Saul’s Rash Oath

I Samuel 14:16–30
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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.