1 Samuel 14:42

42 Then Saul said, "Let them cast [the lot] between me and my son Jonathan," and Jonathan was chosen.

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 he said to all Israel, "You will be {on one side}, and I and my son Jonathan will be {on the other}." And the army said to Saul, "Do [what is] good in your eyes."

41 Then Saul said to Yahweh the God of Israel, "{Render a decision perfectly}." Jonathan and Saul were chosen [by lot] and the people went out.

42 Then Saul said, "Let them cast [the lot] between me and my son Jonathan," and Jonathan was chosen.

43 So Saul said, "Tell me what you have done." So Jonathan told him and said, "I {merely tasted} a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand. Here I am, I must die."

44 Then Saul said, "So may God do [to me] and {more}, you will certainly die today, Jonathan!"