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More I Samuel commentaries
I Samuel 11:1-15
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I Samuel 12:1-5
Transfer from Samuel to Saul
I Samuel 12:6-25
Samuel’s Speech at Saul’s Coronation
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I Samuel 14:1-15
Jonathan Defeats the Philistines
I Samuel 14:16-30
Saul’s Rash Oath
I Samuel 14:31-52
Jonathan is Rescued by the Troops
I Samuel 15:1-15
Saul’s Rebellion Concerning Agag
I Samuel 15:16-35
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I Samuel 16:1-13
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I Samuel 16:14-23
David anointed the new King
I Samuel 17:1-11
Goliath Challenges the Israelites
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I Samuel 17:31-40
God Controlled, Motivated, and Guided David
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Saul’s Rash Oath
I Samuel 14:16–30
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)
As the wealthy oil tycoon lay on his deathbed, his pastor talked of God’s healing power. “Pastor,"he gasped, “if God heals me, I’ll give the church a million dollars.” Miraculously, the man revived and within a few short weeks was out of the hospital. One day, … More
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.
I Samuel 14:16-30 (English Standard Version)
And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked, and behold, the multitude was dispersing here and there. Then Saul said to the people who were with him, "Count and see who has gone from us." And when they had counted, behold, Jonathan and his armor-bearer were not there. So Saul said to Ahijah, "Bring the ark of God here." For the ark of God went at that time with the people of Israel. Now while Saul was talking to the priest, the tumult in the camp of the Philistines increased more and more. So Saul said to the priest, "Withdraw your hand." Then Saul and all the people who were with him rallied and went into the battle. And behold, every Philistine's sword was against his fellow, and there was very great confusion. Now the Hebrews who had been with the Philistines before that time and who had gone up with them into the camp, even they also turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. Likewise, when all the men of Israel who had hidden themselves in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were fleeing, they too followed hard after them in the battle. So the LORD saved Israel that day. And the battle passed beyond Beth-aven. And the men of Israel had been hard pressed that day, so Saul had laid an oath on the people, saying, "Cursed be the man who eats food until it is evening and I am avenged on my enemies." So none of the people had tasted food. Now when all the people came to the forest, behold, there was honey on the ground. And when the people entered the forest, behold, the honey was dropping, but no one put his hand to his mouth, for the people feared the oath. But Jonathan had not heard his father charge the people with the oath, so he put out the tip of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb and put his hand to his mouth, and his eyes became bright. Then one of the people said, "Your father strictly charged the people with an oath, saying, 'Cursed be the man who eats food this day.'" And the people were faint. Then Jonathan said, "My father has troubled the land. See how my eyes have become bright because I tasted a little of this honey. How much better if the people had eaten freely today of the spoil of their enemies that they found. For now the defeat among the Philistines has not been great."
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