan and his men. This was totally unexpected.

1 Samuel 14:16 “And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down [one another].”

It appears, in their fright, they turned on each other. Saul’s watchmen have now suddenly become aware of the tumult. It seems to them, as if Israel is winning. They have no idea who of Israel is fighting however.

1 Samuel 14:17 “Then said Saul unto the people that [were] with him, Number now, and see who is gone from us. And when they had numbered, behold, Jonathan and his armor-bearer [were] not [there].”

When this panic which was taking place in the Philistine army was reported to King Saul, he naturally inquired as to what had caused it, knowing that he, as general-in-chief, had given no directions to any of his men to attack the enemy. In the little Israelites’ force, when the roll was called, it was soon discovered who was missing.

“Behold, Jonathan and his armor-bearer were not there”: From whence it might be inferred, that this commotion the Philistines were in was occasioned by an onset of theirs on the outer guards or sentinels of their garrison or army, which had alarmed them.

This numbering is not a count, but a calling of names, until they find who is not with them. Saul possibly thought someone had mustered a small group from his men, and gone and done this thing. To his surprise, it is Jonathan and his armor-bearer only.

1 Samuel 14:18 “And Saul said unto Ahiah, Bring hither the ark of God. For the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel.”

“Ark of God”: The LXX (Septuagint) reads “ephod” instead of “Ark,” and this seems more likely since the Ark was at Kirjath-jearim and the language of 14:19 better fits the ephod (verse 3) than the Ark.

We remember that, the Ark of God was cared for by the priest. This is possibly speaking of the high priest coming wearing the ephod. God spoke to the people through the Urim and the Thummim of the high priest. Perhaps the Ark was brought, so the people would recognize the answer from God.

1 Samuel 14:19 “And it came to pass, while Saul talked unto the priest, that the noise that [was] in the host of the Philistines went on and increased: and Saul said unto the priest, Withdraw thine hand.”

“Withdraw thine hand”: Saul, in a hurry, ordered the priest to stop the inquiry into the will of the Lord.

Saul did not wait to hear what the will of God was in this, before he acted. Saul had done the wrong thing when he offered the burnt offering, not willing to wait for Samuel. Now he is making the same mistake again, by not waiting to hear from God through the priest. His impatience costs him.

1 Samuel 14:20 “And Saul and all the people that [were] with him assembled themselves, and they came to the battle: and, behold, every man’s sword was against his fellow, [and there was] a very great discomfiture.”

The six hundred men that were with him, unless we can suppose the 1000 that had been with Jonathan in Gibeah were here still (see 1 Sam. 13:2).

“And they came to the battle”: To the field of battle, the place where the army of the Philistines had encamped.

“And, behold, every man’s sword was against his fellow”: Taking one another for Hebrews, or treacherous and disaffected persons; so that, though the Israelites had neither swords nor spears, they needed none, for the Philistines destroyed one another with their own swords.

“Very great discomfiture”: Noise, tumult, confusion, slaughter, and destruction.

This is not speaking of the Israelites’ swords, because Saul was the only one of this group that had one. This just means that the Philistines turned their swords on each other and killed their own army. Saul’s army had no swords or spears. Of course, they could have taken some from the fallen Philistines.

1 Samuel 14:21 “Moreover the Hebrews [that] were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp [from the country] round about, even they also [turned] to be with the Israelites that [were] with Saul and Jonathan.”

“Hebrews”: This is a reference to Israelite deserters or mercenaries.

Jonathan’s bravery caused these frightened Israelites, who had gone with the Philistines, to return to the service of Jonathan. They had not fought with the Philistines against Israel. They had been like slaves to the Philistines.

1 Samuel 14:22 “Likewise all the men of Israel which had hid themselves in mount Ephraim, [when] they heard that the Philistines fled, even they also followed hard after them in the battle.”

“Hid themselves in Mount Ephraim”: A large and partially wooded area north and west of Michmash.

It seems the bravery of Jonathan had encouraged the bravery of them all. Those who had hidden, so they would not have to fight, when the army of the Philistines came, are now coming out of hiding so they can share in the victory.

1 Samuel 14:23 “So the LORD saved Israel that day: and the battle passed over unto Beth-aven.”

“So the Lord saved Israel” The writer uses similar language to that of the Exodus. In spite of their disobedient king, God was faithful to deliver Israel from her enemies.

“Beth-aven” (see note on 13:2).

The one thing we must notice above is who won the war for them. It was the LORD. The LORD saved Israel because of Jonathan’s faith.

