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1 Samuel 14
New English Translation

14 Then one day Jonathan son of Saul said to his armor-bearer,[a] “Come on, let’s go over to the Philistine garrison that is opposite us.” But he did not let his father know.

2 Now Saul was sitting under a pomegranate tree in Migron, on the outskirts of Gibeah. The army that was with him numbered about 600 men. 3 Now Ahijah was carrying[b] an ephod. He was the son of Ahitub, who was the brother of Ichabod and a son of Phinehas, son of Eli, the priest of the Lord in Shiloh. The army was unaware that Jonathan had left.

4 Now there was a steep cliff on each side of the pass through which Jonathan intended to go to reach the Philistine garrison. One cliff was named Bozez, the other Seneh. 5 The cliff to the north was closer to Micmash, the one to the south closer to Geba.

6 Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, “Come on, let’s go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will intervene[c] for us. Nothing can prevent the Lord from delivering, whether by many or by a few.” 7 His armor-bearer said to him, “Do everything that is on your mind.[d] Do as you’re inclined. I’m with you all the way!”[e]

8 Jonathan replied, “All right.[f] We’ll go over to these men and fight them. 9 If they say to us, ‘Stay put until we approach you,’ we will stay[g] right there and not go up to them. 10 But if they say, ‘Come up against us,’ we will go up. For in that case the Lord has given them into our hand—it will be a sign to us.”

11 When they[h] made themselves known to the Philistine garrison, the Philistines said, “Look! The Hebrews are coming out of the holes in which they hid themselves.” 12 Then the men of the garrison said to Jonathan and his armor-bearer, “Come on up to us so we can teach you a thing or two!”[i] Then Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, “Come up behind me, for the Lord has given[j] them into the hand of Israel!”

13 Jonathan crawled up on his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer following behind him. Jonathan struck down the Philistines,[k] while his armor-bearer came along behind him and killed them.[l] 14 In this initial skirmish Jonathan and his armor-bearer struck down about twenty men in an area that measured half an acre.

15 Then fear overwhelmed[m] those who were in the camp, those who were in the field, all the army in the garrison, and the raiding bands. They trembled and the ground shook. This fear was caused by God.[n]

16 Saul’s watchmen at Gibeah in the territory of Benjamin[o] looked on[p] as the crowd of soldiers seemed to melt away first in one direction and then in another.[q] 17 So Saul said to the army that was with him, “Muster the troops and see who is no longer with us.” When they mustered the troops,[r] Jonathan and his armor-bearer were not there. 18 So Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring near the ephod,”[s] for he was at that time wearing the ephod in front of the Israelites.[t] 19 While[u] Saul spoke to the priest, the panic in the Philistines’ camp was becoming greater and greater. So Saul said to the priest, “Withdraw your hand.”

20 Saul and all the army assembled and marched into battle, where they found[v] the Philistines in total panic killing one another with their swords.[w] 21 The Hebrews who had earlier gone over to the Philistine side[x] joined the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. 22 When all the Israelites who had hidden themselves in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines had fled, they too pursued them in battle. 23 So the Lord delivered Israel that day, and the battle shifted over to Beth Aven.[y]

Jonathan Violates Saul’s Oath

24 Now the men of Israel were hard pressed that day, for Saul had made the army agree to this oath: “Cursed be the man who eats food before evening. I will get my vengeance on my enemies!” So no one in the army ate anything.

25 Now the whole army[z] entered the forest, and there was honey on the ground.[aa] 26 When the army entered the forest, they saw[ab] the honey flowing, but no one ate any of it,[ac] for the army was afraid of the oath. 27 But Jonathan had not heard about the oath his father had made the army take. He extended the end of his staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb. When he ate it,[ad] his eyes gleamed.[ae] 28 Then someone from the army informed him, “Your father put the army under a strict oath[af] saying, ‘Cursed be the man who eats food today.’ That is why the army is tired.” 29 Then Jonathan said, “My father has caused trouble for the land. See how my eyes gleamed[ag] when I tasted just a little of this honey. 30 Certainly if the army had eaten some of the enemies’ provisions that they came across today, would not the slaughter of the Philistines have been even greater?”

31 On that day the army struck down the Philistines from Micmash to Aijalon, and they became very tired. 32 So the army rushed greedily on[ah] the[ai] plunder, confiscating sheep, cattle, and calves. They slaughtered them right on the ground, and the army ate them, blood and all.

33 Now it was reported to Saul, “Look, the army is sinning against the Lord by eating even the blood.” He said, “All of you have broken the covenant![aj] Roll a large stone over here[ak] to me.” 34 Then Saul said, “Scatter out among the army and say to them, ‘Each of you bring to me your ox and sheep and slaughter them in this spot and eat. But don’t sin against the Lord by eating the blood.” So that night each one brought his ox and slaughtered it there.[al] 35 Then Saul built an altar for the Lord; it was the first time he had built an altar for the Lord.

36 Saul said, “Let’s go down after the Philistines at night; we will rout[am] them until the break of day.[an] We won’t leave any of them alive!”[ao] They replied, “Do whatever seems best to you.”[ap] But the priest said, “Let’s approach God here.” 37 So Saul asked God, “Should I go down after the Philistines? Will you deliver them into the hand of Israel?” But he did not answer him that day.

