1 Samuel 14:33

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then they told {H5046} Saul {H7586}, saying {H559}, Behold, the people {H5971} sin {H2398} against the LORD {H3068}, in that they eat {H398} with the blood {H1818}. And he said {H559}, Ye have transgressed {H898}: roll {H1556} a great {H1419} stone {H68} unto me this day {H3117}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 14:33 captures a pivotal moment during King Saul's reign, revealing the spiritual consequences of a famished Israelite army's actions after a strenuous battle. Having consumed meat with the blood still in it, a direct violation of Mosaic Law, the people's transgression against the Lord is reported to Saul. His immediate and decisive command to provide a means for proper ritual slaughter underscores his responsibility as king to uphold divine law and address the spiritual impurity that had befallen his army.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The verse immediately follows a day of intense and triumphant battle against the Philistines, where Jonathan's faith-filled initiative led to a significant victory. However, this triumph was marred by King Saul's rash oath, forbidding his soldiers from eating until evening (see [1 Samuel 14:24](/1_samuel/14-24 "1 Samuel 14:24 - Saul's Rash Oath")). The army, pushed to the brink of exhaustion and starvation, eventually fell upon the Philistine spoil, slaughtering animals and eating them without properly draining the blood. This desperate act, detailed in the verses immediately preceding [1 Samuel 14:33](/1_samuel/14-33 "1 Samuel 14:33 - The People's Sin"), sets the stage for the report of their sin to Saul and his subsequent corrective action, which involves the construction of a makeshift altar (as seen in [1 Samuel 14:34-35](/1_samuel/14-34 "1 Samuel 14:34-35 - Saul Builds an Altar")). The narrative highlights the tension between military success and spiritual integrity under Saul's leadership.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the early monarchy in Israel, a period marked by ongoing conflict with the Philistines and the nascent establishment of royal authority. Culturally, the prohibition against consuming blood was a foundational aspect of Israelite identity and worship, deeply rooted in the Mosaic Law. This command, reiterated throughout the Pentateuch (e.g., [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood")), stemmed from the theological understanding that "the life of the creature is in the blood," and therefore, blood was sacred, reserved for atonement on the altar. Eating blood was not merely a dietary violation but a profound spiritual transgression, defiling both the individual and the community. Saul's army, despite their exhaustion, was expected to adhere to these strict purity laws, reflecting the pervasive influence of the covenant on daily life.
* **Key Themes:** The events of [1 Samuel 14](/1_samuel/14 "1 Samuel 14 - Saul's Rash Oath and Victory") and specifically [1 Samuel 14:33](/1_samuel/14-33 "1 Samuel 14:33 - The People's Transgression") contribute significantly to several overarching themes within the book of 1 Samuel. Firstly, **Obedience to God's Law** is paramount, even under extreme duress. The army's sin underscores that divine commands are non-negotiable, emphasizing that circumstances do not negate spiritual responsibility. Secondly, the **Sanctity of Blood and Life** is highlighted, reinforcing the ancient Israelite belief that blood, as the essence of life, was sacred and reserved for God alone, primarily for atonement. Thirdly, the theme of **Leadership Responsibility** is prominent; while Saul's initial rash oath inadvertently led to the army's desperate hunger, his immediate and decisive response to the reported sin demonstrates a leader's duty to address transgression and guide his people back to righteousness and ritual purity. This incident further illustrates the ongoing tension between human leadership and divine authority, a central theme in Saul's reign.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sin (Hebrew, _chata'_):** This verb, frequently used in the Old Testament, signifies missing the mark, going astray, or failing to meet a standard, particularly a divine one. In this context, it denotes a direct violation of God's covenantal law regarding the consumption of blood, implying not just an error but a moral and spiritual offense against the Lord. The people's act was not merely a dietary oversight but an act of unfaithfulness that required immediate rectification.
* **Blood (Hebrew, _dam'_):** Beyond its literal meaning, "blood" in ancient Israelite thought carried profound theological significance. It was considered the seat of life, the very essence of a living being. Its sacredness meant it was to be treated with utmost reverence, primarily as the means of atonement on the altar. To "eat with the blood" was to consume life itself in a forbidden manner, thus defiling oneself and desecrating the sacred principle that life belongs to God.
