1 Samuel 14:32

32 So the troops tore into the plunder, taking sheep, cattle, and calves. They slaughtered them right on the ground and devoured them with the blood still in them.

1 Samuel 14:32 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 14:32

And the people flew upon the spoil
Like a swift and ravenous bird, as the eagle, and which seems to have its name in Greek from this word, see ( Isaiah 46:11 ) . When the evening was come, and they were free from the oath of Saul, and being extremely hungry, faint, and weary, they were even ravenous for food and with the greatest haste and eagerness laid hold on what came first to hand:

and took sheep, and oxen, and calves, and slew [them] on the ground;
and there they lay in their blood, which in such a position would not run out freely as when slain and hang up:

and the people did eat them with the blood;
they were so hungry they could not stay the dressing of them, but ate them raw with the blood in them, not being squeezed or drained out, at least not half boiled or roasted. Some of the Jewish Rabbins ^F1 are of opinion

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FOOTNOTES:

F1 See Jarchi in loc.

1 Samuel 14:32 In-Context

30 It would have been even better if the troops had eaten some of their enemies' plunder today when they found it! But now the Philistine defeat isn't as thorough as it might have been."

31 That day, after they had fought the Philistines from Michmash to Aijalon, the troops were completely exhausted.

32 So the troops tore into the plunder, taking sheep, cattle, and calves. They slaughtered them right on the ground and devoured them with the blood still in them.

33 When it was reported to Saul, "The troops are sinning against the LORD by eating meat with blood in it," Saul said, "All of you are traitors! Roll a large stone over here right now.

34 Go among the troops and say to them, ‘Everyone must bring their ox or sheep, and slaughter them here with me. Don't sin against the LORD by eating meat with blood still in it.'" So everyone brought whatever they had and slaughtered it there.