38 Then Saul said, “All you leaders of the army come here. Find out[aq] how this sin occurred today. 39 For as surely as the Lord, the deliverer of Israel, lives, even if it turns out to be my own son Jonathan, he will certainly die!” But no one from the army said anything.[ar]

40 Then he said to all Israel, “You will be on one side, and I and my son Jonathan will be on the other side.” The army replied to Saul, “Do whatever you think is best.”

41 Then Saul said, “O Lord God of Israel! If this sin has been committed by me or by my son Jonathan, then, O Lord God of Israel, respond with Urim. But if this sin has been committed by your people Israel, respond with Thummim.”[as] Then Jonathan and Saul were indicated by lot, while the army was exonerated.[at] 42 Then Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan!”[au] Jonathan was indicated by lot.

43 So Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” Jonathan told him, “I used the end of the staff that was in my hand to taste a little honey. I must die!”[av] 44 Saul said, “God will punish me severely if Jonathan doesn’t die!”[aw]

45 But the army said to Saul, “Should Jonathan, who won this great victory in Israel, die? May it never be! As surely as the Lord lives, not a single hair of his head will fall to the ground, for it is with the help of God that he has acted today.” So the army rescued Jonathan from death.[ax]

46 Then Saul stopped chasing the Philistines, and the Philistines went back home.[ay] 47 After Saul had secured his royal position over Israel, he fought against all their[az] enemies on all sides—the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines. In every direction that he turned, he was victorious.[ba] 48 He fought bravely, striking down the Amalekites and delivering Israel from the hand of its enemies.[bb]

Members of Saul’s Family

49 The sons of Saul were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malki-Shua.[bc] He had two daughters; the older one was named Merab and the younger Michal. 50 The name of Saul’s wife was Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz. The name of the general in command of his army was Abner son of Ner, Saul’s uncle.[bd] 51 Kish was the father of Saul, and Ner the father of Abner was the son[be] of Abiel.

52 There was fierce war with the Philistines all the days of Saul. So whenever Saul saw anyone who was a warrior or a brave individual, he would conscript him.

