TRV
Translation
King James Version
Then they told Saul, saying, Behold, the people sin against the LORD, in that they eat with the blood. And he said, Ye have transgressed: roll a great stone unto me this day.
Complete Jewish Bible
Sha'ul was told, "Look how the people are sinning against ADONAI, eating with the blood." He said, "You have not kept faith! Roll a big stone to me immediately!
Berean Standard Bible
Then someone reported to Saul: “Look, the troops are sinning against the LORD by eating meat with the blood still in it.” “You have broken faith,” said Saul. “Roll a large stone over here at once.”
American Standard Version
Then they told Saul, saying, Behold, the people sin against Jehovah, in that they eat with the blood. And he said, Ye have dealt treacherously: roll a great stone unto me this day.
World English Bible Messianic
Then they told Saul, saying, “Behold, the people are sinning against the LORD, in that they eat meat with the blood.” He said, “You have dealt treacherously. Roll a large stone to me this day!”
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then men tolde Saul, saying, Beholde, the people sinne against the Lord, in that they eate with the blood. And he saide, Ye haue trespassed: roule a great stone vnto me this day.
Young's Literal Translation
And they declare to Saul, saying, `Lo, the people are sinning against Jehovah, to eat with the blood.' And he saith, `Ye have dealt treacherously, roll unto me to-day a great stone.'
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Commentary on 1 Samuel 14 verses 24–35
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.
25 And all they of the land came to a wood; and there was honey upon the ground.
26 And when the people were come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped; but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath.
27 But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened.
28 Then answered one of the people, and said, Thy father straitly charged the people with an oath, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food this day. And the people were faint.
29 Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey.
30 How much more, if haply the people had eaten freely to day of the spoil of their enemies which they found? for had there not been now a much greater slaughter among the Philistines?
31 And they smote the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon: and the people were very faint.
32 And the people flew upon the spoil, and took sheep, and oxen, and calves, and slew them on the ground: and the people did eat them with the blood.
33 Then they told Saul, saying, Behold, the people sin against the LORD, in that they eat with the blood. And he said, Ye have transgressed: roll a great stone unto me this day.
34 And Saul said, Disperse yourselves among the people, and say unto them, Bring me hither every man his ox, and every man his sheep, and slay them here, and eat; and sin not against the LORD in eating with the blood. And all the people brought every man his ox with him that night, and slew them there.
35 And Saul built an altar unto the LORD: the same was the first altar that he built unto the LORD.
We have here an account of the distress of the children of Israel, even in the day of their triumphs. Such alloys are all present joys subject to. And such obstructions does many a good cause meet with, even when it seems most prosperous, through the mismanagement of instruments.
I. Saul forbade the people, under the penalty of a curse, to taste any food that day, Sa1 14:24. Here we will suppose, 1. That as king he had power to put his soldiers under this interdict, and to bind it on with a curse; and therefore they submitted to it, and God so far owned it as to discover, by the lot, that Jonathan was the delinquent that had meddled with the accursed thing (though ignorantly), on which account God would not be at that time enquired of by them. 2. That he did it with a good intention, lest the people, who perhaps had been kept for some time at short allowance, when they found plenty of victuals in the deserted camp of the Philistines, should fall greedily upon that, and so lose time in pursing the enemy, and some of them, it may be, glut themselves to such a degree as not to be fit for any more service that day. To prevent this, he forbade them to taste any food, and laid himself, it is likely, under the same restraint. And yet his making this severe order was, (1.) Impolitic and very unwise; for, if it gained time, it lost strength, for the pursuit. (2.) It was imperious, and disobliging to the people, and worse than muzzling the mouth of the ox when he treads out the corn. To forbid them to feast would have been commendable, but to forbid them so much as to taste, though ever so hungry, was barbarous. (3.) It was impious to enforce the prohibition with a curse and an oath. Had he no penalty less than an anathema wherewith to support his military discipline? Death for such a crime would have been too much, but especially death with a curse. Though superiors may chide and correct, they may not curse their inferiors; our rule is, Bless, and curse not. When David speaks of an enemy he had that loved cursing perhaps he meant Saul, Psa 109:17, Psa 109:18.
