Shmuel Alef 14:42

42 And Sha’ul said, Cast lots between me and Yonatan beni (my son). And Yonatan was taken by lot.

Shmuel Alef 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.

Shmuel Alef 14:42 In-Context

40 Then said he unto kol Yisroel, Be ye on one side, and I and Yonatan beni will be on the other side. And HaAm said unto Sha’ul, Do what seemeth tov in thine eyes.

41 Therefore Sha’ul said unto Hashem Elohei Yisroel, Give a tamim (perfect lot). And Sha’ul and Yonatan were taken by lot; but HaAm escaped [from being taken by lot].

42 And Sha’ul said, Cast lots between me and Yonatan beni (my son). And Yonatan was taken by lot.

43 Then Sha’ul said to Yonatan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Yonatan told him, and said, I did but taste a little devash with the end of the matteh that was in mine yad, and, hineni, I must die.

44 And Sha’ul answered, Elohim do so and more also if thou shalt not surely die, Yonatan.