1 Samuel 14:34

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Saul {H7586} said {H559}, Disperse {H6327} yourselves among the people {H5971}, and say {H559} unto them, Bring me hither {H5066} every man {H376} his ox {H7794}, and every man {H376} his sheep {H7716}, and slay {H7819} them here, and eat {H398}; and sin {H2398} not against the LORD {H3068} in eating {H398} with the blood {H1818}. And all the people {H5971} brought {H5066} every man {H376} his ox {H7794} with him {H3027} that night {H3915}, and slew {H7819} them there.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now," Sha'ul said, "go around among the people and tell them, 'Each of you is to bring his cow and his sheep and slaughter them here. Then eat. Don't sin against ADONAI by eating with the blood." So each person brought his animal with him that evening and killed it there.

Berean Standard Bible

Then he said, “Go among the troops and tell them, ‘Each man must bring me his ox or his sheep, slaughter them in this place, and then eat. Do not sin against the LORD by eating meat with the blood still in it.’” So that night everyone brought his ox and slaughtered it there.

American Standard Version

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 Jehovah in eating with the blood. And all the people brought every man his ox with him that night, and slew them there.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Saul, confronted with the grave sin of his famished Israelite soldiers eating meat with the blood after a long battle, issues an immediate and decisive command. Recognizing the spiritual transgression against the Lord, he instructs the people to bring their livestock to a central location, where they can be properly slaughtered, drained of blood, and consumed in accordance with the Mosaic Law. This swift action aims to rectify the corporate sin and prevent further defilement, highlighting Saul's responsibility as king to uphold God's covenant, even in the aftermath of his own rash oath that led to the army's desperate hunger.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment following a day of intense warfare against the Philistines, marked by both Israelite victory and internal spiritual crisis. Earlier in [1 Samuel 14](/1-samuel/14 "1 Samuel 14 - Jonathan's Victory and Saul's Rash Oath"), King Saul had imposed a rash oath, forbidding his soldiers from eating until evening, which severely weakened them ([1 Samuel 14:24](/1-samuel/14-24 "1 Samuel 14:24 - Saul's Rash Oath")). Driven by extreme hunger after routing the Philistines, the people "flew upon the spoil" and "did eat with the blood" ([1 Samuel 14:32](/1-samuel/14-32 "1 Samuel 14:32 - The People's Sinful Eating")). This act was a direct violation of God's law, a sin against the Lord. Upon being informed of this transgression, Saul immediately takes action in [1 Samuel 14:34](/1-samuel/14-34 "1 Samuel 14:34 - Saul's Rectification of Sin"), demonstrating a reactive leadership style, attempting to correct a problem that his own earlier decision exacerbated. The narrative then continues to describe the building of an altar, Saul's attempt to inquire of God, and Jonathan's near-execution, all stemming from the events of this tumultuous day.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prohibition against consuming blood was a foundational aspect of the Mosaic Law, deeply rooted in ancient Israelite theology. This command, reiterated in various forms throughout the Pentateuch (e.g., [Genesis 9:4](/genesis/9-4 "Genesis 9:4 - Prohibition against Eating Blood"), [Leviticus 17:10-14](/leviticus/17-10 "Leviticus 17:10-14 - The Sanctity of Blood"), [Deuteronomy 12:23-25](/deuteronomy/12-23 "Deuteronomy 12:23-25 - Warning Against Eating Blood")), stemmed from the belief that "the life of the flesh is in the blood" ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Blood for Atonement")). Blood was considered sacred, reserved for atonement and purification rituals, symbolizing life given back to God. Eating blood was thus an act of profanation, a disregard for the sanctity of life and God's divine ordinance. In the context of warfare, soldiers often faced extreme hunger, and the temptation to quickly consume meat without proper ritual slaughter would have been immense. Saul's command reflects the immediate need to re-establish ritual purity and obedience to the covenant in a chaotic situation, preventing a corporate sin from escalating divine displeasure.