Footnotes

  1. 1 Samuel 14:1 tn Or “the servant who was carrying his military equipment” (likewise in vv. 6, 7, 12, 13, 14).
  2. 1 Samuel 14:3 tn Heb “bearing.” Many English versions understand this verb to mean “wearing” (cf. KJV, NAB, NASB, NIV, NLT). The ephod could be used for consulting the Lord’s will (1 Sam 23:9-10; 30:7-8) and is not always worn (1 Sam 23:6). The significance in this context is probably not that Ahijah was dressed for sacrificial duties or to appear before God at the tabernacle, but rather that the ephod was available for consulting God, given the people’s ignorance about Jonathan’s activities. (Cf. the note at 1 Sam 2:28.)
  3. 1 Samuel 14:6 tn Heb “act.”
  4. 1 Samuel 14:7 tn Heb “in your heart.”
  5. 1 Samuel 14:7 tn Heb “Look, I am with you, according to your heart.” See the note at 13:14.
  6. 1 Samuel 14:8 tn Heb “Look!”
  7. 1 Samuel 14:9 tn Heb “stand.”
  8. 1 Samuel 14:11 tn Heb “the two of them.”
  9. 1 Samuel 14:12 tn Heb “a thing.”
  10. 1 Samuel 14:12 tn The perfect verbal form is used rhetorically here to express Jonathan’s certitude. As far as he is concerned, the victory is as good as won and can be described as such.
  11. 1 Samuel 14:13 tn Heb “and they fell before Jonathan.”
  12. 1 Samuel 14:13 tn Heb “and the one carrying his equipment was killing after him.”
  13. 1 Samuel 14:15 tn Heb “fell upon.”
  14. 1 Samuel 14:15 tn Heb “and it was by the fear of God.” The translation understands this to mean that God was the source or cause of the fear experienced by the Philistines. This seems to be the most straightforward reading of the sentence. It is possible, however, that the word “God” functions here simply to intensify the accompanying word “fear,” in which one might translate “a very great fear” (cf. NAB, NRSV). It is clear that on some occasions that the divine name carries such a superlative nuance. For examples see Joüon 2:525 §141.n.
  15. 1 Samuel 14:16 tn Heb “at Gibeah of Benjamin.” The words “in the territory” are supplied in the translation for clarity.
  16. 1 Samuel 14:16 tn Heb “saw, and look!”
  17. 1 Samuel 14:16 tn Heb “the crowd melted and went, even here.”
  18. 1 Samuel 14:17 tn Heb “and they mustered the troops, and look!”
  19. 1 Samuel 14:18 tc Heb “the ark of God.” It seems unlikely that Saul would call for the ark, which was several miles away in Kiriath Jearim (see 1 Sam 7:2). The LXX and an Old Latin ms have “ephod” here, a reading which harmonizes better with v. 3 and fits better with the verb “bring near” (see 1 Sam 23:9; 30:7) and with the expression “withdraw your hand” in v. 19. There are also quotations of this reading in rabbinic literature and medieval Jewish literature according to V. Aptowitzer, The Scripture in the Rabbinic Literature and Medieval Jewish Literature, Prolegomena (3 parts, Vindobonae, 1906, 1908, 1911). It is followed in the present translation (cf. NAB, NJB, GWN, TEV, NLT, CEB, BBE).
  20. 1 Samuel 14:18 tc Heb “for the ark of God was in that day, and the sons of Israel.” The translation follows the text of some Greek manuscripts. See the previous note.
  21. 1 Samuel 14:19 tn Or perhaps “until.”
  22. 1 Samuel 14:20 tn Heb “and look, there was.”
  23. 1 Samuel 14:20 tn Heb “the sword of a man against his companion, a very great panic.”
  24. 1 Samuel 14:21 tn Heb “and the Hebrews were to the Philistines formerly, who went up with them in the camp all around.”
  25. 1 Samuel 14:23 tc The LXX includes the following words: “And all the people were with Saul, about ten thousand men. And the battle extended to the entire city on mount Ephraim.”
  26. 1 Samuel 14:25 tn Heb “all the land.”
  27. 1 Samuel 14:25 tn Heb “the surface of the field.”
  28. 1 Samuel 14:26 tn Heb “and the army entered the forest, and look!”
  29. 1 Samuel 14:26 tn Heb “and there was no one putting his hand to his mouth.”
  30. 1 Samuel 14:27 tn Heb “and he returned his hand to his mouth.”
  31. 1 Samuel 14:27 tc The translation follows the Qere and several medieval Hebrew mss in reading “gleamed,” rather than the Kethib, “saw.”
  32. 1 Samuel 14:28 tn Heb “your father surely put the army under an oath.” The infinitive absolute is used before the finite verb to emphasize the solemn nature of the oath.
  33. 1 Samuel 14:29 tc The LXX reads “saw.” See v. 27.
  34. 1 Samuel 14:32 tc The translation follows the Qere and many medieval Hebrew mss in reading “and they rushed greedily upon,” rather than the Kethib, “and they did.”
  35. 1 Samuel 14:32 tc The translation reads with the Qere and many medieval Hebrew mss הַשָּׁלָל (hashalal, “the spoil”) rather than following the Kethib reading, שָׁלָל (shalal, “spoil”).
  36. 1 Samuel 14:33 tn Heb “You have acted deceptively.” In this context the verb refers to violating an agreement, in this case the dietary and sacrificial regulations of the Mosaic law. The verb form is second masculine plural; apparently Saul here addresses those who are eating the animals.
  37. 1 Samuel 14:33 tc The translation follows the LXX reading ἐνταῦθα (entautha, “here”) for הֲלֹם (halom, “here”) rather than the MT’s הַיּוֹם (hayyom, “today”).
  38. 1 Samuel 14:34 tn Heb “and all the army brought near, each his ox by his hand, and they slaughtered there.”
  39. 1 Samuel 14:36 tn Heb “plunder.”
  40. 1 Samuel 14:36 tn Heb “until the light of the morning.”
  41. 1 Samuel 14:36 tn Heb “and there will not be left among them a man.”
  42. 1 Samuel 14:36 tn Heb “all that is good in your eyes.” So also in v. 40.
  43. 1 Samuel 14:38 tn Heb “know and see.”
  44. 1 Samuel 14:39 tn Heb “and there was no one answering from all the army.”
  45. 1 Samuel 14:41 tc Heb “to the Lord God of Israel: ‘Give what is perfect.’” The Hebrew textual tradition has accidentally omitted several words here. The present translation follows the LXX (as do several English versions, cf. NAB, NRSV, TEV). See P. K. McCarter, I Samuel (AB), 247-48, and R. W. Klein, 1 Samuel (WBC), 132.sn The Urim and Thummim were used for lot casting in ancient Israel. Their exact identity is uncertain; they may have been specially marked stones drawn from a bag. See Exod 28:30; Lev 8:8, and Deut 33:8, as well as the discussion in R. W. Klein, 1 Samuel (WBC), 140.
  46. 1 Samuel 14:41 tn Heb “went out.”
  47. 1 Samuel 14:42 tc The LXX includes the following words: “Whomever the Lord will indicate by the lot, let him die! And the people said to Saul, ‘It is not this word.’ But Saul prevailed over the people, and they cast lots between him and between Jonathan his son.”
  48. 1 Samuel 14:43 tn Heb “Look, I, I will die.” Apparently Jonathan is acquiescing to his anticipated fate of death. However, the words may be taken as sarcastic (“Here I am about to die!”) or as a question, “Must I now die?” (cf. NAB, NIV, NCV, NLT).
  49. 1 Samuel 14:44 tn Heb “So God will do and so he will add, surely you will certainly die, Jonathan.”
  50. 1 Samuel 14:45 tn Heb “and he did not die.”
  51. 1 Samuel 14:46 tn Heb “to their place.”
  52. 1 Samuel 14:47 tn Heb “his,” which could refer to Israel or to Saul.
  53. 1 Samuel 14:47 tc The translation follows the LXX (“he was delivered”), rather than the MT, which reads, “he acted wickedly.”
  54. 1 Samuel 14:48 tn Heb “plunderers.”
  55. 1 Samuel 14:49 sn The list differs from others. In 1 Sam 31:2 (= 1 Chr 10:2), Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malki-Shua are listed as Saul’s sons, while 1 Chr 8:33 and 9:39 list Jonathan, Malki-Shua, Abinadab, and Eshbaal.
  56. 1 Samuel 14:50 sn The word “uncle” can modify either Abner or Ner. See the note on the word “son” in v. 51 for further discussion.
  57. 1 Samuel 14:51 tn 1 Chr 9:35-36 indicates that Jeiel (= Abiel?) had two sons (among others) named Ner and Kish (see also 1 Sam 9:1 and 1 Chr 8:30, where some Greek manuscripts include the name Ner, though it is absent in the Hebrew text). If this Kish was the father of Saul and Ner was the father of Abner, then Saul and Abner were cousins. However, according to 1 Chr 8:33 and 9:39, Ner, not Abiel, was the father of Kish. In this case, Kish and Abner were brothers and Abner was Saul’s uncle. The simplest solution to the problem is to see two men named Kish in the genealogy: Abiel (Jeiel) was the father of Ner and Kish I. Ner was the father of Abner and Kish II. Kish II was the father of Saul. The Kish mentioned in 1 Sam 9:1 was the father of Saul (v. 2) and must be identified as Kish II. In this case the genealogy is “gapped,” with Ner being omitted. Abiel was the grandfather of Kish II.
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Shmuel Alef 14
Orthodox Jewish Bible

