Saul’s Oath
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The noise of battle reached the camp of Israel, yet no order had been given to attack. Saul immediately requested a muster to see who was fighting without orders.
Only Jonathan and his armor-bearer were missing.
“Saul’s impetuosity was developing rapidly. The apparent confusion in the enemy’s camp threw him into such excitement that he could not even wait for counsel from the Lord. For days he and his fellows had stood by and heard reports of raids by the enemy upon nearby towns, and though he did not know the reason for the flight of forces across the wadi, he abruptly gave the order to attack.” “Determined to make the most of his advantage, the king rashly forbade his soldiers to partake of food for the entire day [1 Samuel 14:24]. . . . He hoped to distinguish himself by the utter destruction of the vanquished army. The command to refrain from food was prompted by selfish ambition, and it showed the king to be indifferent to the needs of his people when these conflicted with his desire for self-exaltation. To confirm his prohibition by a solemn oath showed Saul to be both rash and profane. The very words of the curse give evidence that Saul’s zeal was for himself, and not for the honor of God. He declared his object to be, not ‘that the Lord may be avenged on His enemies,’ but ‘that I may be avenged on mine enemies.’” The Israelites pursued the fleeing Philistines, inflicting great casualties upon them.
When the battle ended, those who had fought all day were exhausted and famished. Evening had come, and the curse was over. They now ate whatever was at hand.
Twice in one day, Saul failed to seek guidance from the Lord.
How often do we rush into situations without consulting God?