Verses 24-33: The army, ravenous because of Saul’s foolish “oath”, disobeyed the covenant laws regarding the proper preparation of meat (Gen. 9:4; Lev. 7:26; 17:10-14). Saul’s impetuous behavior led the nation to sin.

1 Samuel 14:24 “And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed [be] the man that eateth [any] food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted [any] food.”

“Were distressed”: Saul’s inept leadership failed to provide for the physical needs of his men, leaving them weak and fatigued.

“Cursed”: Saul’s first foolish oath pronounced a curse upon anyone tasting food until the battle was over. The scene fits chronologically after Jonathan’s departure.

In the last lesson, we saw that Jonathan and his armor-bearer attacked the Philistines. Saul found out about it, after it was nearly over, and rushed out with his men to help. Now, we see that Saul had called a fast for that day. “Adjured” means he made them swear. He also said that anyone who ate before the day was over, would be cursed. He was in such a hurry, that he did not want them to stop to eat.

1 Samuel 14:25 “And all [they of] the land came to a wood; and there was honey upon the ground.”

“Honey upon the ground”: This was a reference to honeycombs found in the forest (verse 27).

There seemed to be an abundance of honey running down the rocks. The men had been walking all day without food, and this was a great temptation.

1 Samuel 14:26 “And when the people were come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped; but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath.”

The honey is described as “upon the ground,” “dropping” from the trees, and in honeycombs, indicating it to be bees’ honey. “Bees in the East are not, as in England, kept in hives; they are all in a wild state. The forests literally flow with honey; large combs may be seen hanging on the trees as you pass along, full of honey” [Roberts].

“But no man put his hand to his mouth”: That is, took not any of the honey and ate it, though it was so near at hand, and there was plenty of it.

“For the people feared the oath”: Saul made them swear by, or the imprecation he made on the person that should eat any food that day.

Even though there was an abundance of honey, and they were very hungry, they did not eat. They were more afraid of the curse Saul had spoken, if they broke their oath, than they were of being hungry. They did not even taste it.

1 Samuel 14:27 “But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that [was] in his hand, and dipped it in a honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened.”

“Jonathan heard not” Jonathan apparently had departed before Saul made his oath.

Not only had Jonathan not heard what his father said, he did not take the oath either. Jonathan would not be punished, for breaking an oath he did not take. Jonathan takes a bite of the honey, because he is unaware of his father’s restriction. The dimness in his eyes had been caused from his exhaustion. The sweetness of the honey brought him strength and bright eyes.

1 Samuel 14:28 “Then answered one of the people, and said, Thy father straitly charged the people with an oath, saying, Cursed [be] the man that eateth [any] food this day. And the people were faint.”

Most probably, in reply to Jonathan’s pointing out the plentiful supply of honey, and inviting the soldiers near him to refresh themselves with it. The words “and the people were faint,” at the close of the verse, should be rendered, and the people are faint. They were part of the speech of the soldier who was telling Jonathan of his father’s rash oath.

The father was in such a hurry to get these people into the battle, that he forgot how weak they would be, if they did not eat. His causing them to swear, that they would not eat, would make them so weak, it would be about impossible to finish the battle.

1 Samuel 14:29 “Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey.”

“My father hath troubled the land”: Jonathan saw the foolishness of Saul’s oath and how it actually hurt Israel’s cause instead of helping it.

Saul’s mistake was in a hasty judgment, again. Jonathan had found strength in the taste of honey he had taken. They could all fight better, if they were not so weak from hunger.

1 Samuel 14:30 “How much more, if haply the people had eaten freely today of the spoil of their enemies which they found? for had there not been now a much greater slaughter among the Philistines?”

That is, had they been allowed to eat freely of the provisions of bread, wine, etc. that they found in the enemy’s camp, they would have been much more refreshed and strengthened than it could be supposed he was with eating a little honey. If that had had such an effect upon him, of what service would a full meal have been to the people?

“For had there not been now a much greater slaughter among the Philistines?” The people would have had more strength to smite them, and would have pursued them with greater zeal and swiftness, and so have made a greater slaughter among them than they had. He intimates that Saul’s end would have been better answered by suffering the people to eat, than by forbidding them.

The truth is, they could have fought better, but they had taken the vow. The end result would have been better, if Saul had thought of the needs of his soldiers.

1 Samuel 14:31 “And they smote the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon: and the people were very faint.”

