Saul’s Rash Oath
March 6, 2022
Commentary
The Israelites observed great confusion in the Philistine camp (vv. 16-20). Saul suspected that some of his men had attacked the enemy. A quick numbering of his troops revealed the absence of Jonathan and his armorbearer. Saul ordered the high priest to bring the ark of God forward. He was making inquiry through the priestly oracle about his next move. Before the priest could complete this ritualistic inquiry, however, it became obvious that the Philistine camp was engaged in battle. Saul rallied his troops to join the fray.
As they approached the battlefield Saul witnessed the total confusion of the enemy (vv. 21-23). The Hebrew mercenaries within the Philistine army had rebelled. The Philistines were in full retreat. News of the retreat of the Philistines spread like wildfire. The Israelites who had hidden away in the mountains came forth to join the pursuit. The battle spread beyond Beth-aven. So God delivered Israel that day. After reporting the glorious victory, the author focuses on a rash curse which nearly turned victory into calamity. Anxious that his men not lose the advantage over the Philistines, Saul placed a curse on anyone who stopped during the day to eat (v. 24). The well-being of his men was of no concern to Saul. He had lost the sense that the Philistines were God’s enemies, and he was fighting God’s battle. Not only did Saul’s foolish oath work a hardship on his soldiers; other terrible consequences followed as well.
Pursuing the enemy through a forest, the Israelite soldiers spotted an abandoned honeycomb which was oozing wild honey (vv. 25-30). None of the soldiers dared to touch that tempting treat because they feared the curse of their king. Jonathan, however, knew nothing of the oath. Therefore, he dipped the end of his staff in the honeycomb and put it to his mouth. Immediately “his eyes brightened,” and he experienced a sudden surge of energy. When informed about his father’s oath Jonathan was discouraged. He called attention to the difference in his energy level and that of the men. An even greater victory over the Philistines would have been possible had Saul not brought trouble with his foolish oath. Perhaps Jonathan should not have spoken so critically of his father in front of the troops.
Application
Saul’s impulsive oath may have sounded heroic but it had disastrous side effects. It was a case where man’s law was kept but God’s law was violated. I need to be careful that, on impulse, I don’t make a foolish vow or promise that I can not keep.
1 Samuel 14:16– 30 (NET)
16 Saulâs watchmen at Gibeah in the territory of Benjamin looked on as the crowd of soldiers seemed to melt away first in one direction and then in another. 17 So Saul said to the army that was with him, âMuster the troops and see who is no longer with us.â When they mustered the troops, Jonathan and his armor-bearer were not there. 18 So Saul said to Ahijah, âBring near the ephod,â for he was at that time wearing the ephod in front of the Israelites. 19 While Saul spoke to the priest, the panic in the Philistinesâ camp was becoming greater and greater. So Saul said to the priest, âWithdraw your hand.â
20 Saul and all the army assembled and marched into battle, where they found the Philistines in total panic killing one another with their swords. 21 The Hebrews who had earlier gone over to the Philistine side joined the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. 22 When all the Israelites who had hidden themselves in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines had fled, they too pursued them in battle. 23 So the Lord delivered Israel that day, and the battle shifted over to Beth Aven.
24 Now the men of Israel were hard pressed that day, for Saul had made the army agree to this oath: âCursed be the man who eats food before evening. I will get my vengeance on my enemies!â So no one in the army ate anything.
25 Now the whole army entered the forest, and there was honey on the ground. 26 When the army entered the forest, they saw the honey flowing, but no one ate any of it, for the army was afraid of the oath. 27 But Jonathan had not heard about the oath his father had made the army take. He extended the end of his staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb. When he ate it, his eyes gleamed. 28 Then someone from the army informed him, âYour father put the army under a strict oath saying, âCursed be the man who eats food today.â That is why the army is tired.â 29 Then Jonathan said, âMy father has caused trouble for the land. See how my eyes gleamed when I tasted just a little of this honey. 30 Certainly if the army had eaten some of the enemiesâ provisions that they came across today, would not the slaughter of the Philistines have been even greater?â