14 Now the day came to pass, that Yonatan Ben Sha’ul said unto the na’ar (young man) that bore his armor, Come, and let us go over to the outpost of the Pelishtim (Philistines), that is on the other side. But he told not aviv.

2 And Sha’ul tarried in the outskirts of Giveah under a pomegranate tree which is in Migron; and HaAm (the people, the army) that were with him were about shesh me’ot ish (six hundred men);

3 And Achiyah Ben Achituv, the ach of Ikhavod Ben Pinchas Ben Eli, kohen Hashem in Shiloh, was wearing an ephod. And HaAm knew not that Yonatan was gone.

4 And between the passes, by which Yonatan sought to go over unto the outpost of the Pelishtim, there was a rocky cliff on the one side, and a rocky cliff on the other side; and the shem of the one was Botzetz, and the shem of the other Seneh.

5 The one steep rock faced north opposite Michmash, and the other southward toward Giveah.

6 And Yonatan said to the na’ar that bore his armor, Come, and let us go over unto the outpost of these arelim (uncircumcised); it may be that Hashem will act for us; for nothing restrains Hashem l’hoshi’a (to save), by many or by few.

7 And his armor-bearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine lev; turn thee; hineni, I am with thee according to thy lev.

8 Then said Yonatan, Hinei, we will pass over unto these anashim, and we will show ourselves unto them.

9 If they say thus unto us, Stand still until we come to you; then we will stand still tachteinu (in our place), and will not go up unto them.

10 But if they say thus, Come up unto us; then we will go up; for Hashem hath delivered them into yadenu (our hand, power): and this shall be haot (the sign) unto us.

11 And both of them showed themselves unto the outpost of the Pelishtim (Philistines); and the Pelishtim said, Hinei, the Ivrim (Hebrews) come forth out of the chorim (holes) where they had hid themselves.

12 And the anashim of the outpost answered Yonatan and his armor-bearer, and said, Come up to us, and we will teach you a thing. And Yonatan said unto his armorbearer, Come up after me, for Hashem hath delivered them into the yad Yisroel.

13 And Yonatan climbed up upon his hands and upon his feet, and his armor-bearer after him; and they fell before Yonatan; and his armorbearer slaughtered behind him.

14 And that first attack, which Yonatan and his armorbearer made, killed about esrim ish (twenty men), within an area of half a yoke [i.e., the area an oxen yoke could plow in one day, or rather, half of that].

15 And there was fearful panic in the machaneh, in the sadeh, and among kol haAm; the outpost, and the raiders, they also trembled, and ha’aretz quaked; so it was a cheredat Elohim (a panic from Elohim).

16 And the tzofim (watchmen, lookouts, sentries) of Sha’ul in Giveat Binyamin looked; and, hinei, the multitude melted away, and they went in all directions.

17 Then said Sha’ul unto HaAm that were with him, Number now, and see who is gone from us. And when they had numbered, hinei, Yonatan and his armor-bearer were not there.

18 And Sha’ul said unto Achiyah, Bring here the Aron HaElohim. For the Aron HaElohim was at that time with the Bnei Yisroel there.

19 And it came to pass, while Sha’ul talked to the kohen [i.e., Achiyah], that the tumult that was in the machaneh Pelishtim went on and increased; and Sha’ul said unto the kohen, Withdraw thine yad [i.e., let’s go].

20 And Sha’ul and kol HaAm that were with him assembled themselves, and they went to the milchamah; and, hinei, every cherev ish was against his fellow, and there was mehumah gedolah me’od (a very great confusion).

21 Moreover the Ivrim (Hebrews) that were with the Pelishtim (Philistines) before that time, which went up with them into the machaneh from the country round about, even they also turned to be with them of Yisroel that were with Sha’ul and Yonatan.

22 Likewise all the Ish Yisroel which had hid themselves in Har Ephrayim, when they heard that the Pelishtim fled, even they also followed hard after them in the milchamah (battle).

23 So Hashem saved Yisroel that day; and the milchamah continued raging even unto Beit Aven.

24 And the Ish Yisroel were distressed that day; for Sha’ul had bound under oath HaAm, saying, Arur (cursed) be the ish that eateth lechem before erev, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of HaAm tasted lechem.

25 And all they of HaAretz came to the wood; and there was devash on the surface of the sadeh.

26 And when HaAm were come into the wood, hinei, the devash was oozing; but no one put his yad to his mouth; for HaAm feared the shevuah (oath).

