Keraia
1 Samuel 14

1 Samuel 14:41

The People Save Jonathan · 1 Samuel 14:37–46
Read 1 Samuel 14

Translations

Modern
So Saul said to the LORD, the 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 selected, but the people were cleared of the charge.
Traditional
Therefore Saul said unto the Lord God of Israel, Give a perfect lot. And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people escaped.
Literal
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.
Latin
Et dixit Saul ad Dominum Deum Israël: Domine Deus Israël, da indicium: quid est quod non responderis servo tuo hodie? si in me, aut in Jonatha filio meo, est iniquitas hæc, da ostensionem: aut si hæc iniquitas est in populo tuo, da sanctitatem. Et deprehensus est Jonathas et Saul: populus autem exivit.

Original

Hebrew
English
So Saul said to the LORD, the 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 selected, but the people were cleared of the charge.

Notes

1 Samuel 14:41

Priests cast sacred lots by using the Urim and Thummim to learn what God wanted them to do (Exodus 28:30; Leviticus 8:8). David also used them to seek God's guidance (1 Samuel 23:2; 30:8; 2 Samuel 2:1). The Urim and Thummim were two small objects, possibly flat stones, sticks, or arrows, used like dice. They would give a positive, neutral, or negative answer.

1 Samuel 14:1–52

Saul's actions in this chapter further support his removal as king (1 Samuel 13:8–14; see also 15). Saul was estranged from both Samuel and his brave son Jonathan. 1 Samuel 14 foreshadows Jonathan's important role in the shift from Saul's rule to David's.

Theme notes and profiles

Jonathan Samuel Saul Vows to God

Events

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Jonathan: Eldest son of King Saul and friend of David Saul: First king of Israel, anointed by Samuel Urim: Objects used with the Thummim for divine guidance

Glossary

Bethel (Place), Bethelite Curse, Cursed Samuel, Books of First and Second Urim and Thummim

Topics

Armies: March in Ranks: Seeking Counsel from God Before Battle Religious Zeal: King Saul The Armies of Israel: Strict Discipline Observed In The Lot: Jonathan's