1 Samuel 14:36

KJV

¶ And Saul said, Let us go down after the Philistines by night, and spoil them until the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them. And they said, Do whatsoever seemeth good unto thee. Then said the priest, Let us draw near hither unto God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Saul {H7586} said {H559}, Let us go down {H3381} after {H310} the Philistines {H6430} by night {H3915}, and spoil {H962} them until the morning {H1242} light {H216}, and let us not leave {H7604} a man {H376} of them. And they said {H559}, Do {H6213} whatsoever seemeth {H5869} good {H2896} unto thee. Then said {H559} the priest {H3548}, Let us draw near {H7126} hither {H1988} unto God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sha'ul said, "Let's go after the P'lishtim by night. We'll plunder them until dawn; we won't leave one of them alive." They answered, "Do whatever seems good to you." But the cohen said, "Let's approach God here."

Berean Standard Bible

And Saul said, “Let us go down after the Philistines by night and plunder them until dawn, leaving no man alive!” “Do what seems good to you,” the troops replied. But the priest said, “We must consult God here.”

American Standard Version

And Saul said, Let us go down after the Philistines by night, and take spoil among them until the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them. And they said, Do whatsoever seemeth good unto thee. Then said the priest, Let us draw near hither unto God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse captures a pivotal moment in King Saul's campaign against the Philistines, immediately following a partial victory. Driven by a desire for complete annihilation of the enemy and fueled by his characteristic impulsiveness, Saul proposes a relentless night pursuit. The people, weary and compromised by Saul's earlier rash oath and their subsequent sin of eating blood, readily agree. However, the priest Ahiah intervenes, wisely calling for a pause to "draw near hither unto God," asserting the paramount need for divine consultation and approval before proceeding with such a critical military endeavor. This interjection serves as a crucial reminder of the necessity of seeking God's will above human zeal or strategic advantage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in [1 Samuel 14](/1_samuel/14 "1 Samuel 14 - Jonathan's Victory and Saul's Rash Oath"), immediately following Jonathan's daring, faith-filled strike against the Philistine garrison, which God miraculously blessed with an earthquake and widespread panic among the enemy. Saul, witnessing the rout, decides to press the advantage. However, the day has been complicated by Saul's earlier, ill-advised oath, forbidding his soldiers from eating until evening, which left them severely weakened and led to a desperate, sinful act of eating meat with the blood still in it ([1 Samuel 14:32](/1_samuel/14-32 "1 Samuel 14:32 - The People Eat Blood")). The people's physical exhaustion and spiritual defilement underscore the chaotic state of affairs, making the priest's call for divine consultation in [1 Samuel 14:36](/1_samuel/14-36 "1 Samuel 14:36 - The Priest Calls for Divine Counsel") not merely a formality but an urgent necessity for spiritual rectification and strategic clarity before further action.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Saul's reign was characterized by ongoing, existential conflict with the Philistines, a technologically superior and militarily formidable enemy who frequently oppressed Israel. Kingship in Israel was still a relatively new institution, and the role of the king was often intertwined with that of a military leader, yet always subordinate to God's ultimate authority. Priests, like Ahiah (son of Ahitub, brother of Ichabod), served as crucial intermediaries, responsible for discerning God's will, often through the use of the Urim and Thummim within the ephod ([Exodus 28:30](/exodus/28-30 "Exodus 28:30 - The Urim and Thummim")). Military campaigns in ancient Israel were often viewed as "holy wars," requiring divine sanction and guidance, as success was attributed to God's favor, not merely human strength or strategy. Saul's eagerness to pursue reflects common ancient Near Eastern military tactics of total annihilation, but the priest's intervention highlights the unique covenantal relationship Israel had with Yahweh, demanding divine approval for such undertakings.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully illustrates several recurring themes within [1 Samuel](/1_samuel "1 Samuel - The Rise and Fall of Kings"). Firstly, it highlights the stark **contrast between impulsive human action and the necessity of divine guidance**. Saul's characteristic impulsiveness, seen in his rash oath ([1 Samuel 14:24](/1_samuel/14-24 "1 Samuel 14:24 - Saul's Rash Oath")) and now his eagerness to pursue without consultation, stands in sharp opposition to the wisdom of seeking God's will. Secondly, the passage underscores the **importance of seeking God's will** in all major undertakings, particularly those involving national destiny or warfare. True victory and blessing are consistently presented as emanating from God's favor and direction, not from human might or cleverness. Finally, the priest's intervention emphasizes the theme of **spiritual leadership and authority**, demonstrating that even kings were subject to divine law and required the guidance of God's appointed spiritual leaders, especially when the nation's spiritual well-being was at stake, as it was after the people's sin of eating blood ([1 Samuel 14:33-34](/1_samuel/14-33-34 "1 Samuel 14:33-34 - Saul Builds an Altar and the People Eat Blood")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **spoil (Hebrew, _bâzaz'_):** This verb, derived from H962, means "to plunder" or "to take as spoil." In the context of warfare, it signifies the complete appropriation of enemy possessions and, often, the annihilation of the enemy population. Saul's desire to "spoil them until the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them" indicates a total war mentality, aiming for absolute destruction and acquisition of goods. This ruthless intent, while militarily understandable, contrasts sharply with the need for divine sanction and highlights Saul's human-centric approach to warfare.
