1 Samuel 14:37

1 Samuel 14:37 records a pivotal moment in King Saul's reign, highlighting God's response—or lack thereof—to his inquiry during a crucial military campaign against the Philistines. This verse underscores the deteriorating relationship between God and Israel's first king.

Context

This verse occurs amidst a desperate battle between the Israelites and the Philistines. Earlier in the chapter, Saul's son, Jonathan, initiated a daring attack that threw the Philistine camp into confusion, leading to a significant Israelite advantage. However, Saul had made a rash oath, forbidding his soldiers from eating anything until evening, which inadvertently endangered Jonathan and exhausted his men. The people, famished, later sinned by eating meat with the blood still in it, a violation of Mosaic law. Saul, attempting to restore order and divine favor, built an altar and then sought God's guidance before pursuing the Philistines further. He inquired, "Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel?" The stark response was, "But he answered him not that day." This silence was a clear indicator of divine displeasure, likely due to Saul's earlier disobedience, his rash vow, and the people's sin under his leadership. For a prior instance of Saul's disobedience, see Saul's unauthorized sacrifice in 1 Samuel 13:9.

Key Themes

• Divine Silence as Judgment: God's refusal to answer Saul was a significant sign of His withdrawal of favor. In ancient Israel, divine communication was highly valued, and silence often signaled God's displeasure or judgment upon a leader or nation. This foreshadows God's eventual rejection of Saul as king, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:23.
• Consequences of Disobedience: Saul's previous actions, particularly his impulsiveness and failure to fully obey God's commands, had created a rift. God's silence here is a direct consequence, demonstrating that a mere outward show of seeking God's counsel is insufficient if the heart is not right or if there is unaddressed sin.
• Seeking God's Will: While Saul did seek counsel, the effectiveness of such inquiries is dependent on the seeker's relationship with God and their obedience. This episode serves as a powerful reminder that God is not obligated to answer when there is unconfessed sin or a pattern of rebellion.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "asked counsel of God" (from the Hebrew שָׁאַל אֱלֹהִים, sha'al Elohim) implies seeking divine guidance, typically through the high priest using the Urim and Thummim, which were objects kept in the breastplate of the high priest's ephod. These were used to discern God's will in specific situations, often giving a "yes" or "no" answer. The simple statement, "But he answered him not that day," is stark in its finality, emphasizing the complete cessation of divine communication.

Practical Application

This verse offers several important lessons for believers today:

1. Examine Your Heart: When we seek God's guidance, it's crucial to examine our own hearts for unconfessed sin, disobedience, or self-serving motives. God desires a relationship built on obedience and genuine devotion, not just ritualistic inquiry.
2. God's Silence Can Be a Message: Sometimes, God's silence is His loudest answer. It can be a call to repentance, a sign that we are off course, or an invitation to wait and reflect on our actions and relationship with Him. It prompts us to consider if there's anything hindering our connection, as suggested by Isaiah 59:2.
3. The Importance of Obedience: Consistent obedience fosters an open channel of communication with God. While God is gracious, persistent disobedience can grieve the Holy Spirit and hinder our ability to hear His voice clearly.