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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 14:36-46

Here is, I. Saul's boasting against the Philistines. He proposed, as soon as his soldiers had got their suppers, to pursue them all night, and not leave a man of them, 1 Sam. 14:36. Here he showed much zeal, but little discretion; for his army, thus fatigued, could as ill spare a night's sleep as a meal's meat. But it is common for rash and foolish men to consider nobody but themselves, and, so that they might but have their humour, not to care what hardships they put upon those that are under... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 14:44

And Saul answered, God do so and more also ,.... A form of an oath imprecating evils upon him more and greater than he chose to mention, see the like form in 1:17 , though Abarbinel thinks this is not the form of an oath, but an asseveration of a curse that would befall him; as that God would not answer him when he inquired of him, and that he would add to do so again and again, if he died not: for thou shall surely die, Jonathan ; such words from a father must be very striking to a... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 14:45

And the people said unto Saul ,.... Hearing such words, and filled with grief, pity, and sympathy for Jonathan, as Josephus F11 Antiqu. l. 6. c. 6. sect. 4. observes: shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel ? no, he shall not; what, such a man as he die, who, under God, has been the instrument of so great deliverance, who first began it himself with one man only with him, and has proceeded in it to the finishing of it? God forbid : this shall not be... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 14:44

And Saul answered - thou shalt surely die , Jonathan - To save thy rash oath! So must John Baptist's head be taken off at the desire of an impure woman, because a Herod had sworn to give her whatever she might request! Unfeeling brute! However, the king was Judge. But what said the people, who were the Jury? read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 14:45

And the people said - "Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid! As the Lord liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground." Here was a righteous and impartial jury, who brought in a verdict according to the evidence: No man should die but for a breach of the law of God; but Jonathan hath not broken any law of God; therefore Jonathan should not die. And because he should not, therefore he shall not. He hath wrought with ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 14:36-46

Seeking counsel of God and keeping one's word. The facts are— 1 . Saul, following his own impulse, desires to pursue the Philistines during the night, but is restrained by the priest advising to seek counsel of God. 2 . No answer coming from God, Saul concludes that sin has been committed, and resolves that the sinner when discovered shall die. 3 . A lot being taken, it falls on Jonathan, who admits having tasted honey, and submits to the sentence. 4 . Saul, again solemnly... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 14:44

God do so, etc. Again Saul takes an oath to put Jonathan to death, supposing himself bound by his former words. But he must have been pained beyond measure at the miserable consequences of his rashness, and have bitterly reproached himself for thus twice marring the happiness of the day by unhallowed oaths. Jonathan's trespass, committed unwittingly, required nothing more than a trespass offering for its expiation, nor did the silence of the Urim and Thummim imply any fault in him. The fault... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 14:45

The people said. They had hitherto shown their disapproval of Saul's conduct by their silence; now they decide that Jonathan shall not die, and their decision was right and godly. Saul might feel bound by his rash oath, but the consciences of the people told them that an oath to commit a crime is an oath to be repented of as a sin, and not to be performed as a duty. They do not say, however, God forbid, but "Far be it." The name of the Deity is constantly taken in vain in the A.V. without... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 14:44-45

1 Samuel 14:44-45. Thou shalt surely die, Jonathan This again was most rashly spoken. Saul, however, seems to have been influenced by a real fear of God, and certainly is to be commended for having a greater regard to his oath than to his kindred and natural affection. The people said, Shall Jonathan die? Hitherto they had expressed themselves in a way that manifested their obedience to Saul, and acquiesced in what seemed good to him. But now that Jonathan is in danger, Saul’s word is no... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 14:1-46

War against the Philistines (13:15-14:46)After Samuel left Gilgal, Saul took his troops and joined with the other section of the Israelite army, which was under Jonathan. Together they prepared for the battle against the Philistines (15-18). The Philistines were confident of victory, partly because for many years they had so controlled metal-working activities in the area that the Israelites owned hardly any weapons. This enabled the Philistines to raid throughout Israel without fear of strong... read more

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