1 Samuel 14:38

KJV

And Saul said, Draw ye near hither, all the chief of the people: and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Saul {H7586} said {H559}, Draw ye near {H5066} hither {H1988}, all the chief {H6438} of the people {H5971}: and know {H3045} and see {H7200} wherein {H4100} this sin {H2403} hath been this day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sha'ul said, "Come here, all you heads of the people. Think carefully: who has committed this sin today?

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore Saul said, “Come here, all you leaders of the troops, and let us investigate how this sin has occurred today.

American Standard Version

And Saul said, Draw nigh hither, all ye chiefs of the people; and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Samuel 14:38, King Saul, facing God's perplexing silence during a critical military campaign against the Philistines, issues a solemn command to the leaders of Israel. He demands an immediate and thorough investigation to uncover the specific "sin" that has provoked divine displeasure and halted communication, recognizing that unaddressed transgression within the community is the cause of God's withdrawal. This pivotal moment underscores Saul's growing spiritual disconnect and the severe consequences of human disobedience on the nation's relationship with God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a dramatic turning point in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Philistines. The preceding narrative details Jonathan's audacious, faith-filled strike against a Philistine garrison, which God blesses with a great panic among the enemy. However, Saul's rash and ill-advised oath, forbidding his exhausted soldiers from eating until evening, immediately introduces tension and complication, undermining the very victory God was granting. Jonathan unwittingly breaks this oath, tasting honey, and later, the famished Israelite soldiers, driven by desperation, sin by eating meat with the blood still in it, a clear violation of Mosaic law. When Saul attempts to seek divine guidance through the ark (or ephod) regarding further pursuit of the Philistines, God remains conspicuously silent. This divine silence, a profound and alarming sign of displeasure, directly precipitates Saul's urgent demand in [1 Samuel 14:38](/1_samuel/14-38 "1 Samuel 14:38 - Saul's Demand for Inquiry").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, divine communication was central to national life and leadership, particularly in times of war. Kings and priests often consulted God through various means, including prophets, dreams, and the Urim and Thummim associated with the priestly ephod. God's silence was not merely an absence of information but a powerful indicator of His withdrawal, signaling unaddressed sin or a broken covenant relationship. The Mosaic Law, particularly concerning the consumption of blood (e.g., [Leviticus 17:10-14](/leviticus/17-10 "Leviticus 17:10-14 - Prohibition of Blood Consumption")), was foundational to Israelite purity and worship, symbolizing life and atonement. Violations were serious, requiring immediate rectification. Furthermore, the concept of corporate responsibility was deeply ingrained; the sin of an individual or a group could bring divine judgment or displeasure upon the entire community, as seen in the narrative of [Achan's sin in Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin"). Saul, as king, bore the ultimate responsibility for the spiritual well-being of the nation.
* **Key Themes:** The events leading up to and including [1 Samuel 14:38](/1_samuel/14-38 "1 Samuel 14:38 - Saul's Demand for Inquiry") highlight several critical themes. First, the **Consequences of Rash Vows** are vividly portrayed, demonstrating how Saul's impulsive and self-serving oath, made without divine consultation, directly led to the people's sin and God's displeasure, contrasting sharply with Jonathan's faith-filled initiative. Second, the theme of **Corporate Responsibility for Sin** is evident, as God's silence affects the entire nation, even though the specific transgressions (Jonathan's unwitting act, the people's desperate eating of blood) were committed by individuals or groups. This underscores the interconnectedness of the community before God, where the actions of a few can impact the whole, as also illustrated in [Joshua 7:1-12](/joshua/7-1 "Joshua 7:1-12 - Achan's Sin and Israel's Defeat"). Third, **Divine Communication as a Barometer** serves as a crucial indicator of the spiritual health of Israel; God's refusal to answer Saul's inquiry functions as a clear sign of unaddressed sin and a broken relationship. Finally, the narrative subtly explores the theme of **Leadership Accountability**, as Saul, despite being the root cause of much of the trouble through his rashness, is compelled to take responsibility for identifying and resolving the spiritual crisis, though his methods often reveal his flawed character.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sin (Hebrew, _chaṭṭāʾt'_):** This widely used Hebrew term (חַטָּאת) literally means "to miss the mark," "to go astray," or "to fall short." It encompasses a broad range of transgressions, from unintentional errors and unwitting offenses to deliberate rebellion against God's commands. In this context, Saul's use of `chaṭṭāʾt` acknowledges a breach in the covenant relationship that has caused God's withdrawal. It suggests not merely a mistake, but an act or state of being that has incurred divine displeasure and requires atonement or rectification. The very ambiguity of the "sin" at this point highlights the confusion and spiritual blindness that Saul's leadership has fostered.
* **Know and See (Hebrew, _yidʿu wĕyirʾu'_):** The imperative verbs "know" (יִדְעוּ, from יָדַע, _yadaʿ_) and "see" (וְיִרְאוּ, from רָאָה, _raʾah_) emphasize the thoroughness and discernment required in this investigation. `Yadaʿ` implies experiential knowledge, understanding, and discernment, while `raʾah` suggests observation, perception, and revelation. Together, they form a hendiadys, urging a comprehensive and undeniable discovery of the truth. Saul is not merely asking for a superficial inquiry but a profound uncovering of the hidden transgression, implying a judicial process to identify and address the offender.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Saul said, Draw ye near hither, all the chief of the people:"**: This opening clause establishes Saul's authority and the gravity of the situation. By summoning "all the chief of the people" (literally, "the corners of the people," referring to the leading figures or tribes), Saul indicates that the matter at hand is of national importance and requires the involvement of Israel's most prominent representatives. This public assembly underscores the corporate nature of the perceived sin and the need for a communal response to God's silence. The command to "draw near" suggests a solemn, almost liturgical, approach to discerning divine will.
* **"and know and see"**: This is the core of Saul's directive, an urgent call for a thorough investigation. The repetition of "know" and "see" emphasizes the need for an undeniable, revealed truth regarding the source of God's displeasure. It implies a process of inquiry, perhaps involving the casting of lots (as he does later in the chapter), to pinpoint the specific individual or group responsible for the transgression. This phrase highlights Saul's desperation to re-establish communication with God and resume the battle with divine favor.
* **"wherein this sin hath been this day."**: This final phrase clarifies the object of the inquiry: "this sin" (הַחַטָּאת הַזֹּאת, _ha-khaṭṭāʾt ha-zōʾt_), referring to the specific transgression that has occurred "this day" (הַיּוֹם, _hayyōm_), during the tumultuous events of the battle. Saul correctly attributes God's silence to a specific sin, though he is initially unaware that his own rash oath is the primary catalyst. This reflects a theological understanding that divine withdrawal is a consequence of human disobedience, necessitating identification and atonement to restore the relationship.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Dramatic Irony** is prominent, as Saul commands an investigation into "this sin" while remaining oblivious that his own rash, ill-conceived oath (which led to Jonathan's unwitting transgression and the people's desperate sin of eating blood) is the root cause of God's displeasure. The audience is aware of Saul's culpability, creating tension and highlighting his spiritual blindness. The **Divine Silence** itself functions as a powerful **Symbolism** and a **Theophany** in reverse; the absence of God's voice is a profound statement, signifying judgment and separation, far more impactful than a direct rebuke might have been. It symbolizes the broken covenant and the spiritual chasm that has opened between God and His people due to unaddressed sin. Furthermore, Saul's command acts as a **Rhetorical Exhortation**, not merely a factual inquiry but a desperate plea for divine favor, framed as a judicial process to uncover the hidden transgression.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound silence of God in 1 Samuel 14:38 serves as a stark theological warning, illustrating that unaddressed sin, whether intentional or unintentional, can sever divine communication and hinder God's blessing upon His people. This passage underscores the seriousness with which God regards obedience to His covenant and the principle that even leaders' rash decisions can have far-reaching, detrimental spiritual consequences for the entire community. It highlights the Old Testament understanding that a right relationship with God is predicated on holiness and adherence to His revealed will, and that spiritual brokenness manifests in a perceived distance from the divine presence. Saul's desperate search for "the sin" reflects a fundamental biblical truth: God is holy, and sin creates a barrier between Him and humanity, necessitating confession, repentance, and atonement to restore fellowship.

