1 Samuel 14:42

KJV

And Saul said, Cast [lots] between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Saul {H7586} said {H559}, Cast {H5307} lots between me and Jonathan {H3129} my son {H1121}. And Jonathan {H3129} was taken {H3920}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sha'ul said, "Cast lots between me and Y'honatan my son."Y'honatan was chosen.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan.” And Jonathan was selected.

American Standard Version

And Saul said, Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 14:42 captures the dramatic moment when King Saul's desperate attempt to identify the individual whose sin had caused God to withhold divine counsel culminates in the revelation of his own son, Jonathan. This verse serves as a pivotal point in the narrative, exposing the severe consequences of Saul's rash oath and highlighting his rigid, legalistic leadership style, which tragically endangers the life of his innocent and victorious son.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of a series of events in [1 Samuel 14](/1_samuel/14 "1 Samuel 14 - Jonathan's Victory and Saul's Rash Vow"). The chapter opens with Jonathan's courageous, faith-filled initiative to attack a Philistine garrison, sparking a significant victory for Israel. However, Saul, in his zeal, pronounces a rash oath, forbidding his exhausted soldiers from eating until evening (cf. [1 Samuel 14:24](/1_samuel/14-24 "1 Samuel 14:24 - Saul's Rash Oath")). Unaware of this oath, Jonathan, while pursuing the Philistines, unknowingly violates it by tasting honey to refresh himself (cf. [1 Samuel 14:27](/1_samuel/14-27 "1 Samuel 14:27 - Jonathan Tastes Honey")). Later, when Saul attempts to inquire of God for further guidance in battle, God remains silent (cf. [1 Samuel 14:37](/1_samuel/14-37 "1 Samuel 14:37 - God Does Not Answer Saul")). Concluding that sin is present in the camp, Saul determines to identify the transgressor through the casting of lots, leading directly to the dramatic revelation in [1 Samuel 14:42](/1_samuel/14-42 "1 Samuel 14:42 - Jonathan Identified by Lot").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of casting lots (`goral` in Hebrew) was a recognized and legitimate method of discerning God's will in ancient Israel, believed to be guided by divine providence rather than mere chance. This method was employed for various purposes, including dividing land (cf. [Numbers 26:55](/numbers/26-55 "Numbers 26:55 - Dividing Land by Lot")), appointing individuals (cf. [Acts 1:26](/acts/1-26 "Acts 1:26 - Matthias Chosen by Lot")), and, as here, identifying guilt (cf. [Joshua 7:16-18](/joshua/7-16 "Joshua 7:16-18 - Achan Identified by Lot")). The outcome was considered divinely ordained (cf. [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lot is Cast")). Furthermore, the binding nature of oaths and vows was a significant aspect of ancient Near Eastern culture and Israelite law, carrying severe consequences for violation, even if unintentional. Saul's actions reflect the king's ultimate authority and his perceived duty to uphold divine law, even if his application was misguided.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "1 Samuel - The Book of Samuel"): **The Consequences of Rash Vows** are starkly displayed, as Saul's ill-conceived oath endangers his own son and undermines the well-being of his army, highlighting the biblical warning against making promises without careful consideration (cf. [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4 "Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 - Do Not Delay to Pay a Vow")). **Divine Revelation Through Lots** underscores God's sovereignty and His ability to reveal truth through various means, even human-initiated processes. **Saul's Flawed Leadership** is a dominant theme, as his actions throughout this chapter reveal a king more concerned with rigid adherence to his own rules and personal pride than with the welfare of his people or genuine divine guidance. His willingness to execute his own son for an unwitting transgression exposes a significant character flaw and spiritual disconnect. Conversely, **Jonathan's Innocence and Integrity** stand in sharp contrast to Saul's legalism, portraying him as a man of faith and courage, acting out of ignorance and for the strength of the people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cast [lots] (Hebrew, גּוֹרָל, _goral'_):** This term refers to a lot or portion, often a small object (like a stone or piece of wood) used in ancient times for making decisions or uncovering truth. In this context, it signifies a method of divine inquiry, where the outcome was believed to be supernaturally directed by God, not by chance. The act of "casting lots" was a solemn religious practice, indicating a direct appeal for divine revelation.
* **Taken (Hebrew, לָכַד, _lakad'_):** This verb means to catch, seize, or apprehend. In the context of casting lots, it signifies that Jonathan was definitively identified or "apprehended" by the divine process. It implies an undeniable outcome, leaving no room for doubt about who the lot had fallen upon, thereby confirming him as the one who had inadvertently violated Saul's oath.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Saul said, Cast [lots] between me and Jonathan my son":** This clause reveals Saul's desperate and rigid determination to uncover the source of God's silence. Having already narrowed the possibilities to himself or Jonathan (after the initial lot fell on the king and Jonathan's tribe/family), Saul presses forward with the inquiry, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his oath and his legalistic pursuit of the "sinner," even if it means incriminating his own son. This highlights Saul's flawed priorities, placing his vow above the well-being of his people and his family.
* **"And Jonathan was taken":** This concise statement delivers the dramatic and tragic outcome. The divine lot definitively identifies Jonathan, the hero of the day, as the unwitting transgressor of Saul's oath. This revelation is profoundly ironic, as the one who brought victory to Israel is now implicated in the very "sin" that halted God's communication. It sets the stage for the intense moral dilemma and the people's intervention that follows, underscoring the severe and unforeseen consequences of Saul's rashness.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Jonathan, the valiant warrior who secured Israel's victory through his faith and initiative, is paradoxically identified as the one who has "sinned" and brought God's disfavor. This sharp contrast between his heroic actions and his unwitting transgression highlights the absurdity of Saul's legalistic oath. **Foreshadowing** is also present; Saul's willingness to sacrifice his son for a self-imposed vow foreshadows his later spiritual decline, his increasing paranoia, and his ultimate rejection by God due to his disobedience and self-will. Furthermore, the narrative uses **Divine Intervention** through the casting of lots as a plot device to reveal truth, emphasizing God's active involvement in the affairs of His people, even when human leaders act foolishly. The stark **Contrast** between Saul's rigid, self-serving leadership and Jonathan's innocent, selfless character is a recurring motif throughout the chapter, culminating in this verse.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The identification of Jonathan by lot in 1 Samuel 14:42 profoundly illustrates the tension between human law and divine grace, and the dangers of legalism. Saul's actions reveal a king who prioritizes the letter of his own law over the spirit of compassion and the well-being of his people. While casting lots was a legitimate means of discerning God's will in the Old Testament, Saul's application here highlights human fallibility and the potential for even divinely sanctioned methods to be misused or misapplied when driven by human pride or a flawed understanding of righteousness. God's silence and the subsequent revelation through lots underscore His sovereignty, even in the midst of human error, and His commitment to revealing truth. This event serves as a powerful reminder that true obedience stems from a heart aligned with God's will, not merely from rigid adherence to human-made rules or rash vows.

