37Saul asked counsel of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will you deliver them into the hand of Israel?” But he didn’t answer him that day.38Saul said, “Draw near here, all you chiefs of the people; and know and see in which this sin has been today.39For, as Yahweh lives, who saves Israel, though it is in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die.” But there was not a man among all the people who answered him.40Then he said to all Israel, “You be on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side.” The people said to Saul, “Do what seems good to you.”
41Therefore Saul said to Yahweh, the God of Israel, “Show the right.” Jonathan and Saul were chosen, but the people escaped.
37 Saul asked counsel of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will you deliver them into the hand of Israel?” But he didn’t answer him that day.
38 Saul said, “Draw near here, all you chiefs of the people; and know and see in which this sin has been today.
39 For, as Yahweh lives, who saves Israel, though it is in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die.” But there was not a man among all the people who answered him.
40 Then he said to all Israel, “You be on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side.” The people said to Saul, “Do what seems good to you.”
41 Therefore Saul said to Yahweh, the God of Israel, “Show the right.” Jonathan and Saul were chosen, but the people escaped.
KJVKing James Version
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.
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.
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.
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.
41 Therefore Saul said unto the LORD God of Israel, Give a perfect lot. And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people escaped.
Show all 3 translations
JPSJPS Tanakh (1917)
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.
38 And Saul said: 'Draw nigh hither, all ye chiefs of the people; and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day.
39 For, as the LORD liveth, who 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.
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.'
41 Therefore Saul said unto the LORD, the God of Israel: 'Declare the right.' And Jonathan and Saul were taken by lot; but the people escaped.
1 Samuel 28:6(v37)When Saul inquired of Yahweh, Yahweh didn’t answer him by dreams, by Urim, or by prophets.
Acts 1:24(v41)They prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two you have chosen
Joshua 7:16-18(v41)So Joshua rose up early in the morning and brought Israel near by their tribes. The tribe of Judah was selected. He brought near the family…
1 Samuel 10:20-21(v41)So Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was chosen. He brought the tribe of Benjamin near by their…
1 Samuel 14:44(v39)Saul said, “God do so and more also; for you shall surely die, Jonathan.”
Show all 40 cross-references
2 Samuel 12:5(v39)David’s anger burned hot against the man, and he said to Nathan, “As Yahweh lives, the man who has done this deserves to die!
Proverbs 16:33(v41)The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from Yahweh.
Jonah 1:7(v41)They all said to each other, “Come! Let’s cast lots, that we may know who is responsible for this evil that is on us.” So they cast lots,…
1 Samuel 14:24(v39)The men of Israel were distressed that day; for Saul had adjured the people, saying, “Cursed is the man who eats any food until it is…
1 Samuel 23:4(v37)Then David inquired of Yahweh yet again. Yahweh answered him, and said, “Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into…
1 Samuel 23:9-12(v37)David knew that Saul was devising mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod here.” Then David said, “O…
1 Samuel 30:7-8(v37)David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Please bring the ephod here to me.” Abiathar brought the ephod to David. David…
2 Samuel 5:19(v37)David inquired of Yahweh, saying, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hand?” Yahweh said to David, “Go…
2 Samuel 5:23(v37)When David inquired of Yahweh, he said, “You shall not go up. Circle around behind them, and attack them in front of the mulberry trees.
1 Kings 22:5(v37)Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for Yahweh’s word.”
1 Kings 22:15(v37)When he had come to the king, the king said to him, “Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth Gilead to battle, or shall we forbear?” He answered…
Ezekiel 14:3-5(v37)“Son of man, these men have taken their idols into their heart, and put the stumbling block of their iniquity before their face. Should I…
Numbers 24:17(v38)I see him, but not now. I see him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob. A scepter will rise out of Israel, and shall strike through…
Joshua 7:11(v38)Israel has sinned. Yes, they have even transgressed my covenant which I commanded them. Yes, they have even taken some of the devoted…
Joshua 7:14-26(v38)In the morning therefore you shall be brought near by your tribes. It shall be that the tribe which Yahweh selects shall come near by…
Judges 20:2(v38)The chiefs of all the people, even of all the tribes of Israel, presented themselves in the assembly of the people of God, four hundred…
1 Samuel 10:19-20(v38)But you have today rejected your God, who himself saves you out of all your calamities and your distresses; and you have said to him, ‘No!…
1 Samuel 14:7(v40)His armor bearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart. Turn and, behold, I am with you according to your heart.”
