1 Samuel 14:19

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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."

Berean Standard Bible

While Saul was talking to the priest, the commotion in the Philistine camp continued to increase. So Saul said to the priest, “Withdraw your hand.”

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 14:19 captures a critical juncture in the battle against the Philistines, revealing King Saul's characteristic impulsiveness and his struggle with true reliance on divine guidance. As the Philistine camp descends into chaos, Saul, initially seeking inquiry from the Lord through the priest, abruptly aborts the spiritual consultation, prioritizing immediate tactical advantage over patient discernment of God's will. This moment underscores a recurring theme of Saul's reign: a tendency to act on sight and circumstance rather than on faith and obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a dramatic narrative of the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Philistines. The preceding verses detail Jonathan's extraordinary act of faith, where he, with his armor-bearer, launched a surprise attack on a Philistine garrison, trusting solely in the Lord to grant victory, whether by many or by few ([1 Samuel 14:6](/1_samuel/14-6 "1 Samuel 14:6 - Jonathan's Faith")). This audacious move, empowered by God, caused a miraculous panic and earthquake among the Philistine forces, leading to widespread confusion and infighting ([1 Samuel 14:15](/1_samuel/14-15 "1 Samuel 14:15 - Philistine Panic")). Saul, observing the escalating disarray from Gibeah, recognizes the opportune moment to strike. He calls for the ark of God (or more accurately, the ephod, as indicated by the presence of the priest Ahiah and the context of inquiry) to be brought, intending to inquire of the Lord. However, as the "noise" from the Philistine camp intensifies, signaling a clear and rapidly developing advantage, Saul's impatience takes over, leading to his abrupt command to the priest.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Saul's reign was marked by constant military pressure from the Philistines, who were technologically superior (monopolizing ironwork, as seen in [1 Samuel 13:19-22](/1_samuel/13-19 "1 Samuel 13:19-22 - Philistine Iron Monopoly")). Kings in ancient Israel were expected to lead their people in battle and, crucially, to seek divine guidance before major engagements. The primary means of inquiring of the Lord for specific direction was through the high priest, who would consult God using the Urim and Thummim, sacred lots kept within the ephod ([Exodus 28:30](/exodus/28-30 "Exodus 28:30 - Urim and Thummim")). Saul's initial action to call for the priest and the ephod was in line with this established practice. His subsequent interruption, however, deviates sharply from the expected posture of patient submission to divine revelation, reflecting a deeper issue with his understanding of his role as king under God's ultimate authority.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of 1 Samuel. Firstly, it highlights **Saul's Impulsiveness and Lack of Trust**. His inability to wait for God's clear word, even when a divine mechanism for guidance is in place, showcases a recurring character flaw. This contrasts sharply with Jonathan's earlier, radical trust in God's power to save. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Nature of Divine Guidance** and the importance of seeking it diligently and patiently. Saul's action suggests a preference for perceived tactical advantage over spiritual discernment, treating God's guidance as a potential supplement rather than an indispensable prerequisite. Thirdly, it develops the theme of **Obedience vs. Opportunity**. While the Philistine disarray presented a clear opportunity for Israel, Saul's decision to forgo divine counsel reveals a profound struggle with prioritizing immediate human advantage over faithful obedience to God's process. This impatience foreshadows his later, more significant acts of disobedience that ultimately cost him his kingdom, such as his unauthorized sacrifice ([1 Samuel 13:12](/1_samuel/13-12 "1 Samuel 13:12 - Saul's Impatient Offering")) and his failure to utterly destroy the Amalekites ([1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"noise" (Hebrew, הֶמְיָה, _hemyah'_):** This word denotes a tumultuous sound, a commotion, or a confused uproar. In this context, it vividly describes the escalating chaos, panic, and disorganization within the Philistine camp. It signifies not just sound, but the palpable sense of a battle turning decisively, creating a powerful external stimulus that profoundly influenced Saul's decision-making.
* **"Withdraw thine hand" (Hebrew, אֲסֹף יָדֶךָ, _asof yadeka'_):** This is a direct, imperative command from Saul to the priest. The verb "asof" means to gather, collect, or withdraw. It signifies an abrupt and decisive halt to whatever ritual or action the priest Ahiah was performing to inquire of God via the ephod. It implies an immediate cessation of the spiritual process, driven by Saul's sudden shift in focus from divine consultation to immediate military action based on the visible signs of the Philistine rout.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, while Saul talked unto the priest":** This clause sets the scene, indicating that Saul was in the process of consulting Ahiah, the priest, likely regarding the proper procedure for inquiring of the Lord concerning the battle. This implies an initial, albeit perhaps superficial, intention to seek divine guidance.
* **"that the noise that [was] in the host of the Philistines went on and increased":** This describes the external catalyst for Saul's change of mind. The Philistine camp's internal chaos, initiated by Jonathan's attack and amplified by divine intervention, became increasingly evident and overwhelming. This escalating "noise" represented a clear and rapidly developing tactical advantage, drawing Saul's attention away from the spiritual inquiry.
* **"and Saul said unto the priest, Withdraw thine hand":** This is the pivotal moment of the verse. Saul's abrupt command reveals his impulsiveness and his prioritization of perceived immediate opportunity over patient, spiritual discernment. He cuts short the divine inquiry, demonstrating a lack of full trust in God's timing and method, opting instead to capitalize on the visible disarray of the enemy.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Saul's impulsive interruption of divine counsel here anticipates his later, more severe acts of disobedience, such as his unauthorized sacrifice in [1 Samuel 13](/1_samuel/13 "1 Samuel 13 - Saul's Disobedience") and his failure to fully obey God's command regarding the Amalekites in [1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Rejection as King"). This pattern of prioritizing his own judgment or perceived expediency over God's explicit instruction ultimately leads to his rejection as king. There is also a subtle **Irony** in Saul's action: he initiates the process of seeking divine guidance, only to abandon it precisely when God is already actively working to bring about victory through Jonathan's faith and the Philistines' internal chaos. Saul's impatience prevents him from fully recognizing or waiting for God's complete revelation, even as God's plan is unfolding. Finally, the verse presents a stark **Contrast** between the patient, faith-filled initiative of Jonathan, who trusted God for victory against overwhelming odds, and Saul's impatience and reliance on visible circumstances, even to the point of cutting short a divinely ordained means of communication.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This incident profoundly illustrates the tension between human expediency and divine timing, and the critical importance of patient, faithful reliance on God's guidance. Saul's actions reveal a common human failing: the temptation to seize a perceived opportunity based on immediate circumstances rather than waiting for clear, confirmed direction from the Lord. True faith often requires waiting on God, even when the path forward seems obvious or urgent. Saul's failure here is not merely a tactical misstep but a spiritual one, demonstrating a heart not fully submitted to God's sovereign leading. It underscores that God's methods and timing are often different from ours, and true wisdom lies in aligning with His will, not in rushing ahead based on human calculation.