“Aijalon”: This area is located 15 miles west of Michmash. This would have been a normal path back to the land of the Philistines.

They pursued and killed the Philistines, but the slaughter would have been much greater, had they not been so weary.

1 Samuel 14:32 “And the people flew upon the spoil, and took sheep, and oxen, and calves, and slew [them] on the ground: and the people did eat [them] with the blood.”

“Eat them with the blood”: The people were so severely hungry because of the oath (verse 24), that they disobeyed the law by eating the meat raw and not draining the blood (Lev. 17:10-14).

Such an act was in clear violation of the Levitical prohibition against eating meat with “blood” still in it (Lev. 17:10-14; 19:26). The pressures of warfare, as well as the added restrictions of Saul’s foolish oath (verses 24-30), may have contributed to the people’s hunger and physical weakness, hence to the temptation to ignore the Levitical stipulations.

It seems, they kept the forced fast that Saul had caused them to swear to. The minute the fast was over, they committed a very bad sin by eating the blood with the meat. The Hebrews had a special way they were to kill animals. They were to bleed them, and cover the blood with the dirt.

Leviticus 3:17 “[It shall be] a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, that ye eat neither fat nor blood.”

1 Samuel 14:33 “Then they told Saul, saying, Behold, the people sin against the LORD, in that they eat with the blood. And he said, Ye have transgressed: roll a great stone unto me this day.”

Some that were more conscientious and religious were more circumspect, and strictly attended to the laws forbidding the eating of blood, and were concerned at the indecent behavior of others, and therefore thought fit to acquaint Saul with it, to restrain it.

“Behold, the people sin against the Lord, in that they eat with the blood”: By breaking the laws of God respecting the eating of blood (in Genesis 9:4, especially in Leviticus 19:26).

“And he said, ye have transgressed”: The above laws of God; that is. Saul said to some persons who were accused of the breach of them, and were ordered to come before him, and did come.

“Roll a great stone unto me this day”: Pointing perhaps, at one which lay at some distance from him, and which he ordered to be rolled to him. This was done, that the creatures might be slain on it, and their blood drawn out from them, or to offer sacrifice upon, and indeed for both.

They have not kept the covenant with God. They were to obey God’s commandments. They were all aware, that they were not to eat the blood of an animal. They were to immediately bring a stone to Saul, so the animals could be cut up and drained properly.

1 Samuel 14:34 “And Saul said, Disperse yourselves among the people, and say unto them, Bring me hither every man his ox, and every man his sheep, and slay [them] here, and eat; and sin not against the LORD in eating with the blood. And all the people brought every man his ox with him that night, and slew [them] there.”

In the camp, some one way, and some another, and make proclamation throughout it; this he said to some of his officers, whom he sent out as heralds, to publish his will and pleasure.

“And say unto them, bring me hither every man his ox, and every man his sheep, and slay them here”: On the great stone he had ordered to roll to the place where he was.

“And eat them; in the same place, being rightly slain, and the blood let out; all this was to be done, the slaying of the beasts, and eating them, in the presence of Saul, and under his inspection, that everything might be done decently, and in order, and according to the law of God.

“And sin not against the Lord, in eating with the blood”: As some of them had done (1 Sam. 14:32), and all the people brought every man his ox with him; and his sheep also, though not expressed, yet to be supplied from the preceding clause.

And these every man brought: “Every man his ox with him that night”. The Jewish Rabbins are divided about these creatures slain, whether for sacrifices or common food. And those that think sacrifices are meant dispute whether it was lawful to slay them in the night, which some allow to be lawful, if on a small and private altar, but not upon a large and public one. But these were slain no doubt for common food, which all agree might be slain in the night.

“And slew them there”: Before Saul, and on the great stone rolled unto him.

The animals slain on the rock would have a chance for the blood to drain thoroughly. It does not say anything about cooking the meat here, but the meat had to be cooked to fulfill the law. They were not to eat raw meat.

1 Samuel 14:35 “And Saul built an altar unto the LORD: the same was the first altar that he built unto the LORD.”

“The first altar”: The first and only altar built by Saul mentioned in Scripture.

This altar was in thanks for the victory they had against the Philistines. This altar to the LORD was the first Saul had built.

1 Samuel 14:36 “And Saul said, Let us go down after the Philistines by night, and spoil them until the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them. And they said, Do whatsoever seemeth good unto thee. Then said the priest, Let us draw near hither unto God.”