1 Samuel 14:36(v40)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 of…
1 Samuel 19:6(v39)Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan: and Saul swore, “As Yahweh lives, he shall not be put to death.”
1 Samuel 20:31(v39)For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, you will not be established, nor will your kingdom. Therefore now send and bring him to…
1 Samuel 22:16(v39)The king said, “You shall surely die, Ahimelech, you, and all your father’s house.”
1 Samuel 28:10(v39)Saul swore to her by Yahweh, saying, “As Yahweh lives, no punishment will happen to you for this thing.”
2 Samuel 15:15(v40)The king’s servants said to the king, “Behold, your servants are ready to do whatever my lord the king chooses.”
2 Samuel 18:3(v38)But the people said, “You shall not go out; for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for…
Psalms 47:9(v38)The princes of the peoples are gathered together, the people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God. He is…
Ecclesiastes 9:2(v39)All things come alike to all. There is one event to the righteous and to the wicked; to the good, to the clean, to the unclean, to him who…
Zechariah 10:4(v38)From him will come the cornerstone, from him the nail, from him the battle bow, from him every ruler together.
Judges 1:1(v37)After the death of Joshua, the children of Israel asked of Yahweh, saying, “Who should go up for us first against the Canaanites, to fight…
Judges 20:18(v37)The children of Israel arose, went up to Bethel, and asked counsel of God. They asked, “Who shall go up for us first to battle against the…
Judges 20:28(v37)and Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, stood before it in those days), saying, “Shall I yet again go out to battle against the…
1 Samuel 10:22(v37)Therefore they asked of Yahweh further, “Is there yet a man to come here?” Yahweh answered, “Behold, he has hidden himself among the…
Ezekiel 20:3(v37)“Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel, and tell them, ‘The Lord Yahweh says: “Is it to inquire of me that you have come? As I live,”…
Matthew 21:42(v38)Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures, ‘The stone which the builders rejected was made the head of the corner. This was…
Ephesians 2:20(v38)being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone;
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (16 sources)
Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.
Geneva Bible translators1599 · Public DomainOn vv38, 41Hebrew, corners.
Hebrew, corners.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp1656 · Public DomainOn vv37–411Sa 14:37 And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall…
1Sa 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.
Ver. 37. And Saul asked counsel of God.] Since the high priest would needs have it so. See 1Sa 14:34.
Read full note →
But he answered him not that day.] A sure sign of his displeasure, as 1Sa 28:6. God either answereth not wicked men at all, {Eze 20:2-3} or else he answereth them according to the idols of their hearts, with bitter answers: {Eze 14:20} sending them to the gods whom they had chosen, as Jdg 10:13-14.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole1685 · Public DomainOn vv37, 38, 39, 411. Because he was displeased with Saul for his…
Either,
1. Because he was displeased with Saul for his former neglect, 1Sa 14:18,19, where he began to ask advice of God, but was so rude and impious as not to tarry for an answer; and therefore it was but a just retaliation, if when Saul did ask, God would not vouchsafe him an answer. Or,
Read full note →
2. To manifest his dislike of the violation of oaths. For although Jonathan might have a fair excuse from his invincible ignorance and urgent necessity; and though Saul had done foolishly in making this oath (which also God would this way discover); yet when once it was made, God would hereby teach them that it should be observed, and that they should abstain even from all appearance of the breach of it.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
John Gill1763 · Public DomainOn vv37–41And Saul asked counsel of God,.... He agreed to…
And Saul asked counsel of God,.... He agreed to the motion of the high priest, and asked counsel by Urim and Thummim; the Targum is, as before,"inquired by the Word of the Lord:"
shall I go down after the Philistines? pursue after them in their flight to their own country, which, lying to the sea, was a descent:
Read full note →
wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? what remain of them, otherwise a victory over them was obtained:
but he answered him not that day; no answer was returned by Urim and Thummim, so that he was left in suspense whether he should pursue or no; the Targum is,"he received not his prayer that day;''this was treating him in a righteous manner; since he would not stay for an answer from the Lord, Sa1 14:19, the Lord now will not give him any; though the principal view was, that he might take the step he did.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley1765 · Public DomainOn vv39, 41Answered - None of those who saw Jonathan eating,…
