Jonathan Must Die!

Saul wanted to pursue the enemy during the night and complete their annihilation. Israel had chased the Philistines thirteen miles from Michmash to Aijalon and had not stopped to gather the spoils of battle. They were keen to continue the slaughter of their enemies.

The priest Ahiah counseled Saul to consult with God as to any planned pursuit.

There was silence in response to his proposal to pursue.

Saul now decreed lots should be cast to expose the one who had sinned and cut off communication with the Lord. And the lot fell upon Jonathan.

“By permitting the lot to fall on the innocent Jonathan, God most effectively exposed the evil course of the king. Saul, who had begun his reign in all humility, had now fallen into a hopeless state of self-justification.” “During the day’s battle Jonathan, who had not heard of the king’s command, unwittingly offended by eating a little honey as he passed through a wood. Saul learned of this at evening. He had declared that the violation of his edict should be punished with death; and though Jonathan had not been guilty of a willful sin, though God had miraculously preserved his life and had wrought deliverance through him, the king declared that the sentence must be executed. To spare the life of his son would have been an acknowledgment on the part of Saul that he had sinned in making so rash a vow. This would have been humiliating to his pride.” The people recognized Saul’s injustice and rebelled.

“They remembered the mighty deeds of the hero of the day, and how God had given them the victory through his bravery and faith. The same God who had impressed Jonathan to make his famous exploit, now inspired the army to cry out as one man, ‘There shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground.’” “Those who are most ready to excuse or justify themselves in sin are often most severe in judging and condemning others.”