1 Samuel 14:37-52 ▼

37 And Saul inquired of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will You give them into the hand of Israel?” And He did not answer him on that day.

38 And Saul said, “Draw near here, all the chiefs of the people, and know and see what this sin was today.

39 For as YHWH lives who saves Israel, surely if it is in Jonathan my son, indeed he must surely be put to death.” And not a man answered him among all the people.

40 And he said to all Israel, “You? will be on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on one side.” And the people said to Saul, “The good in your eyes, do.”

41 And Saul said to YHWH, God of Israel, “Why have You not answered Your servant this day? If the fault is with me or my son Jonathan, respond with Urim, but if the fault is with the men of Israel, respond with Thummim.” And Jonathan and Saul were taken, and the people escaped.

42 And Saul said, “Cast lots between me and between Jonathan my son.” And Jonathan was taken.

43 And Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” And Jonathan told him and said, “I surely tasted with the end of the rod that was in my hand a little honey. And behold, I must die?”

44 And Saul answered, “Thus God does, and thus does He add, for you shall surely be put to death, Jonathan.”

45 And the people said to Saul, “Shall Jonathan die, who has accomplished this great salvation in Israel? Profane! As YHWH lives, if shall fall a hair of his head to the ground! For with God he has worked this day.” And the people rescued Jonathan, and he did not die.

46 And Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, and the Philistines went to their own place.

47 And Saul captured the kingdom over Israel, and he fought on every side against all his enemies—against Moab, and against the sons of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines. And wherever he turned, he inflicted punishment.

48 And he made a force and struck the Amalekite, and he delivered Israel from the hand of those who plundered them.

49 And the sons of Saul were Jonathan and Ishvi and Malchishua—and as for the names of his two daughters, the name of the firstborn was Merab, and the name of the younger was Michal.

50 And the name of the wife of Saul was Ahinoam daughter of Ahimaaz. And the name of the commander of his army was Abner son of Ner, uncle of Saul.

51 And Kish was the father of Saul, and Ner the father of Abner was son of Abiel.

52 And war with the Philistines was severe all the days of Saul. And Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant son, and he gathered him to himself.