27 But Yonatan heard not when aviv bound HaAm with the oath; wherefore he put forth the end of the matteh (staff) that was in his yad, and dipped it in a honeycomb of the devash, and put his yad to his mouth; and his eyes brightened.

28 Then answered an ish from HaAm, and said, Avicha strictly bound HaAm with an oath, saying, Arur (cursed) be the ish that eateth lechem this day. And HaAm were faint with famished exhaustion.

29 Then said Yonatan, Avi hath troubled HaAretz; see, now, how mine eyes hath brightened, because I tasted a little of this devash.

30 How much more, if only HaAm had eaten freely today of the plunder of their enemies which they found? For would there not have been now a much greater makkah (slaughter) among the Pelishtim (Philistines)?

31 And they drove back the Pelishtim that day from Michmash to Ayalon; and HaAm were very faint.

32 And the people flew upon the plunder, and took tzon, and bakar, and calves and butchered them on the ground; and HaAm did eat them with the dahm.

33 Then they told Sha’ul, saying, Hinei, HaAm sin against Hashem, in that they eat with the dahm. And he said, Ye have dealt treacherously; today roll an even gedolah (large stone) over here to me.

34 Then Sha’ul said, Disperse yourselves among the people, and say unto them, Bring me here every ish his shor (ox), and every ish his seh, and you make shochet slaughter of them here, and eat; and sin not against Hashem in eating with the dahm. And kol HaAm brought every ish his shor with him that lailah, and made shochet slaughter of them there.

35 And Sha’ul built a Mizbe’ach unto Hashem; it was the first time that he built a Mizbe’ach unto Hashem.

36 And Sha’ul said, Let us go down after the Pelishtim by lailah, and plunder them until the ohr haboker, and let us not leave an ish of them. And they said, Do whatsoever seemeth tov in thine eyes. Then said the kohen [Achiyah], Let us draw near here unto HaElohim [to inquire of G-d].

37 And Sha’ul asked counsel of Elohim, Shall I go down after the Pelishtim? Wilt Thou deliver them into the yad Yisroel? But He did not answer him on that day.

38 And Sha’ul said, Draw ye near here, all the pinnot (corners, chiefs of] HaAm; and know and see wherein this chattat hath been this day.

39 For, as Hashem the Moshia Yisroel liveth, though it be in Yonatan beni (my son), he shall surely die. But there was none among kol HaAm that answered him.

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.

45 And HaAm said unto Sha’ul, Shall Yonatan die, who hath wrought this Yeshuah HaGedolah (Great Salvation, Deliverance, Rescue) in Yisroel? Chalilah (far be it!); as Hashem liveth, there shall not one hair of his rosh fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with Elohim this day. So HaAm rescued Yonatan, that he died not.

46 Then Sha’ul stopped following the Pelishtim; and the Pelishtim withdrew to their own makom.

47 So Sha’ul took the melachah (kingdom, establishment of sovereignty) over Yisroel, and fought against all his oyevim on every side, against Moav, and against the Bnei Ammon, and against Edom, and against the melachim of Tzovah, and against the Pelishtim; and everywhere he turned himself, he terrorized them.

48 And he gathered an army, and struck Amalek, and delivered Yisroel out of the hands of them that plundered them.

49 Now the Bnei Sha’ul were Yonatan, and Yishvi, and Malki-Shu’a; and the shmot of his two banot were these; the shem of the bechirah (first born [daughter]), Merav, and the shem of the younger Michal;

50 And the shem of eshet Sha’ul was Achino’am Bat Achima’atz; and the shem of the Sar of his Tzeva was Avner Ben Ner and Ner was dod Sha’ul (uncle of Sha’ul).

51 And Kish was Avi Sha’ul; Ner Avi Avner was ben Aviel.

52 And there was milchamah chazakah against the Pelishtim all the days of Sha’ul; and when Sha’ul saw any ish gibbor, or any valiant man, he recruited him.

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1 Samuel 14
New International Version

14 1 One day Jonathan son of Saul said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.” But he did not tell his father.

2 Saul was staying(A) on the outskirts of Gibeah(B) under a pomegranate tree(C) in Migron.(D) With him were about six hundred men, 3 among whom was Ahijah, who was wearing an ephod. He was a son of Ichabod’s(E) brother Ahitub(F) son of Phinehas, the son of Eli,(G) the Lord’s priest in Shiloh.(H) No one was aware that Jonathan had left.

4 On each side of the pass(I) that Jonathan intended to cross to reach the Philistine outpost was a cliff; one was called Bozez and the other Seneh. 5 One cliff stood to the north toward Mikmash, the other to the south toward Geba.(J)

6 Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised(K) men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing(L) can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many(M) or by few.(N)”

7 “Do all that you have in mind,” his armor-bearer said. “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.”

8 Jonathan said, “Come on, then; we will cross over toward them and let them see us. 9 If they say to us, ‘Wait there until we come to you,’ we will stay where we are and not go up to them. 10 But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ we will climb up, because that will be our sign(O) that the Lord has given them into our hands.(P)”

11 So both of them showed themselves to the Philistine outpost. “Look!” said the Philistines. “The Hebrews(Q) are crawling out of the holes they were hiding(R) in.” 12 The men of the outpost shouted to Jonathan and his armor-bearer, “Come up to us and we’ll teach you a lesson.(S)”

So Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, “Climb up after me; the Lord has given them into the hand(T) of Israel.”

