1 Samuel 14:37

KJV

And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Saul {H7586} asked {H7592} counsel of God {H430}, Shall I go down {H3381} after {H310} the Philistines {H6430}? wilt thou deliver {H5414} them into the hand {H3027} of Israel {H3478}? But he answered {H6030} him not that day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sha'ul consulted God: "Should I go down in pursuit of the P'lishtim? Will you hand them over to Isra'el?" But he didn't answer him that day.

Berean Standard Bible

So Saul inquired of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will You give them into the hand of Israel?” But God did not answer him that day.

American Standard Version

And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 14:37 captures a critical juncture in King Saul's reign, revealing God's profound silence in response to Saul's inquiry regarding a military pursuit against the Philistines. This abrupt cessation of divine communication serves as a stark indicator of God's displeasure and the deteriorating relationship between the sovereign Lord and Israel's first king, underscoring the severe consequences of disobedience and rash leadership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a pivotal moment within a desperate battle between the Israelites and the Philistines. Earlier in the chapter, Saul's son, Jonathan, initiated a daring and faith-filled attack that threw the Philistine camp into confusion, leading to a significant Israelite advantage. However, Saul, in an act of misguided zeal, had imposed a rash oath, forbidding his soldiers from eating anything until evening, which inadvertently endangered Jonathan's life and severely exhausted his men. The famished people, upon reaching the spoils, later sinned by eating meat with the blood still in it, a direct violation of Mosaic law. Saul, attempting to restore order and divine favor, built an altar to the Lord and then sought God's guidance before pursuing the Philistines further. His inquiry, "Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel?" was met with the stark and unsettling response, "But he answered him not that day." This divine silence, following a series of impulsive actions and the people's sin under his leadership, signals a profound shift in God's disposition towards Saul.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, divine communication was paramount for national leadership, especially for the king. Kings were expected to seek God's counsel through established means, primarily through the high priest who utilized the Urim and Thummim, sacred objects kept in the breastplate of the ephod (as described in [Exodus 28:30](/exodus/28-30 "Exodus 28:30 - The Urim and Thummim")). These methods typically yielded a "yes" or "no" answer, or a clear direction. God's direct communication, or lack thereof, was a powerful indicator of His favor or displeasure. For a king to be met with divine silence was an ominous sign, signaling a breach in the covenant relationship and a withdrawal of God's guiding presence. The Philistines, a formidable and persistent enemy, posed an existential threat to Israel's nascent kingdom, making divine military counsel absolutely critical for survival and victory.
* **Key Themes:** The immediate context of [1 Samuel 14](/1_samuel/14 "1 Samuel 14 - Jonathan's Victory and Saul's Rash Vow") and the broader narrative of [1 Samuel](/1_samuel "The Book of 1 Samuel") are rich with themes that converge in this verse. Firstly, **Divine Silence as Judgment** is powerfully illustrated. God's refusal to answer Saul was not merely a lack of information but a significant sign of His withdrawal of favor and a precursor to judgment. In a culture where divine communication was highly valued, silence often signaled God's displeasure or a warning to a leader or nation, foreshadowing God's eventual rejection of Saul as king (as explicitly stated in [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - God Rejects Saul")). Secondly, the **Consequences of Disobedience** are starkly highlighted. Saul's previous actions, particularly his impulsiveness, self-reliance, and failure to fully obey God's commands (e.g., his unauthorized sacrifice in [1 Samuel 13:9](/1_samuel/13-9 "1 Samuel 13:9 - Saul's Unlawful Sacrifice")), had created a growing 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. Finally, the theme of **Seeking God's Will** is explored. While Saul did seek counsel, the effectiveness of such inquiries is profoundly dependent on the seeker's relationship with God, their obedience, and their genuine submission to His authority. This episode serves as a powerful reminder that God is not obligated to answer when there is unconfessed sin or a persistent pattern of rebellion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **asked counsel (Hebrew: שָׁאַל אֱלֹהִים, _sha'al Elohim'_):** This phrase denotes a formal inquiry of God, typically through the high priest and the Urim and Thummim. It implies seeking a definitive divine revelation or guidance, often in the form of a "yes" or "no" answer, or a specific instruction. The act itself suggests an acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and His role as the ultimate guide for Israel. However, the efficacy of such an inquiry is contingent upon the inquirer's standing with God.
* **God (Hebrew: אֱלֹהִים, _Elohim'_):** This is the generic Hebrew term for God, often used to refer to the true God of Israel. Its use here emphasizes that Saul was seeking counsel from the divine authority, the one true God who holds ultimate power over battles and nations. The fact that _Elohim_ did not respond underscores the gravity of the situation; it was not merely a human communication breakdown but a deliberate withholding of divine presence and guidance.
* **answered him not (Hebrew: לֹא עָנָהוּ, _lo anahu'_):** This simple yet profoundly impactful phrase conveys the complete and absolute cessation of divine communication. The Hebrew verb עָנָה (_anah_) means "to answer, respond, testify." Its negation here signifies God's deliberate refusal to engage with Saul. This silence is not passive; it is an active, communicative act in itself, conveying displeasure, judgment, and a withdrawal of favor, far more potent than any spoken rebuke.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Saul asked counsel of God":** This clause establishes Saul's action: he initiated a formal spiritual inquiry, seeking divine guidance for the next phase of the military campaign. This indicates his recognition, at least outwardly, that success depended on God's favor and direction.
* **"Shall I go down after the Philistines?":** This is the first part of Saul's specific question, a strategic military inquiry. He is asking for permission and direction to pursue the retreating Philistines, aiming to capitalize on the momentum gained earlier in the day.
* **"wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel?":** This second part of Saul's question reveals his ultimate desire: an assurance of victory. He is seeking a divine guarantee that God will grant Israel success in defeating their enemies, implying a request for God's active intervention and blessing on the pursuit.
* **"But he answered him not that day.":** This concluding clause delivers the stark and devastating divine response—or lack thereof. The phrase "that day" emphasizes the immediate and definitive nature of God's silence. It was not a delay, but a complete withholding of any answer, signaling divine displeasure and a profound breakdown in the communication channel between God and His anointed king.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Divine Silence** is the most prominent, used as a potent narrative tool to convey God's active displeasure and withdrawal of favor. Unlike a direct rebuke, the absence of a response creates a chilling sense of abandonment and judgment, forcing the reader to ponder the reasons for this profound cessation of communication. This silence also serves as significant **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the tragic trajectory of Saul's reign and his eventual rejection by God as king (cf. [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - God Rejects Saul")). There is also a subtle **Irony** at play: Saul, the king chosen by God to lead His people, finds himself cut off from the very divine guidance that is essential for his leadership and for Israel's welfare. His outward act of seeking counsel is rendered futile by his internal state of disobedience and rashness, highlighting the disconnect between ritual and relationship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the principle that God, though sovereign and always ready to communicate with His people, is not obligated to answer when there is unaddressed sin, a pattern of disobedience, or a heart that is not fully yielded to Him. God's silence here is not an absence of His presence, but a deliberate act of communication, signaling His displeasure and a withdrawal of His guiding hand from Saul. It underscores that true communion with God requires more than ritualistic inquiry; it demands a life of obedience, humility, and genuine repentance. This episode serves as a powerful reminder that while God desires to speak to His people, our receptiveness is often contingent upon our spiritual posture and willingness to align with His will.

