1 Samuel 14:43

43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did certainly taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in my hand; and, lo, I must die.

1 Samuel 14:43 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 14:43

Then Saul said to Jonathan, tell me what thou hast done
What sin he had committed, the lot having fallen on him, and found him out:

and Jonathan told him;
the whole of the matter, all the truth, without any reserve:

and said, I did but take a little honey with the end of the rod
that was in mine hand;
he speaks of the fact as a trivial thing, as if it was not deserving of death, though he was willing to submit to it; yet it seems strange he should say nothing of his ignorance of the charge and oath of Saul, and plead that in excuse of it; though Josephus F8 makes him to take notice of it: and, "lo, I must die"; am condemned to die, as the Targum; for which he was prepared and ready, being willing to testify an entire subjection to his father's authority and will. Josephus F9 represents him speaking with a generosity and greatness of soul, after this manner,

``death is most sweet to me, which is for the sake of maintaining thy piety and religion; and after so glorious a victory, it is the greatest consolation to me to leave the Hebrews conquerors of the Philistines.''


FOOTNOTES:

F8 Antiqu. l. 6. c. 6. sect. 4.
F9 lbid.

1 Samuel 14:43 In-Context

41 Therefore Saul said unto Jehovah, the God of Israel, Show the right. And Jonathan and Saul were taken [by lot]; but the people escaped.
42 And Saul said, Cast [lots] between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken.
43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did certainly taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in my hand; and, lo, I must die.
44 And Saul said, God do so and more also; for thou shalt surely die, Jonathan.
45 And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? Far from it: as Jehovah liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not.
The American Standard Version is in the public domain.