* **draw near (Hebrew, _qârab'_):** The verb "qârab" (H7126) means "to approach," "to come near," or "to draw nigh." In a religious context, as here, it signifies a formal, reverent approach to God, often for the purpose of worship, consultation, or seeking an oracle. It implies a deliberate act of seeking divine presence and guidance, usually through the priestly office and sacred instruments like the Urim and Thummim. It is not a casual suggestion but a solemn call to a serious act of spiritual discernment, acknowledging God's sovereignty over human endeavors.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** The term "ʼĕlôhîym" (H430) is a generic Hebrew word for God or gods, but in this context, with the definite article ("ha'Elohim" - "the God"), it unequivocally refers to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. The priest's call to "draw near hither unto God" is a call to approach the one true God, the source of all wisdom and power, whose will must be consulted before any significant national action, especially one involving life and death. It underscores the theological principle that God's authority supersedes all human kingship and military strategy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Saul said, Let us go down after the Philistines by night, and spoil them until the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them."**: This clause reveals Saul's immediate, impulsive reaction to the Philistine rout. He is eager to capitalize on the momentum, proposing a relentless, all-night pursuit to utterly destroy the enemy. His ambition is total annihilation, reflecting a desire for decisive victory and perhaps a lack of patience to consult God. This statement highlights his reliance on human strategy and zeal over divine counsel, a recurring flaw in his leadership.
* **"And they said, Do whatsoever seemeth good unto thee."**: The people's response indicates their exhaustion and perhaps their deference, or even apathy, after the day's events and the earlier sin. They offer no resistance or alternative suggestion, simply agreeing to the king's impulsive plan. This highlights the dangers of uncritical obedience to human authority, especially when spiritual discernment is lacking among the populace, and their weariness makes them susceptible to rash decisions.
* **"Then said the priest, Let us draw near hither unto God."**: This is the pivotal interjection. Ahiah, the priest, steps forward to challenge the king's immediate impulse. His words are a direct call to spiritual order and proper protocol. He reminds Saul and the people that despite their enthusiasm for battle, their primary allegiance and first step should be to God, seeking His will and blessing before embarking on such a critical and potentially dangerous undertaking. This statement asserts the supremacy of divine authority over human strategy and underscores the priest's vital role as a spiritual guardian.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Contrast** is prominent, juxtaposing Saul's impulsive, human-centered desire for immediate pursuit and total destruction with the priest's wise, God-centered call for consultation and discernment. This highlights the ongoing tension in Saul's reign between his own will and God's will, a central theme of the book. **Foreshadowing** is also evident; Saul's failure to prioritize God's guidance here anticipates his later, more severe disobedience that leads to his ultimate rejection as king ([1 Samuel 15:10-23](/1_samuel/15-10-23 "1 Samuel 15:10-23 - Saul's Rejection as King")). The priest's intervention serves as a moment of potential course correction that Saul ultimately disregards, leading to dire consequences. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Irony**: Saul, who had just caused his people to sin by his rash oath and subsequent exhaustion leading to the eating of blood, now wants to press on without addressing the spiritual state of the nation. The priest's interjection forces a confrontation with this spiritual reality, highlighting the irony of a king seeking physical victory while neglecting spiritual purity and divine protocol.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage powerfully underscores the Old Testament principle that genuine success and divine blessing are contingent upon seeking and obeying God's will, particularly in matters of national significance and warfare. Saul's eagerness to press the battle without consulting God reveals a dangerous self-reliance, a pattern that would ultimately define his tragic reign. The priest's interjection serves as a theological anchor, reminding both king and people that human strategy, no matter how sound it appears, must always be submitted to divine wisdom. This commitment to seeking God's face before action is a hallmark of true faith and a prerequisite for experiencing His favor and power, emphasizing that true strength comes from divine enablement, not human might.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Some Trust in Chariots and Horses")
* [Isaiah 30:1-2](/isaiah/30-1-2 "Isaiah 30:1-2 - Woe to Rebellious Children")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in [1 Samuel 14:36](/1_samuel/14-36 "1 Samuel 14:36 - The Priest Calls for Divine Counsel") offers a profound lesson for believers today: the temptation to act on impulse, even with seemingly good intentions or in the flush of success, is a perennial human challenge. Saul's desire to press the advantage was understandable from a military perspective, but his neglect of divine counsel highlights a critical spiritual flaw. We, too, often find ourselves in situations where we are eager to move forward, perhaps after a small victory, or driven by urgency, without pausing to seek God's guidance through prayer, His Word, and wise counsel. The priest's simple yet profound call to "draw near hither unto God" reminds us that true wisdom and lasting success come not from our cleverness or zeal, but from humble dependence on the Lord. It is a call to prioritize communion with God, ensuring our plans align with His perfect will, and acknowledging that He is the ultimate source of all true victory and blessing. This passage challenges us to cultivate a habit of spiritual discernment, making seeking God's face our first and most crucial step in every endeavor.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to act impulsively, without seeking God's counsel?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater habit of "drawing near to God" before making significant decisions, both personal and professional?**
* **What are the potential consequences of relying solely on my own understanding or human strategy, as seen in Saul's example?**