Answered - None of those who saw Jonathan eating, informed against him; because they were satisfied that his ignorance excused him; and from their great love to Jonathan, whom they would not expose to death for so small an offense.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke1810 · Public DomainOn vv37, 41Verse 37. He answered him not that day.] Why…
Verse 37. He answered him not that day.] Why was this answer delayed? Surely Jonathan's eating the honey was no sin. This could not have excited God's displeasure. And yet the lot found out Jonathan! But did this argue that he had incurred guilt in the sight of God? I answer: It did not; for Jonathan was delivered, by the authority of the people, from his father's rash curse; no propitiation is offered for his supposed transgression to induce God to pardon it; nor do we find any displeasure of God manifested on the occasion. See below.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson1811 · Public DomainOn vv39, 411Sa 14:39. As the Lord liveth — Here again…
1Sa 14:39. As the Lord liveth — Here again we have a proof of Saul’s rashness and folly, and of the violence and impetuosity of his temper. As he had before adjured the people, and exposed them to an execration uttered most inconsiderately; so now he lays himself under an execration to put to death, as it turned out, even his son Jonathan, who had been the first and almost sole instrument of effecting this glorious deliverance for Israel, and that for no other fault than tasting a little honey, without knowing that he had thereby exposed himself to his father’s curse. But not a man answered him — None of those that saw Jonathan eating informed against him; because they were satisfied that his ignorance excused him; and from their great love to Jonathan, whom they would not expose to death for so small an offence.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes1834 · Public DomainOn vv37, 39, 41Asked counsel - The technical phrase for inquiring of…
Asked counsel - The technical phrase for inquiring of God by Urim and Thummim, and applied also to inquiry of other oracles.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary1859 · Public DomainOn vv38, 39, 41Corners, to the very last; or all the princes,…
Corners, to the very last; or all the princes, Judges xviii. 9.
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Daniel D. Whedon1874 · Public DomainOn vv37–3837. Saul asked counsel of God — By urim…
37. Saul asked counsel of God — By urim and thummin.
He answered him not — Thereby indicating that he or the people had in some way incurred the Divine displeasure.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges1878 · Public DomainOn vv37, 38, 4137. asked counsel of God] Inquired of God, the…
37. asked counsel of God] Inquired of God, the same verb as in 1Sa_10:22, See note there.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers1878 · Public DomainOn vv37, 38, 39, 41(37) And Saul asked counsel of God.—The same phrase…
(37) And Saul asked counsel of God.—The same phrase is always used in the many passages in the Books of Judges, 1 Sam., 2 Sam., 1 Chron., Hosea, &c. when God was inquired of by the Urim and Thummim. It may be styled the technical term of inquiry of the Oracle of the Most High; there are, however, slight. variations in the English translations of this phrase.
But he answered him not . . .—When the mysterious gems refused to shine, or in any way to signify the Divine approbation or disapproval, the high-priestly questioner seems, as in this instance, to have concluded that some public transgression had been committed, and that special atonement must be made before the desired answer could be expected. The sacred gems probably remained dull and lightless the night was wearing on, and Saul chafed at the unexpected delay, and in his impetuous anger uttered the wild words on which we are about to comment.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary1880 · Public DomainOn vv37, 39, 40Vers. 37, 38. He answered him not. From this…
Vers. 37, 38. He answered him not. From this silence Saul concludes that some sin has been committed, and therefore calls together all the chief of the people literally, "the corner stones" (Jud_1:20:2) to inquire who was the guilty person, and wherein he had sinned.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator1887 · Public DomainOn v37And dipped it in an honeycomb and put his…
1Sa_14:37
And dipped it in an honeycomb and put his hand to his mouth.
Read full note →
The honey of Gods Word
There were three kinds of honey:
1. That which was made by bees.
2. That which was distilled from the trees.
3. That which was made from grape juice, and largely exported.
The kind Jonathan ate, was doubtless the product of the honey bee. This honey had a marvellous effect upon Jonathan. It enlightened his eyes; it strengthened his body so that the faintness which produced dimness of vision disappeared. Gods Word is our honey. The provision is abundant, like as was the honey in wild profusion in the woods which Jonathan entered. It is sweet. It gives strength. Above all, it has an enlightening power.