II. The people observed his order, but it had many inconveniences attending it. 1. The soldiers were tantalized; for, in their pursuit of the enemy, it happened that they went through a wood so full of wild honey that it dropped from the trees upon the ground, the Philistines having perhaps, in their flight, broken in upon the honeycombs, for their own refreshment, and left them running. Canaan flowed with honey, and here is an instance of it. They sucked honey out of the rock, the flinty rock (Deu 32:13); yet, for fear of the curse, they did not so much as taste the honey, Sa1 14:25, Sa1 14:26. Those are worthy of the name of Israelites that can deny themselves and their own appetites even when they are most craving, and the delights of sense most tempting, for fear of guilt and a curse, and the table becoming a snare. Let us never feed ourselves, much less feast ourselves, without fear. 2. Jonathan fell under the curse through ignorance. He heard not of the charge his father had given; for, having bravely forced the lines, he was then following the chase, and therefore might justly be looked upon as exempted from the charge and intended in it. But it seems it was taken for granted, and he himself did not object against it afterwards, that it extended to him, though absent upon so good an occasion. He, not knowing any peril in it, took up a piece of a honey-comb, upon the end of his staff, and sucked it (Sa1 14:27), and was sensibly refreshed by it: His eyes were enlightened, which began to grow dim through hunger and faintness; it made his countenance look pleasant and cheerful, for it was such as a stander-by might discern (Sa1 14:29): See how my eyes have been enlightened. He thought no harm, nor feared any, till one of the people acquainted him with the order, and then he found himself in a snare. Many a good son has been thus entangled and distressed, in more ways than one, by the rashness of an inconsiderate father. Jonathan, for his part, lost the crown he was heir to by his father's folly, which, it may be, this was an ill omen of. 3. The soldiers were faint, and grew feeble, in the pursuit of the Philistines. Jonathan foresaw this would be the effect of it; their spirits would flag, and their strength would fail, for want of sustenance. Such is the nature of our bodies that they soon grow unfit for service if they be not supplied with fresh recruits. Daily work cannot be done without daily bread, which our Father in heaven graciously gives us. It is bread that strengthens man's heart; therefore Jonathan reasoned very well, If the people had eaten freely, there would have been a much greater slaughter (Sa1 14:30); but, as it was, they were very faint, too much fatigued (so the Chaldee), and began to think more of their meat than of their work. 4. The worst effect of all was that at evening, when the restraint was taken off and they returned to their food again, they were so greedy and eager upon it that they ate the flesh with the blood, expressly contrary to the law of God, Sa1 14:32. Two hungry meals, we say, make the third a glutton; it was so here. They would not stay to have their meat either duly killed (for they slew the cattle upon the ground, and did not hang them up, as they used to do, that the blood might all run out of them) or duly dressed, but fell greedily upon it before it was half boiled or half roasted, Sa1 14:32. Saul, being informed of it, reproved them for the sin (Sa1 14:33): You have transgressed; but did not, as he should have done, reflect upon himself as having been accessory to it, and having made the Lord's people to transgress. To put a stop to this irregularity, Saul ordered them to set up a great stone before him, and let all that had cattle to kill, for their present use, bring them thither, and kill them under his eye upon that stone (Sa1 14:33), and the people did so (Sa1 14:34), so easily were they restrained and reformed when their prince took care to do his part. If magistrates would but use their power as they might, people would be made better than they are with more ease than is imagined.
III. On this occasion Saul built an altar (Sa1 14:35), that he might offer sacrifice, either by way of acknowledgment of the victory they had obtained or by the way of atonement for the sin they had been guilty of. The same was the first altar that he built, and perhaps the rolling of the great stone to kill the beasts on reminded him of converting it into an altar, else he would not have thought of it. Saul was turning aside from God, and yet now he began to build altars, being most zealous (as many are) for the form of godliness when he was denying the power of it. See Hos 8:14, Israel has forgotten his Maker, and buildeth temples. Some read it, He began to build that altar; he laid the first stone, but was so hasty to pursue his victory that he could not stay to finish it.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 24–35. Public domain.
