1 Samuel 14:19

And it came to pass, while Saul talked unto the priest, that the noise that [was] in the host of the Philistines went on and increased: and Saul said unto the priest, Withdraw thine hand.

And it came to pass, while Saul {H7586} talked {H1696} unto the priest {H3548}, that the noise {H1995} that was in the host {H4264} of the Philistines {H6430} went {H3212} on {H1980} and increased {H7227}: and Saul {H7586} said {H559} unto the priest {H3548}, Withdraw {H622} thine hand {H3027}.

But while Sha'ul was talking to the cohen, the uproar in the camp of the P'lishtim continued and kept getting louder. Sha'ul said to the cohen, "Put your hand down."

While Saul was talking to the priest, the commotion in the Philistine camp continued to increase. So Saul said to the priest, โ€œWithdraw your hand.โ€

And it came to pass, while Saul talked unto the priest, that the tumult that was in the camp of the Philistines went on and increased: and Saul said unto the priest, Withdraw thy hand.

Commentary

1 Samuel 14:19 captures a pivotal moment during the intense battle between the Israelites and the Philistines, highlighting King Saul's character and his approach to divine guidance.

Context

This verse is set against the backdrop of a significant military engagement. Jonathan, King Saul's son, has, with remarkable faith and courage, initiated a surprise attack on the Philistine garrison, causing widespread panic and confusion among the enemy (see 1 Samuel 14:6). As the Philistine camp begins to unravel, Saul observes the chaos. In an attempt to seek God's will and perhaps gain strategic insight, Saul consults the priest Ahiah, who is preparing to inquire of the Lord, likely using the Urim and Thummim within the ephod.

Key Themes

  • Saul's Impulsiveness: The verse vividly portrays Saul's tendency to act on immediate circumstances rather than patiently waiting for divine counsel. As the noise from the Philistine camp intensifies, signaling a clear advantage, Saul abruptly commands the priest to stop the inquiry ("Withdraw thine hand"). This contrasts sharply with a posture of complete reliance on God's timing and wisdom.
  • The Nature of Divine Guidance: Consulting the priest with the ephod was the established method for seeking God's specific direction in critical situations. Saul's interruption underscores a failure to fully trust in this process, prioritizing perceived tactical advantage over spiritual discernment.
  • Opportunity vs. Obedience: While the Philistine disarray presented a clear opportunity for the Israelites, Saul's decision reveals a common human struggle: whether to seize an immediate, seemingly advantageous moment or to wait for clear instruction from God. This impatience foreshadows later instances of Saul's disobedience (compare with 1 Samuel 13:12 and 1 Samuel 15:22).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Withdraw thine hand" (Hebrew: ืึฒืกึนืฃ ื™ึธื“ึถืšึธ, asof yadeka) is a direct, imperative command. It signifies an abrupt halt to the priestly ritual, whatever specific actions Ahiah was performing to inquire of God. It's a command driven by urgency and a shift in Saul's focus from spiritual consultation to immediate military action.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder for believers today about the importance of patience and full reliance on God's guidance, even when circumstances seem to demand immediate action. It challenges us to consider whether we are truly seeking God's will or simply looking for confirmation of our own plans. In moments of perceived crisis or opportunity, waiting for the Lord's clear direction, rather than impulsively acting on what appears to be a good idea, is crucial for truly aligning with His purposes. It underscores the value of spiritual discernment over mere tactical advantage.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 27:21

    And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask [counsel] for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, [both] he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.

  • 1 Samuel 14:24

    ยถ And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed [be] the man that eateth [any] food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted [any] food.

  • 1 Samuel 13:11

    And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and [that] thou camest not within the days appointed, and [that] the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash;

  • Isaiah 28:16

    Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner [stone], a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

  • Psalms 106:13

    ยถ They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel:

  • Joshua 9:14

    And the men took of their victuals, and asked not [counsel] at the mouth of the LORD.
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