1 Samuel 14:34

Then he said, "Go among the troops and tell them, 'Each man must bring me his ox or his sheep, slaughter them in this place, and then eat. Do not sin against the LORD by eating meat with the blood still in it.'" So that night everyone brought his ox and slaughtered it there.

Study Bible

Then he said
This phrase introduces a directive from Saul, the first king of Israel. The Hebrew root for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), which often signifies a command or authoritative speech. Saul's leadership is being exercised here, reflecting his role as both a military and spiritual leader. Historically, this moment occurs during a time of conflict with the Philistines, highlighting the urgency and necessity of his command.

Go among the troops
The Hebrew word for "troops" is "עָם" (am), meaning people or nation. Saul's instruction to go among the troops indicates a need for direct communication and personal engagement with the soldiers. This reflects the communal nature of Israelite society, where leaders were expected to be among their people, guiding and instructing them personally.

and tell them
The act of telling or instructing is crucial in maintaining order and obedience within the ranks. The Hebrew root "נָגַד" (nagad) implies making something known or declaring it openly. This emphasizes the importance of clear communication in leadership, especially in times of crisis.

‘Each of you bring me your ox or sheep
The mention of "ox or sheep" highlights the agrarian lifestyle of the Israelites, where livestock was a primary source of sustenance and wealth. The Hebrew words "שׁוֹר" (shor) for ox and "שֶׂה" (seh) for sheep indicate common sacrificial animals, underscoring the cultural and religious significance of these animals in daily life and worship.

and slaughter them here and eat
The act of slaughtering and eating is deeply rooted in the sacrificial system of the Israelites. The Hebrew word for slaughter, "שָׁחַט" (shachat), is often associated with ritual sacrifice. This command ensures that the consumption of meat is done in accordance with God's laws, reflecting the importance of obedience and reverence in daily practices.

Do not sin against the LORD
This phrase is a direct warning against disobedience to God's commandments. The Hebrew word for sin, "חָטָא" (chata), means to miss the mark or to transgress. Saul's warning underscores the gravity of sinning against God, especially in the context of consuming blood, which was strictly prohibited in Levitical law (Leviticus 17:10-14).

by eating meat with blood still in it
The prohibition against consuming blood is a significant aspect of the Mosaic Law. The Hebrew word for blood, "דָּם" (dam), is symbolic of life itself. Leviticus 17:11 states, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood," highlighting the sacredness of blood and the importance of respecting God's creation and commandments.

So that night everyone brought his ox and slaughtered it there
The immediate obedience of the troops reflects the seriousness of Saul's command and the communal commitment to uphold God's laws. The phrase "that night" indicates prompt action, emphasizing the urgency and importance of aligning with divine instructions. This collective act of obedience serves as a reminder of the unity and faithfulness required of God's people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Saul
The first king of Israel, who is leading the Israelites in battle against the Philistines. He is concerned with maintaining the law and ensuring the people do not sin against God.

2. Israelites
The people of God, who are engaged in battle and are very hungry, leading to the temptation to eat meat with blood, which is against God's law.

3. Philistines
The enemies of Israel, against whom the Israelites are fighting. The ongoing conflict creates a context of urgency and desperation.

4. The Law of Moses
The commandments given to the Israelites, which include dietary laws prohibiting the consumption of blood (Leviticus 17:10-14).

5. The Altar
A place where the Israelites are instructed to slaughter their animals properly, ensuring they do not consume blood, thus adhering to God's commandments.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Law
Saul's command highlights the importance of obeying God's laws, even in difficult circumstances. As believers, we are called to uphold God's standards in all areas of life.

Leadership and Responsibility
Saul's role as a leader includes guiding the people in righteousness. Christian leaders today are similarly tasked with directing others towards obedience to God's Word.

Holiness and Distinction
The prohibition against consuming blood underscores the call for God's people to be distinct and holy. We are to live in a way that reflects God's holiness.

Practical Faith
The Israelites' situation teaches us that faithfulness to God requires practical steps, such as ensuring our actions align with His commands, even when it is inconvenient.

Community Accountability
Saul's instruction to the people to bring their animals to a central location for slaughter emphasizes the importance of community accountability in maintaining faithfulness to God's commands.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Saul's command in 1 Samuel 14:34 reflect the importance of obedience to God's law, and how can we apply this principle in our daily lives?

2. In what ways does the prohibition against consuming blood in the Old Testament connect to the teachings of the New Testament, and what does this continuity teach us about God's character?

3. How can Christian leaders today emulate Saul's responsibility in guiding others towards righteousness, and what challenges might they face?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure our actions align with God's commands, especially in situations where it might be inconvenient or challenging?

5. How can we foster a sense of community accountability in our churches or small groups to help each other remain faithful to God's Word?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 17:10-14
This passage outlines the prohibition against consuming blood, which is directly related to Saul's command in 1 Samuel 14:34.

Acts 15:20
The early church reaffirms the prohibition against consuming blood, showing the continuity of this commandment into the New Testament era.

Genesis 9:4
God's command to Noah not to eat flesh with its lifeblood still in it, establishing the principle early in biblical history.