13 Jonathan climbed up, using his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer right behind him. The Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer followed and killed behind him. 14 In that first attack Jonathan and his armor-bearer killed some twenty men in an area of about half an acre.

Israel Routs the Philistines

15 Then panic(U) struck the whole army—those in the camp and field, and those in the outposts and raiding(V) parties—and the ground shook. It was a panic sent by God.[a]

16 Saul’s lookouts(W) at Gibeah in Benjamin saw the army melting away in all directions. 17 Then Saul said to the men who were with him, “Muster the forces and see who has left us.” When they did, it was Jonathan and his armor-bearer who were not there.

18 Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring(X) the ark(Y) of God.” (At that time it was with the Israelites.)[b] 19 While Saul was talking to the priest, the tumult in the Philistine camp increased more and more. So Saul said to the priest,(Z) “Withdraw your hand.”

20 Then Saul and all his men assembled and went to the battle. They found the Philistines in total confusion, striking(AA) each other with their swords. 21 Those Hebrews who had previously been with the Philistines and had gone up with them to their camp went(AB) over to the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. 22 When all the Israelites who had hidden(AC) in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were on the run, they joined the battle in hot pursuit. 23 So on that day the Lord saved(AD) Israel, and the battle moved on beyond Beth Aven.(AE)

Jonathan Eats Honey

24 Now the Israelites were in distress that day, because Saul had bound the people under an oath,(AF) saying, “Cursed be anyone who eats food before evening comes, before I have avenged myself on my enemies!” So none of the troops tasted food.

25 The entire army entered the woods, and there was honey on the ground. 26 When they went into the woods, they saw the honey oozing out; yet no one put his hand to his mouth, because they feared the oath. 27 But Jonathan had not heard that his father had bound the people with the oath, so he reached out the end of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it into the honeycomb.(AG) He raised his hand to his mouth, and his eyes brightened.[c] 28 Then one of the soldiers told him, “Your father bound the army under a strict oath, saying, ‘Cursed be anyone who eats food today!’ That is why the men are faint.”

29 Jonathan said, “My father has made trouble(AH) for the country. See how my eyes brightened when I tasted a little of this honey. 30 How much better it would have been if the men had eaten today some of the plunder they took from their enemies. Would not the slaughter of the Philistines have been even greater?”

31 That day, after the Israelites had struck down the Philistines from Mikmash(AI) to Aijalon,(AJ) they were exhausted. 32 They pounced on the plunder(AK) and, taking sheep, cattle and calves, they butchered them on the ground and ate them, together with the blood.(AL) 33 Then someone said to Saul, “Look, the men are sinning against the Lord by eating meat that has blood(AM) in it.”

“You have broken faith,” he said. “Roll a large stone over here at once.” 34 Then he said, “Go out among the men and tell them, ‘Each of you bring me your cattle and sheep, and slaughter them here and eat them. Do not sin against the Lord by eating meat with blood still(AN) in it.’”

So everyone brought his ox that night and slaughtered it there. 35 Then Saul built an altar(AO) to the Lord; it was the first time he had done this.

36 Saul said, “Let us go down and pursue the Philistines by night and plunder them till dawn, and let us not leave one of them alive.”

“Do whatever seems best to you,” they replied.

But the priest said, “Let us inquire(AP) of God here.”

37 So Saul asked God, “Shall I go down and pursue the Philistines? Will you give them into Israel’s hand?” But God did not answer(AQ) him that day.

38 Saul therefore said, “Come here, all you who are leaders of the army, and let us find out what sin has been committed(AR) today. 39 As surely as the Lord who rescues Israel lives,(AS) even if the guilt lies with my son Jonathan,(AT) he must die.”(AU) But not one of them said a word.

40 Saul then said to all the Israelites, “You stand over there; I and Jonathan my son will stand over here.”

“Do what seems best to you,” they replied.

41 Then Saul prayed to the Lord, the God of Israel, “Why have you not answered your servant today? If the fault is in me or my son Jonathan, respond with Urim, but if the men of Israel are at fault,[d] respond with Thummim.” Jonathan and Saul were taken by lot, and the men were cleared. 42 Saul said, “Cast the lot(AV) between me and Jonathan my son.” And Jonathan was taken.

43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.”(AW)

So Jonathan told him, “I tasted a little honey(AX) with the end of my staff. And now I must die!”

44 Saul said, “May God deal with me, be it ever so severely,(AY) if you do not die, Jonathan.(AZ)”

45 But the men said to Saul, “Should Jonathan die—he who has brought about this great deliverance in Israel? Never! As surely as the Lord lives, not a hair(BA) of his head will fall to the ground, for he did this today with God’s help.” So the men rescued(BB) Jonathan, and he was not put to death.

46 Then Saul stopped pursuing the Philistines, and they withdrew to their own land.

47 After Saul had assumed rule over Israel, he fought against their enemies on every side: Moab,(BC) the Ammonites,(BD) Edom,(BE) the kings[e] of Zobah,(BF) and the Philistines. Wherever he turned, he inflicted punishment on them.[f] 48 He fought valiantly and defeated the Amalekites,(BG) delivering Israel from the hands of those who had plundered them.

