1 Samuel 14:45 NIV

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 14:45

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 14:45

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 14:45

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

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Samuel 14:45

not one hair , &c. Figure of speech Parcemia. App-6 . rescued . Hebrew pieta = redeemed. See note on Exodus 6:6 with Exodus 13:13 . Perhaps a victim was offered in his stead. read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 1 Samuel 14:45

1 Samuel 14:45. And the people said unto Saul— Lowman, speaking of the authority of the congregation or general assembly of the people of Israel, observes, that "like the popular assemblies of other governments, they had some jurisdiction in criminal causes. When Saul had adjudged Israel not to eat any food till the evening, his own son Jonathan transgressed his order; and upon his confession, Saul his father, then king and general, determines to put him to death. And Saul answered, God do so... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 14:45

45. the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not—When Saul became aware of Jonathan's transgression in regard to the honey, albeit it was done in ignorance and involved no guilt, he was, like Jephthah [Judges 11:31; Judges 11:35], about to put his son to death, in conformity with his vow [Judges 11:35- :]. But the more enlightened conscience of the army prevented the tarnishing the glory of the day by the blood of the young hero, to whose faith and valor it was chiefly due. read more