1 Samuel 14:40 Meaning and Explanation
“Then said he unto all Israel, Be ye on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side. And the people said unto Saul, Do what seemeth good unto thee.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Saul divides the assembly, placing himself and Jonathan on one side to cast lots for the guilty party.
What Does 1 Samuel 14:40 Mean?
To uncover the supposed offender, Saul arranges a sacred lot. He sets all the people on one side and himself with Jonathan on the other. The people, resigned, tell him to do as he sees fit. The stage is set to discover whom the Lord will indicate.
Israel sought God's judgment through the lot, trusting Him to make the matter known. Yet the gravity of the moment is heavy, for Saul's own oath hangs over his son. The narrative builds toward a painful collision between a father's rash vow and the life of the very man God used to save Israel.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 14:40
What does 1 Samuel 14:40 mean?
Saul divides the assembly, placing himself and Jonathan on one side to cast lots for the guilty party.