1 Samuel 14:42

42 Saul said, "Cast the lot to find out whether I or my son Jonathan is to blame." 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 Saul spoke to all of Israel's men. He said, "You stand over there. I and my son Jonathan will stand over here." "Do what you think is best," the men replied.

41 Then Saul prayed to the Lord, the God of Israel. He said, "Give me an answer." Jonathan and Saul were chosen by using lots. The other men were cleared of blame.

42 Saul said, "Cast the lot to find out whether I or my son Jonathan is to blame." And Jonathan was chosen.

43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, "Tell me what you have done." So Jonathan told him, "I only used the end of my stick to get a little honey and taste it. And now do I have to die?"

44 Saul said, "Jonathan, I must certainly put you to death. If I don't, may God punish me greatly."