1 Samuel 14:42

42 Then Saul said, "Decide between my son Jonathan and me." And Jonathan was indicated.

1 Samuel 14:42 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 14:42

And Saul said, cast [lots] between me and Jonathan my son,
&c.]. Which showed his regard strict justice, and that he had no consciousness of guilt in himself, and should not spare his own son if found guilty:

and Jonathan was taken:
the lot fell upon him, which was so directed, that his ignorance of his father's charge and oath might appear; and that the affection of the people might be discovered; and that a regard is to be had to the orders and commands of princes, and obedience to be yielded to them in all in which conscience is not concerned, though they may be grievous; and to bring Saul to a sense of rashness in making such an oath, which brought his own son into so much danger.

1 Samuel 14:42 In-Context

40 Then Saul said to them, "All of you stand over there, and Jonathan and I will stand over here." "Do whatever you think best," they answered.

41 Saul said to the Lord, the God of Israel, "Lord, why have you not answered me today? Lord, God of Israel, answer me by the sacred stones. If the guilt is Jonathan's or mine, answer by the Urim; but if it belongs to your people Israel, answer by the Thummim." The answer indicated Jonathan and Saul; and the people were cleared.

42 Then Saul said, "Decide between my son Jonathan and me." And Jonathan was indicated.

43 Then Saul asked Jonathan, "What have you done?" Jonathan answered, "I ate a little honey with the stick I was holding. Here I am - I am ready to die."

44 Saul said to him, "May God strike me dead if you are not put to death!"