1 Samuel 14:38

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

In 1 Samuel 14:38, King Saul addresses the leaders of Israel, demanding an investigation into the cause of God's silence following a day of intense battle and a series of events marked by his own rash decisions. This verse captures a pivotal moment where Saul, perceiving divine displeasure, seeks to identify the "sin" that has hindered God's communication with his people.

Context

This command from Saul comes after a tumultuous day. Earlier, King Saul had imposed a severe oath on his weary soldiers, forbidding them to eat until evening. Unaware of this oath, his son Jonathan tasted honey, unwittingly breaking his father's decree. Later, the famished soldiers, desperate for food, sinned against the Lord by eating meat with the blood still in it (a violation of Mosaic law). When Saul sought divine guidance through the ark before further pursuit of the Philistines, God gave no answer. Saul correctly interpreted this silence as a sign that sin was present within the camp, prompting his call for an inquiry to uncover the transgression.

Key Themes

  • Consequences of Rash Vows: Saul's impulsive oath created unforeseen complications and ultimately led to sin, highlighting the danger of making commitments without careful consideration.
  • Corporate Responsibility for Sin: While Jonathan's act was unintentional, and the people's sin was out of desperation, God's silence affected the entire nation, illustrating the principle that the sin of one or a few can impact the whole community, as seen with Achan in Joshua.
  • Divine Communication as a Barometer: God's refusal to answer Saul's inquiry served as a clear indicator of spiritual brokenness and unaddressed sin among His people.
  • Leadership Accountability: Saul, as king, takes responsibility for identifying and resolving the issue, underscoring the importance of spiritual discernment and integrity in leadership.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "sin" here is chatta't (ื—ึทื˜ึธึผืืช), which broadly means "missing the mark" or "transgression." It encompasses both intentional and unintentional offenses against God's law or will. Saul's command to "know and see" (ื™ึดื“ึฐืขื•ึผ ื•ึฐื™ึดืจึฐืื•ึผ - yid'u v'yir'u) suggests a thorough, discerning investigation, emphasizing the need for clarity and truth in identifying the source of God's displeasure.

Practical Application

This passage reminds us of the seriousness of sin and its potential to hinder our relationship with God and affect those around us. For leaders, it underscores the need for wisdom and caution in decision-making, avoiding rash pronouncements that can lead others astray. For individuals, it calls for introspection and a willingness to confess and address sin, even when it might seem minor or unintentional. When we experience a sense of God's silence or lack of direction, it may be an invitation to examine our hearts and lives for anything that is "missing the mark" of His perfect will, seeking forgiveness and restoration through repentance.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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