* [1 Samuel 13:12](/1_samuel/13-12 "1 Samuel 13:12 - Saul's Impatient Sacrifice")
* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Saul's impulsive command to "Withdraw thine hand" serves as a timeless cautionary tale for believers today. In a world that often values speed and immediate results, we are constantly tempted to act on what appears to be a clear opportunity or to react quickly to a perceived crisis, without fully consulting God. This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we truly seeking God's will, or are we merely looking for divine confirmation of our own plans and desires? Do we trust God's timing and methods, even when they seem slower or less efficient than our own? Cultivating patience, spiritual discernment, and a deep reliance on God's Word and prayer are crucial for navigating life's complexities. When the "noise" of life's circumstances intensifies, our first impulse should be to lean into God's presence and wait for His clear direction, rather than to withdraw our hand from seeking Him and rush into action based on what we see.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "noises" in your life that tempt you to act impulsively rather than waiting for God's clear guidance?**
* **How do you typically seek God's will in major decisions, and how patient are you in waiting for His response?**
* **Can you recall a time when you acted on perceived opportunity without full divine counsel, and what was the outcome?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate greater patience and reliance on God's timing in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**What was the priest doing when Saul interrupted him, and why was it important?**

Answer: The priest, Ahiah, was in the process of inquiring of the Lord, most likely using the Urim and Thummim, which were sacred lots kept within the ephod, a priestly garment ([Exodus 28:30](/exodus/28-30 "Exodus 28:30 - Urim and Thummim")). This was the divinely ordained method for seeking specific guidance from God on critical matters, especially military strategy. The process involved the priest presenting a question to God, and the Urim and Thummim would provide a "yes" or "no" answer, or reveal God's will. Saul's interruption was significant because it demonstrated his impatience and his willingness to bypass God's established means of communication. He prioritized the immediate, visible tactical advantage (the Philistine disarray) over waiting for God's explicit instruction, revealing a lack of faith and a tendency to rely on his own judgment.

**Why was Saul's action in this verse significant for his kingship?**

Answer: Saul's action in 1 Samuel 14:19 is a crucial early indicator of a pattern of disobedience and self-reliance that would ultimately lead to his rejection as king. While he initially sought divine guidance, his abrupt cessation of the inquiry demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of his role as king under God's sovereignty. A true king in Israel was meant to be a faithful steward of God's people, dependent on divine wisdom and direction. Saul's impulsiveness here, driven by fear or ambition, foreshadows later, more egregious acts of disobedience, such as his unauthorized sacrifice in [1 Samuel 13](/1_samuel/13 "1 Samuel 13 - Saul's Disobedience") and his failure to utterly destroy the Amalekites in [1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Rejection as King"). These instances collectively reveal a king who consistently placed his own will and perceived expediency above God's clear commands, ultimately leading to God's decision to remove the kingdom from him and give it to a man after His own heart.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Saul's failure to patiently await divine counsel stands in stark contrast to the perfect obedience and unwavering reliance on the Father demonstrated by Jesus Christ. While Saul impulsively "withdraws his hand" from seeking God's will to seize a fleeting opportunity, Jesus consistently declared, "I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me" ([John 5:19](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - Jesus Does the Father's Will")). Unlike Saul, who was swayed by the "noise" of external circumstances, Christ's life was characterized by perfect submission, even to the point of death on a cross. He did not seek His own glory or tactical advantage, but always the Father's will, as seen in His prayer in Gethsemane, "Not my will, but yours be done" ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). Jesus, as our ultimate King and High Priest, perfectly embodies the complete trust and obedience that Saul lacked. He is the one who perfectly inquired of the Father, always acted according to divine wisdom, and perfectly fulfilled God's will, becoming the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). In Him, we find the perfect example of how to live a life of complete dependence on God, and through His finished work, we are granted access to God's throne of grace to find help in our time of need ([Hebrews 4:15-16](/hebrews/4-15-16 "Hebrews 4:15-16 - Jesus Our High Priest")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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

¶ 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

¶ 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.