1 Samuel 14:36

And Saul said, "Let us go down after the Philistines by night and plunder them until dawn, leaving no man alive!" "Do what seems good to you," the troops replied. But the priest said, "We must consult God here."

Study Bible

And Saul said
This phrase introduces King Saul, the first king of Israel, who was chosen by God but often acted impulsively. The Hebrew root for "said" (אָמַר, 'amar) implies a declaration or command, reflecting Saul's authoritative position. Historically, Saul's leadership was marked by a mixture of military success and spiritual failure, often acting without seeking God's guidance.

Let us go down after the Philistines by night
The Philistines were a constant threat to Israel, and Saul's proposal to attack them at night suggests a strategic military maneuver. The phrase "go down" (יָרַד, yarad) often implies descending from a higher place, possibly indicating a tactical advantage. Night attacks were risky but could offer the element of surprise, reflecting Saul's desperation to secure a victory.

and plunder them until dawn
Plundering was a common practice in ancient warfare, where victors would seize goods and resources from the defeated. The Hebrew word for "plunder" (בָּזַז, bazaz) conveys the idea of taking spoils. This reflects the harsh realities of ancient Near Eastern conflicts, where survival often depended on the resources gained from enemies.

and let us not leave a man among them
This phrase reveals Saul's intent for total annihilation of the enemy, a common practice in ancient warfare to prevent future retaliation. The Hebrew word for "leave" (שָׁאַר, sha'ar) implies leaving behind or sparing. Saul's command reflects a ruthless approach, contrasting with God's desire for justice and mercy.

'Do whatever seems good to you,' the troops replied
The troops' response indicates their loyalty and willingness to follow Saul's leadership. The phrase "seems good" (טוֹב, tov) suggests a subjective judgment of what is right or beneficial. This reflects the soldiers' trust in Saul's decision-making, despite his often flawed leadership.

But the priest said, 'We must consult God here.'
The priest's intervention highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance before making significant decisions. The Hebrew word for "consult" (דָּרַשׁ, darash) implies inquiring or seeking. This reflects a key biblical principle: the necessity of aligning human actions with God's will. The priest's reminder serves as a call to prioritize spiritual discernment over impulsive actions.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Saul
The first king of Israel, who often acted impulsively and without seeking God's guidance.

2. Philistines
A perennial enemy of Israel, representing opposition to God's people.

3. The Troops
Saul's army, who were willing to follow his lead without question.

4. The Priest
Likely Ahijah, who served as a spiritual advisor and reminded Saul of the need to seek God's will.

5. Consulting God
The act of seeking divine guidance, which was a critical aspect of Israelite decision-making.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Seeking God's Guidance
Saul's initial plan to attack without consulting God highlights the danger of relying solely on human wisdom.

The Role of Spiritual Advisors
The priest's intervention serves as a reminder of the value of having godly counsel in decision-making.

The Dangers of Impulsivity
Saul's impulsive nature often led to poor decisions, emphasizing the need for patience and discernment.

The Power of Collective Wisdom
The troops' willingness to follow Saul shows the influence leaders have, but also the importance of collective discernment in seeking God's will.

The Necessity of Obedience to God
True success and victory come from aligning with God's plans, not merely human strategies.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Saul's approach to decision-making in 1 Samuel 14:36 compare to his actions in 1 Samuel 13, and what can we learn from this about the importance of seeking God's guidance?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are consulting God in our daily decisions, and how can we apply Proverbs 3:5-6 in practical terms?

3. How can the role of the priest in this passage inform our understanding of the importance of spiritual advisors in our lives today?

4. Reflect on a time when you acted impulsively without seeking God's guidance. What were the consequences, and how might the outcome have been different if you had sought divine wisdom?

5. How can we cultivate a community or environment where collective wisdom and discernment are valued, especially in decision-making processes?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 13
Saul's previous failure to wait for Samuel and seek God's guidance, leading to his kingdom being rejected.

Proverbs 3:5-6
The importance of trusting in the Lord and not leaning on one's own understanding.

James 1:5
Encouragement to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.