Saul’s Family

49 Saul’s sons were Jonathan, Ishvi and Malki-Shua.(BH) The name of his older daughter was Merab, and that of the younger was Michal.(BI) 50 His wife’s name was Ahinoam daughter of Ahimaaz. The name of the commander of Saul’s army was Abner(BJ) son of Ner, and Ner was Saul’s uncle.(BK) 51 Saul’s father Kish(BL) and Abner’s father Ner were sons of Abiel.

52 All the days of Saul there was bitter war with the Philistines, and whenever Saul saw a mighty or brave man, he took(BM) him into his service.

Footnotes

  1. 1 Samuel 14:15 Or a terrible panic
  2. 1 Samuel 14:18 Hebrew; Septuagint “Bring the ephod.” (At that time he wore the ephod before the Israelites.)
  3. 1 Samuel 14:27 Or his strength was renewed; similarly in verse 29
  4. 1 Samuel 14:41 Septuagint; Hebrew does not have “Why … at fault.
  5. 1 Samuel 14:47 Masoretic Text; Dead Sea Scrolls and Septuagint king
  6. 1 Samuel 14:47 Hebrew; Septuagint he was victorious
Close RVC

1 Samuel 14
Reina Valera Contemporánea

14 Entonces Jonatán, el hijo de Saúl, le dijo al criado que le llevaba las armas:

«Ven, vamos a pasar al otro lado, a la guarnición de los filisteos.»

Pero de esto nada le dijo a su padre, 2 que se encontraba bajo un granado en Migrón, en el extremo de Gabaa, acompañado de unos seiscientos hombres. 3 El efod lo llevaba Ajías hijo de Ajitob, que era hermano de Icabod hijo de Finés, el hijo de Elí, sacerdote del Señor en Silo. Nadie en el pueblo sabía que Jonatán se había ido. 4 Jonatán procuraba llegar a la guarnición de los filisteos pasando entre los desfiladeros, pero en ambos lados había dos peñascos agudos, conocidos como Boses y Sene; 5 uno de ellos estaba situado al norte, hacia Micmas, y el otro al sur, hacia Gabaa. 6 Entonces Jonatán le dijo a su escudero:

«Ven, vamos a pasar a la guarnición de estos incircuncisos, y espero que el Señor nos ayude. Para él no es difícil vencer al enemigo con muchos hombres o con pocos.»

7 Su escudero le respondió:

«Haz todo lo que tienes pensado hacer. Adelante, que estoy contigo y te apoyo en todo.»

8 Y Jonatán le dijo:

«Acerquémonos, para que nos vean esos hombres. 9 Si al vernos nos dicen que los esperemos aquí, entonces nos quedaremos y no subiremos. 10 Pero si nos dicen que vayamos a donde ellos están, vayamos; ésa será la señal de que el Señor los ha entregado en nuestras manos.»

11 Salieron entonces de su escondite, para que los vieran los filisteos que estaban en la guarnición; y éstos, al verlos, dijeron:

«Miren, ¡los hebreos ya están saliendo de las cuevas donde estaban escondidos!»

12 Y desde la guarnición les gritaron:

«Vengan acá, con nosotros. Queremos decirles una cosa.»

Entonces Jonatán le dijo a su escudero:

«Ven, sígueme, que el Señor los ha puesto en manos de Israel.»

13 Y subió Jonatán, trepando con manos y pies, y seguido por su escudero, y empezó a luchar contra los filisteos; a los que caían delante de él, su escudero los remataba. 14 En esa primera lucha mataron como a veinte hombres, en un espacio reducido. 15 Entonces el pánico se apoderó de todo el campamento, en el campo y en toda la guarnición; y cuando lo supieron los espías, también se llenaron de miedo; y el pánico aumentó porque hubo un temblor de tierra.

16 Desde Gabaa de Benjamín los centinelas de Saúl vieron cómo la multitud de filisteos corría desconcertada de un lado para otro, en completo desorden. 17 Entonces Saúl dijo a los que estaban con él:

«Pasen revista. Veamos quién de los nuestros se fue.»

Al pasar revista, se dieron cuenta de que faltaban Jonatán y su escudero. 18 Entonces Saúl le dijo a Ajías:

«Trae el arca de Dios.»

En ese entonces el arca de Dios estaba con el pueblo de Israel. 19 Y mientras Saúl hablaba con el sacerdote, el desorden que había en el campamento de los filisteos iba en aumento. Entonces Saúl le dijo al sacerdote:

«Espera, no la traigas.»

20 Y Saúl reunió al pueblo que estaba con él, y fueron al campo de batalla, y allí vieron que los filisteos estaban tan confundidos que unos a otros se atacaban con sus espadas. 21 Además, los hebreos que desde hacía mucho tiempo habían vivido entre los filisteos, y que luchaban en su ejército, se pusieron a favor de los israelitas y se pasaron al bando de Saúl y Jonatán. 22 Lo mismo pasó con todos los israelitas que estaban escondidos en los montes de Efraín: cuando supieron que los filisteos huían, también bajaron a perseguirlos. 23 La batalla llegó hasta Bet Avén, y así salvó el Señor al pueblo de Israel.

