Jonathan is Rescued by The Troops
August 18, 2021
Commentary
A direct result of Saul’s curse occurred after the Israelites had chased the Philistines as far as Aijalon (vv. 31-35). The troops were faint from lack of food and as soon as the sun set, they pounced on the spoil of livestock. However, no provision was made for the proper drainage of blood (cf. Lev 19:26; Deut 12:16). The meat was eaten “with the blood," which was a violation of Mosaic law (vv. 31-32). Saul was soon told that his troops were sinning against God by eating this meat “with the blood.” He ordered a stone rolled to the spot and the troops were ordered to bring their livestock to the central stone for slaughter, which was considered an altar, the first altar which Saul erected.
After the men had eaten, Saul determined that perhaps it would be a good idea to press the attack against the Philistines into the night (vv. 36-39). The officers agreed, but the priest (Ahijah) suggested that it might be wise to consult God regarding the proposed pursuit. So Saul inquired of God about the matter, but He did not answer him. By this silence God rebuked Saul for taking the oath in the first place (vv. 36-37).Saul realized that there must be sin in the camp. Though it was generally known through the ranks that Jonathan had violated his father’s curse, no one ventured to point the finger of accusation at him (vv. 38-39). Since no one would report any violation of the royal curse, Saul would find the guilty party by casting lots. These lots indicated Jonathan (vv. 40-42). The prince confessed to tasting a little honey during the midst of the battle. Now that Saul had bound himself by an oath to execute the guilty party, Jonathan was fully prepared to accept his fate. Then Saul took a third oath which reinforced the second, that Jonathan would surely die (vv. 43-44).
At this point the troops intervened. These soldiers took an oath that not one hair of Jonathan’s head would fall to the ground. Thus it would appear that the oath of the many took precedence over the oath of the one, even if the one was the king. In this case Saul must have been very relieved that his troops overruled him (v. 45). Saul and his men returned home (v. 46). The Philistines withdrew from Israelite territory. They would return to fight another day. The author now interjects a brief summary of other accomplishments of Saul’s reign (vv. 47-52). Chapter 14 closes with one other negative note about the king. Any men capable of military leadership were pressed into service on the royal staff. Such a policy became necessary because of the uninterrupted nature of the conflict with the Philistines (v. 52).
Application
When I do wrong, even unintentionally, do I respond like Jonathan or like Saul? Sticking to the story, just to save face like Saul did, only compounds the problem. It takes more courage to admit that I am wrong, like Jonathan did, than to hold to an error.
1 Samuel 14:31– 52 (NET)
31 On that day the army struck down the Philistines from Micmash to Aijalon, and they became very tired. 32 So the army rushed greedily on the plunder, confiscating sheep, cattle, and calves. They slaughtered them right on the ground, and the army ate them, blood and all.
33 Now it was reported to Saul, “Look, the army is sinning against the Lord by eating even the blood.” He said, “All of you have broken the covenant! Roll a large stone over here to me.” 34 Then Saul said, “Scatter out among the army and say to them, ‘Each of you bring to me your ox and sheep and slaughter them in this spot and eat. But don’t sin against the Lord by eating the blood.” So that night each one brought his ox and slaughtered it there. 35 Then Saul built an altar for the Lord; it was the first time he had built an altar for the Lord.
36 Saul said, “Let’s go down after the Philistines at night; we will rout them until the break of day. We won’t leave any of them alive!” They replied, “Do whatever seems best to you.” But the priest said, “Let’s approach God here.” 37 So Saul asked God, “Should I go down after the Philistines? Will you deliver them into the hand of Israel?” But he did not answer him that day.
38 Then Saul said, “All you leaders of the army come here. Find out how this sin occurred today. 39 For as surely as the Lord, the deliverer of Israel, lives, even if it turns out to be my own son Jonathan, he will certainly die!” But no one from the army said anything.
40 Then he said to all Israel, “You will be on one side, and I and my son Jonathan will be on the other side.” The army replied to Saul, “Do whatever you think is best.”
41 Then Saul said, “O Lord God of Israel! If this sin has been committed by me or by my son Jonathan, then, O Lord God of Israel, respond with Urim. But if this sin has been committed by your people Israel, respond with Thummim.” Then Jonathan and Saul were indicated by lot, while the army was exonerated. 42 Then Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan!” Jonathan was indicated by lot.
43 So Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” Jonathan told him, “I used the end of the staff that was in my hand to taste a little honey. I must die!” 44 Saul said, “God will punish me severely if Jonathan doesn’t die!”
45 But the army said to Saul, “Should Jonathan, who won this great victory in Israel, die? May it never be! As surely as the Lord lives, not a single hair of his head will fall to the ground, for it is with the help of God that he has acted today.” So the army rescued Jonathan from death.
46 Then Saul stopped chasing the Philistines, and the Philistines went back home. 47 After Saul had secured his royal position over Israel, he fought against all their enemies on all sides—the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines. In every direction that he turned, he was victorious. 48 He fought bravely, striking down the Amalekites and delivering Israel from the hand of its enemies.
49 The sons of Saul were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malki-Shua. He had two daughters; the older one was named Merab and the younger Michal. 50 The name of Saul’s wife was Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz. The name of the general in command of his army was Abner son of Ner, Saul’s uncle. 51 Kish was the father of Saul, and Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel.
52 There was fierce war with the Philistines all the days of Saul. So whenever Saul saw anyone who was a warrior or a brave individual, he would conscript him.