* [Joshua 7:1-12](/joshua/7-1 "Joshua 7:1-12 - Achan's Sin and Israel's Defeat"): Illustrates the principle of corporate responsibility for sin, where one individual's transgression brings defeat and divine displeasure upon the entire nation.
* [Psalm 66:18](/psalms/66-18 "Psalm 66:18 - Unconfessed Sin Hinder's Prayer"): States, "If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened," emphasizing how unconfessed sin hinders divine communication.
* [Isaiah 59:2](/isaiah/59-2 "Isaiah 59:2 - Sin Separates from God"): Declares, "But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear," directly linking sin to God's withdrawal and silence.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of 1 Samuel 14:38 invites profound introspection for individuals and communities alike. When we experience a sense of spiritual dryness, unanswered prayers, or a perceived "silence" from God, this passage prompts us to humbly examine our hearts and lives. It challenges us to consider whether there is unconfessed sin, unaddressed disobedience, or a "rash vow" (a commitment or habit made without divine wisdom) that may be hindering our fellowship with God. For leaders, it serves as a powerful reminder of the immense responsibility that comes with influence. Rash decisions, born of impatience or self-reliance rather than prayerful discernment, can inadvertently lead others into sin and bring corporate consequences. True spiritual leadership involves not only identifying sin but also taking personal responsibility, leading by example in repentance, and seeking God's will above all else. This passage calls us to cultivate a sensitive conscience, to be quick to confess, and to pursue holiness, trusting that God desires to communicate with His people and restore fellowship when sin is acknowledged and addressed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern God's "silence" in my own life, and what steps do I take to examine its potential causes?**
* **In what ways might my own "rash decisions" or unexamined commitments inadvertently lead to negative spiritual consequences for myself or others?**
* **How does the concept of corporate responsibility for sin apply to my family, church, or community today, and what is my role in addressing it?**
* **What does this passage teach me about the seriousness of sin, even when it is unintentional or born of desperation?**