24 Ese día los israelitas se vieron en aprietos, pues tenían mucha hambre porque Saúl había hecho jurar al pueblo que no comerían en todo el día, hasta que se hubieran vengado de sus enemigos. Cualquiera que desobedeciera quedaría bajo maldición. 25 En cierto momento, el ejército israelita llegó a un bosque en el que había tanta miel que parecía brotar del suelo. 26 Al entrar en él, vieron cómo la miel escurría de los árboles; pero nadie extendió la mano para probar la miel, por temor a la maldición. 27 Sin embargo, como Jonatán no había oído a su padre poner bajo juramento al pueblo, alargó la punta de una vara que traía en la mano, la remojó en un panal de miel, y se la llevó a la boca, con lo que recobró el ánimo. 28 Pero uno de los soldados le dijo:

«Tu padre nos hizo jurar solemnemente, cuando dijo: “Maldito sea todo el que hoy tome alimento.” Por eso el pueblo desfallece de hambre.»

29 Pero Jonatán le respondió:

«Mi padre ha causado un gran daño al pueblo. ¡Mírenme! Sólo probé un poco de miel, ¡y ya me reanimé! 30 ¿Qué habría pasado si el pueblo hubiera tenido libertad de comer del botín arrebatado al enemigo? ¡El estrago entre los filisteos hubiera sido mayor!»

31 Ese día los filisteos fueron heridos de muerte desde Micmas hasta Ayalón, pero el pueblo estaba muy cansado, 32 así que se lanzó sobre el botín, y tomaron ovejas, vacas y becerros, y los degollaron, y los comieron con sangre y todo. 33 Pero alguien dio aviso a Saúl, y le dijo:

«El pueblo ha ofendido al Señor, porque está comiendo la carne con sangre y todo.»(A)

Entonces Saúl les dijo:

«¡Todos ustedes son unos pecadores! Rueden esa piedra grande, y pónganla aquí.»

34 Luego les dijo:

«Sepárense y mézclense entre el pueblo, y díganles que cada uno me traiga sus vacas o sus ovejas, para que las degüellen y puedan comer carne sin sangre, y así no ofendan al Señor.»

Esa misma noche todos los israelitas llevaron personalmente sus vacas, y las degollaron allí. 35 Saúl, por su parte, construyó allí su primer altar al Señor, 36 y dijo:

«Esta misma noche, y hasta el amanecer, vamos a atacar a los filisteos. Les quitaremos todo lo que tienen, y no dejaremos con vida a ninguno de ellos.»

Sus hombres le dijeron:

«Haz todo lo que te parezca mejor.»

El sacerdote les dijo:

«Antes consultemos a Dios.»

37 Entonces Saúl consultó al Señor:

«¿Debo perseguir a los filisteos? ¿Le darás la victoria a tu pueblo Israel?»

El Señor no le dijo nada ese día, 38 así que Saúl llamó a los jefes del pueblo y les preguntó:

«Díganme quién ha pecado hoy, y cuál ha sido su maldad; 39 porque juro por el Señor, el salvador de su pueblo Israel, que el culpable morirá, aun si el culpable es mi hijo Jonatán.»

Y como todo su ejército permaneció callado, 40 Saúl ordenó:

«Ustedes quédense de un lado, y mi hijo Jonatán y yo nos pondremos del otro lado.»

Y ellos respondieron:

«Haz lo que te parezca mejor.»

41 Entonces Saúl le dijo al Señor:

«Concédenos un sorteo perfecto.»

Como la suerte cayó sobre Jonatán y Saúl, y el pueblo quedó libre, 42 Saúl dijo:

«Ahora echen la suerte entre mi hijo Jonatán y yo.»

Como la suerte cayó sobre Jonatán, 43 Saúl le preguntó:

«Confiésame qué es lo que has hecho.»

Y Jonatán le dijo:

«Es verdad que comí un poco de miel, la cual tomé con la punta de la vara que traía en la mano. ¿Y por eso tengo que morir?»

44 Y Saúl respondió:

«Que Dios me añada mayor castigo, si no cumplo mi promesa. Hijo mío, ¡tienes que morir!»

45 Entonces el pueblo le dijo a Saúl:

«¿Tiene que morir tu hijo Jonatán, cuando ha sido él quien salvó al pueblo de Israel? ¡De ninguna manera! Juramos por el Señor que ni uno solo de sus cabellos caerá a tierra. Lo que él hizo hoy, lo hizo de acuerdo al plan de Dios.»

De esta manera el pueblo de Israel impidió la muerte de Jonatán. 46 Y como Saúl dejó de perseguir a los filisteos, éstos se fueron a sus tierras.

47 Después de tomar posesión del reino de Israel, Saúl luchó contra todos los enemigos que lo rodeaban: luchó contra los moabitas, los amonitas, los edomitas, los reyes de Soba y los filisteos; y por dondequiera que iba, salía victorioso. 48 Con el ejército que reunió, derrotó a los amalecitas y libró a Israel de quienes lo saqueaban.

49 Saúl tuvo cinco hijos: Los varones fueron Jonatán, Isúi y Malquisúa. Las mujeres fueron Merab, la mayor, y Mical, la menor. 50 La mujer de Saúl se llamaba Ajinoán, y era hija de Ajimaz. El general de su ejército era su primo Abner hijo de Ner. 51 Su padre, Cis, era hermano de Ner, el padre de Abner; y los dos eran hijos de Abiel.

52 Mientras Saúl fue rey, la guerra contra los filisteos fue encarnizada. Por eso todos los hombres valientes y aptos para la guerra pasaban a formar parte de su ejército.

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