* **Transgressed (Hebrew, _ma'al'_):** This term is stronger than a simple error; it implies an act of unfaithfulness, treachery, or trespass, often specifically against sacred things or duties owed to God. It suggests a breach of trust or a violation of a covenant obligation, carrying connotations of sacrilege. Saul's use of this word indicates his understanding of the gravity of the people's actions—it was a serious offense against God, not merely a practical mistake.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then they told Saul, saying, Behold, the people sin against the LORD, in that they eat with the blood."**: This opening clause highlights the immediate reporting of the transgression to King Saul, indicating that some within the army or among the observers recognized the gravity of the sin. The phrase "sin against the LORD" underscores that the violation was not merely against a human king's decree but against God Himself, who had explicitly forbidden the consumption of blood. The act of "eating with the blood" refers to consuming meat from animals that had not been properly bled out, a direct and serious violation of the Mosaic dietary laws (e.g., [Leviticus 17:10-14](/leviticus/17-10 "Leviticus 17:10-14 - Prohibition Against Eating Blood")). This immediate report demonstrates a lingering awareness of God's law among the people, even in their desperate state.
* **"And he said, Ye have transgressed:"**: Saul's immediate response confirms the accusation. His use of the word "transgressed" (Hebrew: _ma'al_) signifies his understanding that this was not a minor infraction but a serious act of unfaithfulness or sacrilege against God's covenant. Despite his own rash oath contributing to the army's hunger, Saul recognizes the spiritual danger and the need for prompt action to address the collective sin of the people. This demonstrates a moment of spiritual discernment and responsible leadership on his part.
* **"roll a great stone unto me this day."**: This command is Saul's practical solution to rectify the transgression. The "great stone" would serve as a makeshift altar or a clean, elevated surface upon which animals could be properly slaughtered and bled out before consumption. This action aimed to restore ritual purity and ensure that future consumption of meat would adhere to God's law. It reflects Saul's immediate concern for the spiritual well-being of his army and his recognition that the sin required a communal act of repentance and adherence to proper ritual.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in 1 Samuel 14:33 employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Direct Speech** is prominent, as 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. There is an element of **Dramatic Irony** at play; Saul's rash oath, 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. The very act meant to ensure divine favor results in spiritual defilement, highlighting the unintended consequences of human decrees that override divine wisdom. Furthermore, the passage uses **Foreshadowing** in a subtle way, as this incident, where Saul acts decisively to correct a spiritual transgression, stands in 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.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The prohibition against eating blood, so central to 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 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 obedience to divine statutes.
* [Genesis 9:4](/genesis/9-4 "Genesis 9:4 - Prohibition Against Eating Blood Given to Noah")
* [Leviticus 17:10-14](/leviticus/17-10 "Leviticus 17:10-14 - Detailed Laws on Blood and Atonement")
* [Deuteronomy 12:23-25](/deuteronomy/12-23 "Deuteronomy 12:23-25 - Life is in the Blood, Do Not Eat It")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account in 1 Samuel 14:33 offers timeless insights for contemporary believers. It serves 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.
#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what situations do I find myself most tempted to compromise God's clear commands for the sake of convenience or perceived necessity?**
* **How does my understanding of the sanctity of life, as represented by blood in this passage, inform my ethical decisions today?**
* **As a leader (in any sphere), how can I better emulate Saul's decisive action in addressing spiritual compromise within my sphere of influence, while also considering the root causes of such compromise?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a deeper reverence for God's holiness and His commands, even when they seem counter-cultural or inconvenient?**

### 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](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood")). 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.

**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](/1_samuel/14-24 "1 Samuel 14:24 - Saul's Rash Oath")), 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](/1_samuel/14-32 "1 Samuel 14:32 - The People Eat with the Blood")). 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 the situation that severely tested their obedience.

**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](/1_samuel/14-33 "1 Samuel 14:33 - Saul's Response")) 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. 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.

### 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](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, 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](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - No Remission Without Blood")), and Christ's blood is superior, having entered "into the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption for us" ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). 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](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption by Christ's Precious Blood"), 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 work of their Savior.

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

Romans 2:1

¶ Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

Matthew 7:5

Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.