1. The Word of God enlightens the intellect. The Bible is Gods great school book to man.
2. It enlightens the moral sense. The needle of the compass must be magnetised if it is to point always to the north; the watch must be set by the sun, if it is to give correct time; so the conscience, to point always heavenward, must be brought under the influence of the Scriptures.
3. It brings light to the eye which has grown dim with sorrow.
4. It reveals the world in its true light.
5. It reveals the true nature of sin.
6. It reveals the sinners Saviour--the living, the crucified, the resurrected, the interceding, the justifying Saviour. Let us gather up three or four practical suggestions:--The honey of Gods Word is free, and is adapted to everybody. It never loses its sweetness or refreshing power. It is good to begin every day with a taste of it. It is wasted honey if you do not partake of it. (T. L. Cuyler, D. D.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0On vv38, 40the people
the people
This refers to the Israelites.
Read full note →
learn and see how this sin has happened
"find who sinned"
even if it is in Jonathan my son, he will surely die
Saul stated this as a hypothetical situation because he did not believe that Jonathan was guilty. (See: Hypothetical Situations)
But none of the men among all the people answered him
The people remained silent because most of them knew that Jonathan had broken Saul's oath. This can be stated explicitly. AT: "His men knew who was guilty, but none of them said anything to Saul" (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv38, 41 Hebrew, corners.
Hebrew, corners.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv37–41 1Sa 14:37 And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall…
1Sa 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.
Ver. 37. And Saul asked counsel of God.] Since the high priest would needs have it so. See 1Sa 14:34.
Read full note →
But he answered him not that day.] A sure sign of his displeasure, as 1Sa 28:6. God either answereth not wicked men at all, {Eze 20:2-3} or else he answereth them according to the idols of their hearts, with bitter answers: {Eze 14:20} sending them to the gods whom they had chosen, as Jdg 10:13-14.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv37, 38, 39, 41 1. Because he was displeased with Saul for his…
Either,
1. Because he was displeased with Saul for his former neglect, 1Sa 14:18,19, where he began to ask advice of God, but was so rude and impious as not to tarry for an answer; and therefore it was but a just retaliation, if when Saul did ask, God would not vouchsafe him an answer. Or,
Read full note →
2. To manifest his dislike of the violation of oaths. For although Jonathan might have a fair excuse from his invincible ignorance and urgent necessity; and though Saul had done foolishly in making this oath (which also God would this way discover); yet when once it was made, God would hereby teach them that it should be observed, and that they should abstain even from all appearance of the breach of it.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv37–41 And Saul asked counsel of God,.... He agreed to…
And Saul asked counsel of God,.... He agreed to the motion of the high priest, and asked counsel by Urim and Thummim; the Targum is, as before,"inquired by the Word of the Lord:"
shall I go down after the Philistines? pursue after them in their flight to their own country, which, lying to the sea, was a descent:
Read full note →
wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? what remain of them, otherwise a victory over them was obtained:
but he answered him not that day; no answer was returned by Urim and Thummim, so that he was left in suspense whether he should pursue or no; the Targum is,"he received not his prayer that day;''this was treating him in a righteous manner; since he would not stay for an answer from the Lord, Sa1 14:19, the Lord now will not give him any; though the principal view was, that he might take the step he did.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv39, 41 Answered - None of those who saw Jonathan eating,…
Answered - None of those who saw Jonathan eating, informed against him; because they were satisfied that his ignorance excused him; and from their great love to Jonathan, whom they would not expose to death for so small an offense.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv37, 41 Verse 37. He answered him not that day.] Why…
Verse 37. He answered him not that day.] Why was this answer delayed? Surely Jonathan's eating the honey was no sin. This could not have excited God's displeasure. And yet the lot found out Jonathan! But did this argue that he had incurred guilt in the sight of God? I answer: It did not; for Jonathan was delivered, by the authority of the people, from his father's rash curse; no propitiation is offered for his supposed transgression to induce God to pardon it; nor do we find any displeasure of God manifested on the occasion. See below.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On vv39, 41 1Sa 14:39. As the Lord liveth — Here again…
1Sa 14:39. As the Lord liveth — Here again we have a proof of Saul’s rashness and folly, and of the violence and impetuosity of his temper. As he had before adjured the people, and exposed them to an execration uttered most inconsiderately; so now he lays himself under an execration to put to death, as it turned out, even his son Jonathan, who had been the first and almost sole instrument of effecting this glorious deliverance for Israel, and that for no other fault than tasting a little honey, without knowing that he had thereby exposed himself to his father’s curse. But not a man answered him — None of those that saw Jonathan eating informed against him; because they were satisfied that his ignorance excused him; and from their great love to Jonathan, whom they would not expose to death for so small an offence.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv37, 39, 41 Asked counsel - The technical phrase for inquiring of…
Asked counsel - The technical phrase for inquiring of God by Urim and Thummim, and applied also to inquiry of other oracles.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv38, 39, 41 Corners, to the very last; or all the princes,…
Corners, to the very last; or all the princes, Judges xviii. 9.