* [1 Samuel 28:6](/1_samuel/28-6 "1 Samuel 28:6 - Saul's Desperate Plea")
* [Proverbs 28:9](/proverbs/28-9 "Proverbs 28:9 - The Prayer of the Disobedient")
* [Isaiah 59:2](/isaiah/59-2 "Isaiah 59:2 - Sin Separates from God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The divine silence experienced by King Saul in 1 Samuel 14:37 offers profound lessons for believers today. It compels us to examine the state of our own hearts and our relationship with God. When we seek God's guidance, whether through prayer, Scripture, or counsel, it is crucial to approach Him with humility, a repentant spirit, and a genuine desire to obey, rather than merely seeking validation for our own plans. God's silence, though unsettling, can often be His loudest message, prompting us to pause, reflect, and honestly assess if there are unconfessed sins, unaddressed disobedience, or self-serving motives hindering our communion with Him. It is a call to deeper introspection and a reminder that an active, vibrant relationship with God is built on consistent obedience and a heart yielded to His will, not just on ritualistic inquiry.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically approach God when seeking guidance, and what is the posture of my heart?**
* **Are there areas of unconfessed sin or disobedience in my life that might be hindering my ability to hear God's voice clearly?**
* **How do I respond when God seems silent in my life? Do I press in, repent, or become frustrated?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, more obedient relationship with God that fosters open communication?**

