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From Eternity Past
his object to be, not “that the Lord may be avenged on His enemies,”
but “that I may be avenged on mine enemies.”
The people had been engaged in warfare all day and were faint for
want of food; and as soon as the hours of restriction were over, they
devoured flesh with the blood, thus violating the law that forbade the
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eating of blood.
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 had declared that violation of his edict should
be punished with death; and though Jonathan had not been guilty of
a willful sin, and though God had wrought deliverance through him,
the king declared that the sentence must be executed. “God do so, and
more also,” was his terrible sentence; “thou shalt 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 maintaining the sacredness of his oath. The
people refused to allow the sentence to be executed. Braving the anger
of the king, they declared, “Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this
great salvation in Israel? God forbid: as the Lord liveth, there shall
not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with
God this day.”
Jonathan’s deliverance was a severe reproof to the king’s rashness.
Saul felt a presentiment that his curses would return upon his own
head. He returned to his home, moody and dissatisfied.
Those most ready to excuse themselves in sin are often most severe
in condemning others. Many, like Saul, when convinced that the Lord
is not with them, refuse to see in themselves the cause of their trouble.
They indulge in cruel judgment of others who are better than they.
Often those who are seeking to exalt themselves are brought into
positions where their true character is revealed. So it was in the
case of Saul. Kingly honors were dearer to him than justice, mercy,
or benevolence. Thus the people were led to see their error. They
had exchanged the pious prophet, whose prayers had brought down
blessings, for a king who had prayed for a curse upon them.
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Had not the men of Israel interposed, Jonathan, their deliverer,
would have perished by the king’s decree. With what misgivings must