* **Key Themes:** The events of [1 Samuel 14](/1-samuel/14 "1 Samuel 14 - Saul's Flawed Leadership") highlight several prominent themes. **Obedience to God's Law** is paramount, as the people's violation of the blood prohibition underscores the seriousness of disregarding divine commands, even under duress. This contrasts sharply with Jonathan's earlier, albeit unwitting, disobedience to Saul's oath ([1 Samuel 14:27](/1-samuel/14-27 "1 Samuel 14:27 - Jonathan's Honey")), which was a human command, not a divine one. **Leadership Responsibility** is a central motif, as Saul's actions, from his rash oath ([1 Samuel 14:24](/1-samuel/14-24 "1 Samuel 14:24 - Saul's Rash Oath")) to his attempt to rectify the people's sin ([1 Samuel 14:34](/1-samuel/14-34 "1 Samuel 14:34 - Saul's Rectification")), reveal the complexities and challenges of kingship. He is seen struggling to balance military necessity with spiritual integrity. The **Sanctity of Blood and Life** is emphasized through the strict prohibition, pointing to a deeper theological understanding of life's origin and purpose, and its connection to atonement. Finally, the **Consequences of Sin** are vividly portrayed, as Saul's initial folly leads to a cascade of negative spiritual and physical repercussions for the entire army, necessitating immediate corrective action to avert further divine judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sin (Hebrew, _chata'_):** The verb חָטָא (_chata'_) means "to miss the mark," "to err," or "to go astray." In this context, it signifies a direct transgression against God's revealed will, specifically the Mosaic Law concerning the consumption of blood. Saul's command, "sin not against the LORD," emphasizes that the act of eating blood is not merely a dietary violation but a spiritual offense, a departure from the path of covenant obedience that carries divine consequences.
* **Blood (Hebrew, _dam_):** The noun דָּם (_dam_) refers to blood, a substance of profound theological significance throughout the Old Testament. It is consistently associated with life ("the life of the flesh is in the blood," [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Blood for Atonement")) and is intrinsically linked to atonement and purification rituals. The prohibition against consuming blood underscores its sacred nature, setting it apart for holy purposes, particularly in sacrificial offerings. To eat blood was to profane what God had declared holy and reserved for the expiation of sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Saul said, Disperse yourselves among the people, and say unto them, Bring me hither every man his ox, and every man his sheep,"**: Following the report of the people's sin, Saul takes immediate, decisive action. His command to "disperse" and "bring" indicates a centralized effort to control the situation. By requiring every man to bring his own ox or sheep, Saul ensures that the entire army participates in the rectification process, acknowledging the corporate nature of the transgression and providing a lawful means for sustenance. This also implies a temporary halt to the pursuit of the Philistines, prioritizing spiritual order over military advantage.
* **"and slay [them] here, and eat;"**: Saul designates a specific, central location ("here") for the slaughter of the animals. This ensures that the killing is done properly, under supervision, allowing the blood to be drained according to the Law. The instruction to "eat" immediately after implies that once the animals are ritually prepared, the people are permitted to consume the meat, addressing their desperate hunger while upholding divine commands. This act also sets the stage for the building of an altar, as described in the subsequent verse ([1 Samuel 14:35](/1-samuel/14-35 "1 Samuel 14:35 - Saul Builds an Altar")), further emphasizing the religious nature of the rectification.
* **"and sin not against the LORD in eating with the blood."**: This is the core of Saul's instruction, explicitly stating the reason for his command. He directly addresses the specific transgression that occurred ([1 Samuel 14:32](/1-samuel/14-32 "1 Samuel 14:32 - The People's Sinful Eating")), reiterating the divine prohibition. The phrase "sin not against the LORD" highlights the gravity of the offense, emphasizing that it is a direct affront to God's holiness and covenant. This demonstrates Saul's awareness of his role as king to enforce God's laws and prevent his people from incurring divine wrath.
* **"And all the people brought every man his ox with him that night, and slew [them] there."**: This concluding clause confirms the people's immediate and widespread obedience to Saul's command. The phrase "that night" underscores the urgency of the situation—the soldiers were famished and needed to eat, but they did so in a manner that now honored God's Law. Their compliance indicates a recognition of their sin and a willingness to rectify it, at least outwardly. This collective action contrasts with their earlier impulsive eating, demonstrating a return to order and adherence to the covenant.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Direct Discourse** is prominent, as Saul's precise instructions are quoted, allowing the reader to hear his authoritative command and the rationale behind it. This highlights his immediate response to the crisis. There is also a strong element of **Juxtaposition** between the people's desperate, lawless eating in [1 Samuel 14:32](/1-samuel/14-32 "1 Samuel 14:32 - The People's Sinful Eating") and their subsequent orderly, obedient slaughter and consumption in [1 Samuel 14:34](/1-samuel/14-34 "1 Samuel 14:34 - Saul's Rectification of Sin"). This contrast emphasizes the shift from chaos and sin to order and compliance. Furthermore, the narrative employs **Repetition** of the act of "slaying" and "eating," first in the command and then in the description of the people's action, reinforcing the importance of the proper procedure. The underlying **Symbolism** of blood, representing life and atonement, permeates the passage, giving theological weight to the seemingly simple act of eating.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The immediate rectification of the sin of eating blood in 1 Samuel 14:34 underscores the profound importance of obedience to God's covenant commands, particularly those related to the sanctity of life and the proper handling of blood. The Mosaic Law's prohibition against consuming blood was not merely an arbitrary dietary restriction but a theological principle emphasizing that life belongs to God and that blood, as the carrier of life, was reserved for atonement. This incident reveals God's meticulous concern for holiness even in the face of human desperation and flawed leadership. It highlights the corporate responsibility of the people and the king's duty to guide them in righteousness, ensuring that even basic needs are met in a way that honors divine statutes. The swift response to purify the people through proper slaughter foreshadows the ongoing need for atonement and cleansing in the presence of a holy God.