### FAQ

**Why was God silent when Saul inquired through the ark?**

Answer: God's silence was a direct consequence of sin within the Israelite camp, signaling His displeasure and withdrawal. While Saul sought to identify a specific transgression, the narrative reveals multiple layers of sin. Primarily, Saul's own rash oath (1 Samuel 14:24), forbidding his exhausted soldiers from eating, was the root cause. This oath led to Jonathan's unwitting transgression (1 Samuel 14:27) and, more gravely, prompted the famished soldiers to sin by eating meat with the blood still in it (1 Samuel 14:32), a direct violation of Mosaic Law. God's silence was His way of indicating that the covenant relationship was strained by these acts of disobedience, and that He would not grant further guidance until the sin was identified and addressed. It served as a divine alarm, forcing Saul to confront the spiritual state of his people.

**What was the specific "sin" Saul was looking for, and who was ultimately responsible?**

Answer: Saul was looking for the specific transgression that had offended God and caused His silence. While the immediate visible sins were Jonathan's unwitting consumption of honey and the people's eating of blood-laden meat, the ultimate responsibility for the spiritual crisis lay with Saul himself. His rash, self-imposed oath, made without consulting God, was the catalyst that led to these subsequent transgressions. Saul's actions created an impossible situation for his soldiers and inadvertently trapped his own son. Therefore, while the people and Jonathan committed specific acts that were "sin," Saul's flawed leadership and impulsive decision-making were the underlying cause of God's displeasure and the resulting spiritual brokenness in the camp, as the narrative subtly but powerfully conveys.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The desperate search for "this sin" in 1 Samuel 14:38 powerfully foreshadows humanity's inherent inability to fully atone for its transgressions and restore perfect fellowship with a holy God. Saul, the anointed king, attempts to identify and rectify sin through human inquiry and ritual, but his efforts are ultimately flawed and incomplete, highlighting the need for a perfect mediator and a definitive sacrifice. The Old Testament continually points to the reality that sin creates an insurmountable barrier between God and humanity, leading to divine silence and judgment. This brokenness finds its ultimate resolution not in human investigation or the blood of animals, but in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the one who perfectly fulfilled the Law and became sin for us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ removed the barrier of sin, restoring divine communication and granting us [bold access to the Father](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ") through the Spirit. Unlike Saul, who could only identify sin, Christ perfectly dealt with it, offering complete forgiveness and reconciliation, ensuring that God's presence and guidance are always available to those who are [in Him](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory").

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

Psalms 47:9

The princes of the people are gathered together, [even] the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth [belong] unto God: he is greatly exalted.

Zechariah 10:4

Out of him came forth the corner, out of him the nail, out of him the battle bow, out of him every oppressor together.

Judges 20:2

And the chief of all the people, [even] of all the tribes of Israel, presented themselves in the assembly of the people of God, four hundred thousand footmen that drew sword.

Numbers 24:17

I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.

1 Samuel 10:19

And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, [Nay], but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes, and by your thousands.

1 Samuel 10:20

And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken.

Joshua 7:14

In the morning therefore ye shall be brought according to your tribes: and it shall be, [that] the tribe which the LORD taketh shall come according to the families [thereof]; and the family which the LORD shall take shall come by households; and the household which the LORD shall take shall come man by man.