### FAQ
**Why did the priest interject when Saul seemed to have the support of the people?**

Answer: The priest, Ahiah, interjected because he recognized a critical spiritual and theological breach in Saul's plan. Despite the people's agreement, their exhaustion and recent sin of eating blood ([1 Samuel 14:32](/1_samuel/14-32 "1 Samuel 14:32 - The People Eat Blood")) meant they were in a state of ritual impurity and spiritual compromise. For a nation under God's covenant, especially in a "holy war," proceeding without divine consultation was unthinkable and dangerous. The priest's role was to mediate between God and the people, discerning God's will through the Urim and Thummim in the ephod ([Exodus 28:30](/exodus/28-30 "Exodus 28:30 - The Urim and Thummim")). His interjection was not merely a suggestion but a necessary assertion of divine protocol and a courageous act of spiritual leadership, reminding the king that even his authority was subordinate to God's. To proceed without God's explicit approval risked further sin and divine disfavor, potentially leading to defeat rather than victory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Old Testament practice of "drawing near to God" through the priest and the ephod, as seen in [1 Samuel 14:36](/1_samuel/14-36 "1 Samuel 14:36 - The Priest Calls for Divine Counsel"), finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the ancient Israelites needed a human mediator and specific rituals to approach God for guidance, believers in the New Covenant have direct access to the Father through Christ, our great High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our Great High Priest")). He is the ultimate "Word" of God, through whom God speaks definitively and perfectly ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God")). The need for consultation, for seeking divine will, is now met in our ongoing communion with Christ, who perfectly reveals the Father's heart and mind. We no longer rely on Urim and Thummim, but on the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent to guide us into all truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")). Thus, Saul's impulse to act without God's counsel highlights humanity's persistent tendency to self-reliance, a tendency overcome only by the new covenant reality where we are invited to "come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" through Christ ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Come Boldly to the Throne of Grace")). He is our constant guide and the source of all true wisdom for every decision.

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

Isaiah 48:1

¶ Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel, [but] not in truth, nor in righteousness.

Isaiah 48:2

For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel; The LORD of hosts [is] his name.

Jeremiah 6:5

Arise, and let us go by night, and let us destroy her palaces.

1 Samuel 14:18

And Saul said unto Ahiah, Bring hither the ark of God. For the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel.

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.

1 Samuel 14:3

And Ahiah, the son of Ahitub, Ichabod's brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the LORD'S priest in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people knew not that Jonathan was gone.

Joshua 11:14

And all the spoil of these cities, and the cattle, the children of Israel took for a prey unto themselves; but every man they smote with the edge of the sword, until they had destroyed them, neither left they any to breathe.