1 Samuel | Chapter Summaries + Study QuestionsSample

1 SAMUEL 14

SAUL’S CURSE + JONATHAN’S CONFESSION

Saul’s son Jonathan defeats the Philistines with God’s provision. Jonathan trusts God, unlike Saul, who relies on his own strength.

Saul makes a rash decision to curse any of the Israelites who ate while they are at war with the Philistines. Jonathan did not hear this vow his father made and ate some honey. When Jonathan is made aware of Saul’s curse, he does not understand why the Israelites would not be able to eat in battle. Once the other Israelites saw Jonathan eating, they began aggressively eating anything in sight. When they devoured the livestock, they broke the laws regarding not eating blood. Saul’s strange vow is not only unwise, but it also causes others to sin.

Saul asks God for wisdom, but God does not answer Saul. Jonathan confesses to eating the honey, and Saul intends to kill him. Luckily, the Israelites stopped that from happening. At this point, Saul has defeated many of his enemies, but still does not listen to God’s instruction.

STUDY QUESTIONS

How did Jonathan, Saul’s son, lead with faithfulness and trust in God?

What strange vow did Saul make regarding food? What happened when Jonathan didn’t get the memo?