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv37–38 37. Saul asked counsel of God — By urim…
37. Saul asked counsel of God — By urim and thummin.
He answered him not — Thereby indicating that he or the people had in some way incurred the Divine displeasure.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv37, 38, 41 37. asked counsel of God] Inquired of God, the…
37. asked counsel of God] Inquired of God, the same verb as in 1Sa_10:22, See note there.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv37, 38, 39, 41 (37) And Saul asked counsel of God.—The same phrase…
(37) And Saul asked counsel of God.—The same phrase is always used in the many passages in the Books of Judges, 1 Sam., 2 Sam., 1 Chron., Hosea, &c. when God was inquired of by the Urim and Thummim. It may be styled the technical term of inquiry of the Oracle of the Most High; there are, however, slight. variations in the English translations of this phrase.
But he answered him not . . .—When the mysterious gems refused to shine, or in any way to signify the Divine approbation or disapproval, the high-priestly questioner seems, as in this instance, to have concluded that some public transgression had been committed, and that special atonement must be made before the desired answer could be expected. The sacred gems probably remained dull and lightless the night was wearing on, and Saul chafed at the unexpected delay, and in his impetuous anger uttered the wild words on which we are about to comment.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv37, 39, 40 Vers. 37, 38. He answered him not. From this…
Vers. 37, 38. He answered him not. From this silence Saul concludes that some sin has been committed, and therefore calls together all the chief of the people literally, "the corner stones" (Jud_1:20:2) to inquire who was the guilty person, and wherein he had sinned.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On v37 And dipped it in an honeycomb and put his…
1Sa_14:37
And dipped it in an honeycomb and put his hand to his mouth.
Read full note →
The honey of Gods Word
There were three kinds of honey:
1. That which was made by bees.
2. That which was distilled from the trees.
3. That which was made from grape juice, and largely exported.
The kind Jonathan ate, was doubtless the product of the honey bee. This honey had a marvellous effect upon Jonathan. It enlightened his eyes; it strengthened his body so that the faintness which produced dimness of vision disappeared. Gods Word is our honey. The provision is abundant, like as was the honey in wild profusion in the woods which Jonathan entered. It is sweet. It gives strength. Above all, it has an enlightening power.
1. The Word of God enlightens the intellect. The Bible is Gods great school book to man.
2. It enlightens the moral sense. The needle of the compass must be magnetised if it is to point always to the north; the watch must be set by the sun, if it is to give correct time; so the conscience, to point always heavenward, must be brought under the influence of the Scriptures.
3. It brings light to the eye which has grown dim with sorrow.
4. It reveals the world in its true light.
5. It reveals the true nature of sin.
6. It reveals the sinners Saviour--the living, the crucified, the resurrected, the interceding, the justifying Saviour. Let us gather up three or four practical suggestions:--The honey of Gods Word is free, and is adapted to everybody. It never loses its sweetness or refreshing power. It is good to begin every day with a taste of it. It is wasted honey if you do not partake of it. (T. L. Cuyler, D. D.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv38, 40 the people
the people
This refers to the Israelites.
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learn and see how this sin has happened
"find who sinned"
even if it is in Jonathan my son, he will surely die
Saul stated this as a hypothetical situation because he did not believe that Jonathan was guilty. (See: Hypothetical Situations)
But none of the men among all the people answered him
The people remained silent because most of them knew that Jonathan had broken Saul's oath. This can be stated explicitly. AT: "His men knew who was guilty, but none of them said anything to Saul" (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
translationWords
Yahweh
save
Jonathan
die
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv37, 41 14:37-38 God made no reply: Neither the “no” lot…
14:37-38 God made no reply: Neither the “no” lot nor the “yes” lot of the Urim and Thummim appeared.
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.