“Let us draw near hither unto God”: Ahijah the priest requested that they first seek the Lord regarding their course of action.

Saul realizes that he was really the cause, that all of the Philistines had not been killed. Now, he proposes that they go down by night and finish killing them. It appears, the army was willing to do whatever Saul wanted to do. The priest wanted to inquire of God, before they went to battle, however.

1 Samuel 14:37 “And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day.”

“Saul asked counsel of God”: At the request of Ahijah, Saul inquired of the Lord regarding his battle plan.

“He answered him not” Because of the sin that Saul had caused in his army, God did not answer his inquiry. This would not be the last time that the Lord would refuse to respond to sinful Saul (28:6).

God did not answer him quickly, because he was so impatient. Saul wanted to hear what God had to say, as long as He said it immediately.

1 Samuel 14:38 “And Saul said, Draw ye near hither, all the chief of the people: and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day.”

Or, the corners of the peoples; the princes, as Jarchi interprets it: and so the Targum, the heads of the people, in allusion to the cornerstones in buildings, which are the ornament, strength, and cement of them (see Zech. 10:4). Though Abarbinel thinks the tribes themselves are meant, which lay encamped everyone in a corner by themselves, separated from one another. And these he would have brought together; not the heads only, but everyone, small and great, that it might be seen and known where the sin lay. But he should have observed that the tribes of Israel were not now present with Saul, but a small number of them.

“And know and see wherein this sin hath been this day”: He concluded, from having no answer from the Lord, that sin had been committed, which was the cause of it. But never thought of his own rash oath, which was the cause of the people’s sinning, and had brought his son into danger or by the sin of the people by eating the flesh that contained the blood. Nothing ran in his mind but the breach of the oath with which he had adjured the people, and this he was determined to find out, if possible.

Because God did not answer him immediately, he assumes it is because of some sin that has been committed. He never looks at himself. His fault finding is always with someone else. He wants to find who has sinned, and kill him.

1 Samuel 14:39 “For, [as] the LORD liveth, which saveth Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die. But [there was] not a man among all the people [that] answered him.”

“As the Lord liveth”: As an encore to his previous oath, Saul followed with another foolish oath, unknowingly jeopardizing his own son’s life.

He had made rash decisions several times earlier. This is another rash statement, because he wants to hurry up and go to war. The people are not going to accuse Jonathan, who led them to the victory over the Philistines. We said before that Jonathan did not sin, because he had not taken the oath with the others.

1 Samuel 14:40 “Then said he unto all Israel, Be ye on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side. And the people said unto Saul, Do what seemeth good unto thee.”

As many of them as were present. Not the principal men only, but the common people; not the officers only, but the common soldiers in the army.

“Be ye on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side”: So they divided to the right and left, one went one way, and the other the other. There were two boxes or urns, as Kimchi says, in one of which were the names of Saul and Jonathan, and in the other Israel. Though Abarbinel observes, that such a partition of them on one side, and the other, is not according to the manner of lots; and he suspects that Saul knew that Jonathan had tasted of honey. Being told it by the man that saw him eat it; and who said to him then, “thy father straitly charged” (1 Sam. 14:27), but chose this way to make it manifest to the people, and to show what a strict regard he had to justice.

“And the people said unto Saul, do what seemeth good unto thee”: They were very submissive to him in everything (see 1 Sam. 14:36).

He had not received an answer from God through the Urim and the Thummim of the high priest. Now, he has decided to figure out who is worthy of death by lot.

Verses 41-45: God gave two stones (“Lots”), called Urim and Thummim to the Israelites to make decisions. Kept in the high priest’s possession, they were the only legitimate way to receive a positive or negative response from the Lord other that God speaking directly to someone (Exodus 28:30; Num. 27:21). The Israelites recognized the truth: Jonathan’s victory was evidence of God working on their behalf; whereas Saul’s oath was foolish.

Verses 41-42: The casting of lots was an accepted means of determining the Lord’s will (Prov. 16:33), in ancient “Israel” (Lev. 16:7-10, 21-22; Joshua 14:2; 18:6), including the establishing of guilt (Joshua 7:14).

1 Samuel 14:41 “Therefore Saul said unto the LORD God of Israel, Give a perfect [lot]. And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people escaped.”

“Taken”: The practice of casting lots was used to distinguish one person or group from another. Jonathan was indicated as the guilty party, though he acted innocently (verse 27).

The lot fell on Jonathan and Saul. The people were spared in this.