* [Genesis 9:4](/genesis/9-4 "Genesis 9:4 - Prohibition against Eating Blood")
* [Leviticus 17:10-14](/leviticus/17-10 "Leviticus 17:10-14 - The Sanctity of Blood and Atonement")
* [Deuteronomy 12:23-25](/deuteronomy/12-23 "Deuteronomy 12:23-25 - Warning Against Eating Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage serves as a potent reminder that even in moments of extreme duress or perceived necessity, our commitment to God's revealed will must remain unwavering. The Israelite soldiers, driven by hunger, compromised their spiritual integrity, demonstrating how physical needs can tempt us to disregard divine commands. Saul's subsequent action, though reactive, highlights the importance of accountability and the need for immediate repentance when sin is recognized. For believers today, this means cultivating a deep reverence for God's Word, allowing it to guide our decisions even when circumstances are challenging. It also calls leaders to a higher standard, reminding them of their responsibility to shepherd those under their care in truth and righteousness, providing pathways for obedience and preventing spiritual compromise. Ultimately, the sanctity of life, symbolized by the blood, points us to the sacredness of all life and the ultimate sacrifice that cleanses us from all sin.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to compromise God's commands due to perceived necessity or personal desperation?**
* **How does this passage challenge my understanding of leadership and my responsibility to guide others in spiritual integrity?**
* **What does the sanctity of blood, as presented here, teach me about the value of life and the seriousness of sin?**
* **How quickly do I seek to rectify my own sins or corporate sins within my community once they are recognized?**

### FAQ
**Why was eating blood such a serious sin in ancient Israel?**

Answer: Eating blood was considered a grave sin because, according to the Mosaic Law, "the life of the flesh is in the blood" ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Blood for Atonement")). God had explicitly reserved blood for the purpose of atonement, to make expiation for sins upon the altar. By consuming blood, one was essentially disregarding the sacredness of life and profaning the very substance designated for reconciliation with God. This prohibition was established even before the Mosaic Law, in the Noahic covenant ([Genesis 9:4](/genesis/9-4 "Genesis 9:4 - Prohibition against Eating Blood")), underscoring its foundational importance. It was a tangible reminder that life belongs to God and that all life, and thus its blood, was sacred.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Old Testament prohibition against eating blood, so vividly enforced in 1 Samuel 14:34, ultimately finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. The shed blood of animals, meticulously drained and offered for atonement under the Law, served as a powerful type and shadow pointing to the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His blood, unlike that of bulls and goats, is not merely symbolic but possesses true cleansing power, providing eternal redemption for sin ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). The sanctity of blood, which prevented its common consumption, foreshadowed the preciousness of Christ's perfect life, given as the atoning sacrifice on the cross ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1-peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Precious Blood")). In the New Covenant, believers are invited not to abstain from blood but to partake spiritually in the "body and blood" of Christ through the Eucharist, signifying their union with Him and their participation in His atoning death ([John 6:53-56](/john/6-53 "John 6:53-56 - Eating Christ's Flesh and Drinking His Blood")). Thus, the Old Testament law, by highlighting the gravity of sin and the necessity of blood for atonement, prepares the way for understanding the incomparable value and efficacy of the blood of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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.