1 Samuel 14:42 KJV

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 14:42

And Saul said, cast lots between me and Jonathan my son ,..... Which showed his regard strict justice, and that he had no consciousness of guilt in himself, and should not spare his own son if found guilty: and Jonathan was taken : the lot fell upon him, which was so directed, that his ignorance of his father's charge and oath might appear; and that the affection of the people might be discovered; and that a regard is to be had to the orders and commands of princes, and obedience to be... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 14:42

And Jonathan was taken - The object of the inquiry most evidently was, "Who has gone contrary to the king's adjuration today?" The answer to that must be Jonathan. But was this a proof of the Divine displeasure against the man? By no means: the holy oracle told the truth, but neither that oracle nor the God who gave it fixed any blame upon Jonathan, and his own conscience acquits him. He seeks not pardon from God, because he is conscious he had not transgressed. But why did not God... 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

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 14:41-42

1 Samuel 14:41-42. Give a perfect lot Or, Declare the perfect, or guiltless person. That is, O Lord, so guide the lot, that it may discover who is guilty in this matter, and who innocent. The people escaped They were pronounced guiltless. Jonathan was taken God so ordered the lot; not that he approved Saul’s execration, (1 Samuel 14:24,) or his oath that the transgressor should die, (1 Samuel 14:39,) nor that he would expose Jonathan to death; but that Saul’s folly might be... 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

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 14:24-46

3. Saul’s cursing of Jonathan 14:24-46Jonathan, a man of faith, initiated a great victory, but in this section we see that Saul, a man of pride, limited the extent of that victory while trying to extend it. Saul’s failure to submit to Yahweh’s authority resulted in his behaving foolishly more than wickedly (at this time). read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 14:36-46

Saul’s blindness to his guilt 14:36-46Evidently Saul would not have inquired of God if Ahijah (cf. 1 Samuel 14:18) had not suggested that he do so (1 Samuel 14:36). Probably God did not answer his prayer immediately because Saul wanted this information to vindicate himself rather than God (1 Samuel 14:37). Saul thought God did not answer him because someone had violated his rule (1 Samuel 14:24), which he confused with God’s Law, calling violation of it sin (1 Samuel 14:38; cf. Joshua 7:14).... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 14:1-52

Jonathan’s Exploit. The Battle of Michmash. A Summary of Saul’s Reign3. Ahiah] RV ’Ahijah,’ probably merely another form of Ahimelech (1 Samuel 21:1). Melech (king) was one of the titles of Jah or Jehovah.4. Between the passages] RV ’between the passes.’9. It has been suggested that the reply would show that the Philistines were brave men, and Jonathan would give up the enterprise as impossible; but in view of 1 Samuel 14:6, it is better to take the sign as a purely arbitrary one: cp. Judges... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 14:24-51

CHAPTER XXSAUL’S WILFULNESS.1 Samuel 14:24-51.THAT Saul was now suffering in character under the influence of the high position and great power to which he had been raised, is only too apparent from what is recorded in these verses. No doubt he pays more respect than he has been used to pay to the forms of religion. He enjoins a fast on his people at a very inconvenient time, under the idea that fasting is a proper religious act. He is concerned for the trespass of the people in eating their... read more