1 Samuel 14:43

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."

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.''

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FOOTNOTES:

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

1 Samuel 14:43 In-Context

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!"

45 But the army said to Saul, "Must Jonathan die, who accomplished this great victory in Israel? Far from it! As Yahweh lives, not a hair from his head will fall to the ground, for he has worked with God this day." So the army ransomed Jonathan and he did not die.

Footnotes

• [a] Literally "tasted I tasted"