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Saul Makes a Terrible Mistake
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exalt himself. By his own declaration, his goal was not “that the
Lord may take vengeance on His enemies,” but “that I have taken
vengeance on my enemies.”
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The people had been engaged in warfare all day and were faint
because they had not eaten. As soon as the hours of restriction were
over, they rushed to the spoils and devoured meat with the blood,
violating the law that prohibited the eating of blood.
Jonathan had not heard of the king’s command, and during the
day’s battle he unwittingly offended by eating a little honey as he
passed through some woods. Saul had declared that anyone violating
his ban would be punished with death. Jonathan had not been guilty
of a willful sin, and God had brought about deliverance through him,
but the king declared that the sentence must be executed. “God do
so and more also,” was his terrible sentence; “you shall surely die,
Jonathan.”
Jonathan’s Life Is Saved
Saul could not claim the honor of the victory, but he hoped to
be honored for his zeal in enforcing the sacredness of his oath. The
people refused to allow the sentence to be carried out. Braving
the anger of the king, they declared, “Shall Jonathan die, who has
accomplished this great deliverance in Israel? Certainly not! As the
Lord lives, not one hair of his head shall fall to the ground, for he
has worked with God this day.”
Jonathan’s deliverance was a severe reproof to the king’s rash-
ness. Saul felt a premonition that his curses would return on his own
head. He went back to his home, moody and dissatisfied.
Those who are most ready to excuse themselves in sin are often
the most severe in condemning others. Many, like Saul, when
convinced that the Lord is not with them, refuse to see the cause
of their trouble in themselves. They indulge in cruel judgment of
others who are better than they are.
Often those who are seeking to exalt themselves are brought
into situations where their true character is revealed. This is how it
was in the case of Saul. Kingly honors were more important to him
than justice, mercy, or kindness. Thus the people were led to see
their error. They had exchanged the godly prophet, whose prayers