1 Samuel 14:42 “And Saul said, Cast [lots] between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken.”

Which showed his regard strict justice, and that he had no consciousness of guilt in himself, and should not spare his own son if found guilty.

“And Jonathan was taken”: The lot fell upon him, which was so directed, that his ignorance of his father’s charge and oath might appear; and that the affection of the people might be discovered. And that a regard is to be had to the orders and commands of princes, and obedience to be yielded to them in all in which conscience is not concerned, though they may be grievous. And to bring Saul to a sense of rashness in making such an oath, which brought his own son into so much danger.

The lot fell on Jonathan this time.

1 Samuel 14:43 “Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that [was] in mine hand, [and], lo, I must die.”

What sin he had committed, the lot having fallen on him, and found him out: and Jonathan told him; the whole of the matter, all the truth, without any reserve.

“And said, I did but take a little honey with the end of the rod that was in mine hand”: He speaks of the fact as a trivial thing, as if it was not deserving of death, though he was willing to submit to it; yet it seems strange he should say nothing of his ignorance of the charge and oath of Saul, and plead that in excuse of it.

Truly Jonathan had taken of the honey, but he had done it innocently. He had not taken the vow, nor heard the oath his father made. He bows to the judgment of God, and does not try to defend himself in this. He agrees he must die.

1 Samuel 14:44 “And Saul answered, God do so and more also: for thou shalt surely die, Jonathan.”

“God do so and more also”: Saul, proud and concerned with his own authority and honor, was intent on fulfilling his vow.

Saul is a man who does not stop to think, before he speaks. He takes an oath, here, to kill his own son. Jonathan had not broken the oath, because he never took it.

1 Samuel 14:45 “And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: [as] the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not.”

“Wrought with God this day”: Jonathan, in stark contrast to his father the king, understood the sufficiency of God for the task and obediently relied on Him for the victory.

The people are right. There is no reason to kill Jonathan. Not only did he win the battle almost singlehandedly for them, but he is innocent. Certainly, the blessings of God had been upon him, as he fought the Philistines. The people loved Jonathan, and they would not let Saul kill him.

1 Samuel 14:46 “Then Saul went up from following the Philistines: and the Philistines went to their own place.”

“The Philistines went to their own place”: The Philistines were left to continue their retreat unhindered.

Saul saw that the people were not with him, and he returns home. The Philistines, who were not killed earlier, were spared. They went to their homes, as well.

Verses 47-52: Saul was a man of war, quick to battle “wherever he turned” and quick to recruit “any strong … or … valiant man” who crossed his path. War was a primary way for a new king to establish his “sovereignty” in ancient times (Exodus 17:14-16; Num. 24:20).

Saul’s military accomplishments were significant and expanded Israel’s borders in all directions: to the south (Edom), east (Ammon and Moab), north (Zobah), and west (Philistia). The defeat of the Amalekites is recorded (in Chapter 15).

1 Samuel 14:47 “So Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines: and whithersoever he turned himself, he vexed [them].”

That is, resumed the administration of it, after he had, in a manner, lost it by the Philistines, who had almost got the entire possession of it, and enslaved Israel.

“And fought against all his enemies on every side”: He did not invade them, as may be gathered from the next verse, but repelled them, and kept them within their own limits. He gathered an army, and smote the Amalekites; which war is described at large in the next chapter.

It seemed the bravery of Jonathan, Saul’s son, gave Saul the courage to lead his troops bravely. He fought with all the enemies of Israel. Paul says that Saul reigned for 40 years as king. I have no argument with that. He was an impatient military king. Notice, he did not kill them all. He vexed them. He was a constant enemy of theirs.

1 Samuel 14:48 “And he gathered a host, and smote the Amalekites, and delivered Israel out of the hands of them that spoiled them.”

A large army; for after the battle with the Ammonites he disbanded his army, and sent them home, retaining only 3000 men. And these deserted him to six hundred, which were all the men he had with him, when he fought last with the Philistines. But now, finding he had enemies on every side of him, he gathered a large army to defend his country against them and particularly, to attack the people next mentioned.

“And he smote the Amalekites”: A people that Israel, by the law of God, was bound to destroy, and blot out their name. A particular account of his expedition against them is given in the following chapter.

“And delivered Israel out of the hands of them that spoiled them”: The nations before mentioned, Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Syrians, and Philistines.

We do not read of daring exploits like Jonathan did, from Saul. Saul took an army with him, when he fought their enemies. He fought valiantly for Israel and won. The Amalekites were just one of the lands he defeated.