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BedeAD 735
Commentary on Samuel
They reported to Saul, saying that the people had sinned against the Lord, etc. The diligent leaders, knowing the negligence of idle teachers, wherein the people sin against the Lord, baptizing those who have not yet been purified from carnality nor fully instructed in faith, immediately rebuke such transgressors and command that the rule of heavenly life be openly proposed with Catholic authority; and they order the idle teachers, who had so far been vexed by common ignorance, to lead all those they have undertaken to instruct up to the model of life which they themselves had learned from their forefathers, and by catechizing them according to the most robust example of Catholic perfection, bring to an end their former way of life inherited from their fathers, and by baptizing, incorporate them into the members of the Church. Thus, they would no longer sin against the Lord, binding those who are ignorant of faith and heavenly life to the unity of His body, that is, the Church of Christ. Understand that the ox and the ram delivered from the Philistines, slaughtered and eaten by the people of God upon the intellectual rock, symbolize any foolish and arrogant person, renewed from deadly custom into spiritual life; as also mentioned above, sheep and calves together with the oxen taken from them signify movements of soul or flesh devoted to irrationality and lust, but saved through the Lord.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Samuel 14:33 records a critical moment during Saul's kingship, exposing the spiritual peril faced by his famished army after a grueling battle. The people's desperate act of consuming meat with its blood, a direct violation of God's covenantal law, is reported to Saul. His swift and authoritative command to provide a proper means for ritual slaughter underscores his immediate responsibility as king to uphold divine statutes and address the profound spiritual impurity that had afflicted his troops.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is situated within a narrative arc detailing King Saul's leadership during a significant conflict with the Philistines. The preceding verses (specifically 1 Samuel 14:24-32) reveal that Saul had imposed a rash oath, forbidding his soldiers from eating until evening, which led to extreme hunger among his forces. Following a decisive victory, the exhausted and famished army "flew upon the spoil," slaughtering animals and eating them with the blood still in them, a clear transgression of Mosaic Law. This desperate act sets the immediate stage for the report to Saul in 1 Samuel 14:33 and his subsequent corrective action, which involves the construction of a makeshift altar (as detailed in 1 Samuel 14:34-35). The passage highlights the tension between military expediency and spiritual integrity, a recurring theme in Saul's reign, and foreshadows his later struggles with obedience.
Historical & Cultural Context: The historical setting is the nascent period of the Israelite monarchy, characterized by ongoing warfare with the Philistines and the challenging process of establishing a centralized leadership under Saul. Culturally, the prohibition against consuming blood was a cornerstone of Israelite religious identity and practice, deeply embedded in the Mosaic Law. This command, reiterated throughout the Pentateuch (e.g., Leviticus 17:11), was predicated on the theological principle that "the life of the creature is in the blood," rendering blood sacred and reserved for atonement on the altar. Eating blood was not merely a dietary infraction but a profound spiritual defilement, impacting both the individual and the communal covenant relationship with God. Despite the extreme duress of battle and starvation, Saul's army was expected to adhere to these strict purity laws, reflecting the pervasive influence of the covenant on all aspects of Israelite life.
Key Themes: The events of 1 Samuel 14 and specifically 1 Samuel 14:33 contribute significantly to several overarching themes within the book of 1 Samuel. Firstly, the passage underscores the absolute necessity of Obedience to God's Law, even in the direst circumstances. The army's sin demonstrates that divine commands are non-negotiable, emphasizing that no amount of physical hardship or military success can justify spiritual compromise. Secondly, the Sanctity of Blood and Life is powerfully reinforced, highlighting the ancient Israelite belief that blood, as the essence of life, belongs solely to God and serves a unique, sacred purpose in atonement. Thirdly, the incident illuminates the critical theme of Leadership Responsibility. While Saul's own misguided oath inadvertently contributed to the army's desperate hunger, his immediate and decisive response to the reported sin exemplifies a leader's duty to identify and rectify transgression, guiding his people back to ritual purity and covenant faithfulness. This moment of spiritual discernment stands in contrast to later episodes in Saul's narrative where his obedience falters, making this a pivotal point in his portrayal as king.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The narrative in 1 Samuel 14:33 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its message. Direct Speech is prominently featured, as both the report to Saul and his subsequent command are presented verbatim, lending immediacy and authenticity to the interaction. This allows the reader to directly witness the communication of the sin and the king's decisive response. An element of Dramatic Irony is at play; Saul's rash oath (in 1 Samuel 14:24), intended to secure a victory and honor God (albeit misguidedly), inadvertently leads his famished army into a direct violation of God's fundamental dietary laws concerning blood. The very act meant to ensure divine favor results in spiritual defilement, highlighting the unintended and often counterproductive consequences of human decrees that override divine wisdom. Furthermore, the passage subtly employs Foreshadowing, as this incident, where Saul acts decisively to correct a spiritual transgression, stands in stark contrast to later instances where his obedience and leadership falter, ultimately leading to his rejection by God. The "great stone" itself functions as a Symbol of immediate necessity and a temporary return to ritual order, a stark contrast to the established, permanent altars, underscoring the chaotic circumstances that led to the sin and the king's pragmatic response.