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1 Samuel 14:42

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Samuel 14:42 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Saul said, Cast [lots] between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Saul said, Cast [lots] between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken.
1 Samuel 14:42 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Samuel 14

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
39For, as Jehovah liveth, who saveth Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die. But there was not a man among all the people that answered him.
40Then said he unto all Israel, Be ye on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side. And the people said unto Saul, Do what seemeth good unto thee.
41Therefore Saul said unto Jehovah, the God of Israel, Show the right. And Jonathan and Saul were taken [by lot]; but the people escaped.
42And Saul said, Cast [lots] between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken.
43Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did certainly taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in my hand; and, lo, I must die.
44And Saul said, God do so and more also; for thou shalt surely die, Jonathan.
45And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? Far from it: as Jehovah liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not.
← 1 Samuel 14:411 Samuel 14:43 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And Saul said, cast [lots] between me and Jonathan my son, etc.]. Which showed his regard strict justice, and that he had no consciousness of guilt in himself, and should not spare his own son if found guilty: and Jonathan was taken: the lot fell upon him, which was so directed, that his ignorance of his father’s charge and oath might appear; and that the affection of the people might be discovered; and that a regard is to be had to the orders and commands of princes, and obedience to be yielded to them in all in which conscience is not concerned, though they may be grievous; and to bring Saul to a sense of rashness in making such an oath, which brought his own son into so much danger.”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Jonathan - God so ordered the lot; not that he approved Saul's execration, Sa1 14:24, or his oath that the transgressor should die, Sa1 14:39, nor that he would expose Jonathan to death; but that Saul's folly might be chastised, when he saw what danger it had brought upon his eldest and excellent son; and that Jonathan's innocency might be cleared. 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 14:44”
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Sources and verification