### FAQ

**Why did God not answer Saul on this day?**

Answer: God's silence was a direct consequence of Saul's pattern of disobedience and rash actions, combined with the people's sin under his leadership. Earlier, Saul had offered an unauthorized sacrifice (see [1 Samuel 13:9](/1_samuel/13-9 "1 Samuel 13:9 - Saul's Unlawful Sacrifice")), demonstrating a lack of trust and patience with God's timing. Immediately preceding this verse, Saul made a foolish and rash vow, endangering his son Jonathan and exhausting his troops (as detailed in [1 Samuel 14:24-30](/1_samuel/14-24 "1 Samuel 14:24-30 - Saul's Rash Oath")). Furthermore, the people, driven by hunger, sinned by eating meat with the blood still in it, a violation of Mosaic law, which Saul then attempted to rectify. God's silence indicated His profound displeasure with Saul's impulsive leadership and the spiritual state of the king and, by extension, the nation. It demonstrated that outward acts of seeking counsel were insufficient without genuine obedience and a right heart.

**How did Saul typically seek counsel from God?**

Answer: Kings and leaders in Israel typically sought counsel from God through the high priest, who would use the Urim and Thummim. These were sacred objects, likely stones, kept within the breastplate of the high priest's ephod (as described in [Exodus 28:30](/exodus/28-30 "Exodus 28:30 - The Urim and Thummim")). They were used to discern God's will in specific situations, often providing a "yes" or "no" answer, or a clear divine direction. This method was considered a legitimate means of divine communication, and Saul's use of it here indicates his adherence to the established religious protocol, even if his heart was not fully aligned with God.

**What does God's silence signify in biblical narratives?**

Answer: In biblical narratives, God's silence is rarely an absence of His presence or power; rather, it is often a profound and deliberate form of communication. It can signify divine displeasure, a withdrawal of favor, or a call to repentance. For individuals or nations in covenant with God, silence often indicates a breach in that relationship, suggesting that unaddressed sin or persistent disobedience has created a barrier (as seen in [Isaiah 59:2](/isaiah/59-2 "Isaiah 59:2 - Sin Separates from God")). It can also be a test of faith, prompting deeper reliance on God, or a period of preparation before a new revelation. In Saul's case, it was a clear and ominous sign of God's rejection of his kingship, a theme that continues to unfold in subsequent chapters (e.g., [1 Samuel 28:6](/1_samuel/28-6 "1 Samuel 28:6 - God's Continued Silence to Saul")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The stark silence God renders to King Saul in 1 Samuel 14:37 stands in profound contrast to the new covenant reality inaugurated by Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, God often spoke through prophets, dreams, or sacred objects like the Urim and Thummim, and His silence could be a terrifying sign of judgment. However, in Christ, God has spoken His final and most complete word. As [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son") declares, "God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son." Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God, the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), through whom we now have direct and unhindered access to the Father ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")). Unlike Saul, who was cut off due to his disobedience, believers in Christ are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who guides us into all truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")) and enables us to hear God's voice clearly through His written Word and inner promptings. Christ's perfect obedience reversed the separation caused by sin, ensuring that those who are "in Christ" can always draw near to God with confidence, finding grace and mercy in their time of need ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). The era of divine silence as a sign of judgment for His covenant people has been overcome by the resounding and continuous voice of God through His Son and His Spirit.

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

1 Samuel 28:6

And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.

2 Samuel 5:23

And when David enquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; [but] fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.

1 Samuel 23:9

And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod.

1 Samuel 23:12

Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver [thee] up.

2 Samuel 5:19

And David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand.

1 Samuel 23:4

Then David enquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand.

1 Kings 22:15

¶ So he came to the king. And the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall we forbear? And he answered him, Go, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver [it] into the hand of the king.