* [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "The Lot is Cast")
* [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4-5 "Do Not Be Hasty with Vows")
* [Numbers 27:21](/numbers/27-21 "Seeking God's Counsel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of Jonathan being "taken" by lot for a sin he unknowingly committed under his father's rash oath offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to examine our own hearts regarding legalism versus grace, and the potential dangers of making hasty commitments or imposing rigid rules that may inadvertently harm others or contradict God's broader compassionate will. Saul's leadership serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that true spiritual authority is characterized by wisdom, discernment, and a deep concern for the welfare of those we lead, prioritizing people over personal pride or rigid adherence to self-imposed regulations. While the method of casting lots is no longer a primary means of divine guidance for Christians, the underlying principle of seeking God's wisdom in difficult situations remains paramount. We are called to rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance through prayer, the study of Scripture, and wise counsel, always striving for a heart of grace and understanding, rather than a spirit of judgment or condemnation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do Saul's actions in this chapter challenge our understanding of leadership and obedience, particularly in the tension between human rules and divine will?**
* **In what ways might we, like Saul, prioritize rigid rules or personal pride over the well-being of others or God's compassionate will?**
* **How does Jonathan's unwitting transgression and the people's response inform our view of grace versus legalism in our own lives and communities?**

### FAQ

**Was Jonathan truly guilty of sin in God's eyes?**

Answer: From a strictly legalistic perspective based on Saul's oath, Jonathan had indeed broken the vow. However, the narrative strongly implies that Jonathan was innocent of intentional sin. He was unaware of his father's oath when he tasted the honey, and his action was motivated by a desire to refresh himself and continue the battle, which ultimately benefited the army. The emphasis of the passage is not on Jonathan's moral failing but on the negative consequences of Saul's rashness and rigid adherence to his own flawed vow. God's silence was a response to the "sin" in the camp, which was ultimately a result of Saul's ill-conceived oath and his subsequent failure to lead with wisdom and compassion. The people's intervention to save Jonathan (cf. [1 Samuel 14:45](/1_samuel/14-45 "The People Rescue Jonathan")) further underscores his perceived innocence and the injustice of Saul's judgment.

**Is casting lots a valid way to discern God's will today?**

Answer: While casting lots was a divinely sanctioned method for discerning God's will in the Old Testament (e.g., in the division of land, identifying culprits, or choosing leaders), it is generally not considered a normative practice for Christians today. With the advent of the New Covenant, believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who guides them into all truth (cf. [John 14:26](/john/14-26 "The Holy Spirit, the Helper")). Furthermore, we have the complete and authoritative written Word of God (cf. [2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "All Scripture is God-breathed")), which provides comprehensive guidance for life and godliness. Therefore, Christians are encouraged to seek God's will primarily through prayer, diligent study of Scripture, seeking wise counsel from mature believers, and discerning the Spirit's leading through circumstances and inner conviction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic scene in 1 Samuel 14:42, where the innocent Jonathan is "taken" as the one who broke the law, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Saul, in his flawed leadership and legalistic zeal, was ready to condemn his own son for an unwitting transgression, demonstrating the inadequacy of human justice and the harshness of law without grace. In stark contrast, God the Father, in His perfect love and justice, willingly gave His only Son, Jesus, who was truly innocent and without sin (cf. [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")). Yet, Christ was "taken" and condemned, not for His own sin, but for the sins of humanity. He became sin for us, though He knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "Christ Became Sin for Us")). Where Saul's oath brought a curse and threatened death, Christ's perfect obedience and sacrificial death on the cross redeemed us from the curse of the law (cf. [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")), offering grace and life to all who believe. Jonathan's predicament highlights the need for a perfect mediator and a perfect sacrifice, a role flawlessly fulfilled by the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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.