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The prohibition against eating blood, a central concern in this passage, is one of the most ancient and consistently reiterated commands in the biblical narrative, underscoring its profound theological significance. First given to Noah after the flood, establishing a universal principle for humanity, it was then codified and expanded upon in the Mosaic Law for Israel. This command is rooted in the understanding that blood represents life itself, and life belongs uniquely to God. Therefore, consuming blood was seen as an affront to the Creator's sovereignty and a violation of the sanctity of life. Furthermore, within the Israelite sacrificial system, blood held a crucial role as the means of atonement, being sprinkled on the altar to make propitiation for sin. This sacred function meant that blood was not to be treated as common food but as a holy substance reserved for God's redemptive purposes. The people's violation in 1 Samuel 14:33 thus represents a serious breach of covenant, defiling both themselves and the community, and highlighting the enduring importance of ritual purity and unreserved obedience to divine statutes.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account in 1 Samuel 14:33 offers timeless insights for contemporary believers, serving as a powerful reminder that God's commands are not arbitrary suggestions but foundational principles for human flourishing and holiness, to be upheld even in challenging circumstances. The army's desperate hunger, while understandable, did not excuse their transgression against a clear divine mandate. This prompts us to consider areas in our own lives where convenience, pressure, or perceived necessity might lead us to compromise spiritual principles or ethical boundaries. True obedience is demonstrated not just in ideal conditions but especially when tested by duress. Furthermore, the passage highlights the importance of spiritual accountability within a community. Just as the people reported the sin to Saul, believers are called to maintain a vigilant awareness of God's standards and, where necessary, to humbly confess and correct deviations. For leaders, it underscores the vital responsibility to discern sin, address it decisively, and provide pathways for repentance and restoration, ensuring that the community remains aligned with God's will and God's glory.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was eating blood such a serious sin in ancient Israel?
Answer: Eating blood was a serious sin because, according to Mosaic Law, "the life of the creature is in the blood" (Leviticus 17:11). Since life belongs to God, the consumption of blood was seen as an affront to His sovereignty over life itself. Furthermore, blood played a crucial, sacred role in the sacrificial system, serving as the means of atonement for sin on the altar. To consume it was to desecrate a holy substance reserved for God's redemptive purposes, thereby violating the covenant and incurring ritual impurity. This prohibition was not merely a dietary restriction but a fundamental theological principle emphasizing the sanctity of life and the unique role of blood in reconciliation with God, a principle established as early as Genesis 9:4.
Did Saul's rash oath directly cause the people to sin?
Answer: While Saul's rash oath, forbidding his soldiers from eating until evening (1 Samuel 14:24), did not directly command them to eat blood, it created the extreme conditions of hunger and exhaustion that led to their desperate act. The people were so famished that they "flew upon the spoil, and took sheep, and oxen, and calves, and slew them on the ground: and the people did eat them with the blood" (1 Samuel 14:32). So, while the oath was an indirect cause, the ultimate responsibility for violating God's law lay with the people who chose to eat without proper bleeding. Saul, however, bears responsibility for creating a situation that severely tested their obedience and led to their spiritual compromise.
What was the purpose of "rolling a great stone" to Saul?
Answer: Saul's command to "roll a great stone unto me this day" (1 Samuel 14:33) was a practical and immediate solution to rectify the sin of eating blood. The great stone served as a makeshift, clean, and elevated surface or altar upon which the animals could be properly slaughtered and bled out before consumption. This ensured that future eating would adhere to the Mosaic Law's requirements for ritual purity, as detailed in passages like Deuteronomy 12:16. It was an act of immediate spiritual correction, providing a means for the people to offer their sacrifices and consume meat in a way that honored God, demonstrating Saul's role in guiding his people back to covenantal obedience and ritual cleanliness.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Old Testament prohibition against consuming blood, so starkly highlighted in 1 Samuel 14:33, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The repeated emphasis on blood as the essence of life and the means of atonement points directly to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of the Lamb of God whose blood was shed for the remission of sins. While the Old Covenant sacrifices required the constant shedding of animal blood to cover sin, these rituals were merely a shadow of the perfect reality to come. Jesus's blood, shed on the cross, is the new and eternal covenant blood, which truly cleanses and redeems, offering complete and lasting forgiveness. As the author of Hebrews declares, "without shedding of blood is no remission" (Hebrews 9:22), and Christ's blood is superior, having entered "into the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption for us" (Hebrews 9:12). Therefore, the sanctity of blood in 1 Samuel 14:33, and its role in ritual purity, ultimately directs our gaze to the precious blood of Christ, by which believers are truly purified and brought into a right relationship with God, no longer needing animal sacrifices or makeshift altars, but resting in the finished, perfect work of their Savior, who established the new covenant in His blood.