Verses 49-51: Saul’s children, Jonathan and Michal, would both play significant roles in the life of the next king, David. Nothing further is known of Saul’s wife or other children mentioned here.

1 Samuel 14:49 “Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Ishui, and Melchi-shua: and the names of his two daughters [were these]; the name of the firstborn Merab, and the name of the younger Michal:”

Who seems to be his firstborn, of whom, his valor and success, we read in this and the preceding chapter.

“And Ishui”: The same with Abinadab (1 Chron. 8:33), for he had two names.

“And Melchi-shua”: And besides these three there was another, whose name was Ishbosheth, sometimes called Eshbaal (2 Sam. 2:8), who succeeded him in the kingdom. For which reason Abarbinel thinks he is not mentioned here, because he was a king; though it is generally supposed the reason why these only are named is, because they went out to war with him, and died with him. But this did not; he had other children by a concubine, or secondary wife, whose name was Rizpah, not mentioned here (2 Sam. 21:8).

“And the names of his two daughters were these, the name of the firstborn Merab; who was afterwards married to Adriel the Meholathite (1 Sam. 18:19), and the name of the younger Michal; who became the wife of David (1 Sam. 18:27).

Ishui and Abinadab is the same person. The fourth son of Saul is not mentioned here. His name was Ishbosheth. Generally, daughters are not mentioned, but these will play important roles in their history, so they are mentioned. “Jonathan” means whom Jehovah gave. The name “Ishui” means peaceful, or quiet. “Melchi-shua” means king of aid.

“Ishbosheth” means man of shame. Perhaps, that is why he was not named here. “Merab” means increase. “Michal” means who like God.

1 Samuel 14:50 And the name of Saul’s wife [was] Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz: and the name of the captain of his host [was] Abner, the son of Ner, Saul’s uncle.

“Abner”: A cousin of Saul who commanded his army (1 Sam. 17:55, 59; 20:25; 26:14-15).

“Ahinoam” means brother of grace. “Ahimaaz” means brother of anger. “Abner” means father of light. Kish, Saul’s father was a son of Ner. Abner was Saul’s captain of hosts.

1 Samuel 14:51 “And Kish [was] the father of Saul; and Ner the father of Abner [was] the son of Abiel.”

(See 1 Samuel 9:1).

“And Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel; this Abiel was the father both of Kish and Ner, and the grandfather of Saul (see 1 Sam. 9:1).

This makes Abiel the great-grandfather of Saul.

1 Samuel 14:52 “And there was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul: and when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he took him unto him.”

“War … sore”: The Philistines’ opposition to Israel was persistent and continual to the very last day of Saul’s life (1 Sam. 31:1-3).

“Strong man … valiant man”: Saul looked for the good warriors and attached them to his personal force. David was one such man, who would also continue this practice under his rule (2 Sam. 23:8-39).

This is just saying that, a strong healthy man was enlisted in the army of Saul. Saul was a good soldier leader. He knew the Philistines were a powerful opponent. Saul kept a standing army of the finest young men in the country. The moral was high, because they were successful against their enemies.

1 Samuel 14: Questions

1. Who did Jonathan tell to come with him, to the Philistine’s garrison?
2. Why did Jonathan not tell Saul, where he was going?
3. Who put this thought into the mind of Jonathan?
4. Where was Saul, when this happened?
5. How many men were with Saul?
6. Who was wearing an ephod?
7. Who was Phinehas?
8. Why was his son named Ichabod?
9. What does “Ahiah” mean?
10. What does “Bozez” mean?
11. What does “Seneh” mean?
12. These two rocks guarded the entrance to the _____________.
13. What did Jonathan call the Philistines in verse 6?
14. Who did Jonathan have faith in?
15. Two can put _____ ________ to flight, if the two are in the perfect will of God.
16. Did his armor-bearer go willingly with Jonathan?
17. When would the Philistines see them?
18. How can we relate to these two today?
19. How will Jonathan know whether the LORD wants him to go against the Philistines, or not?
20. Why did the Philistines not roll a rock down the embankment, and kill them?
21. How many did Jonathan and his armor-bearer kill in the first slaughter?
22. When the Philistines heard what happened at the garrison, how did they react?
23. What did the Philistines think was happening?
24. In their fright, they turned on ________ ________.
25. Who discovered what was going on and told Saul?
26. What did Saul do, to determine who had gone out to fight?
27. What did Saul tell Ahaiah to bring?
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