The Lot Identifies Jonathan’s Sin

36

Sha'ul said, "Let's go after the P'lishtim by night. We'll plunder them until dawn; we won't leave one of them alive." They answered, "Do whatever seems good to you." But the cohen said, "Let's approach God here."

37

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.

38

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

39

For, as ADONAI Isra'el's deliverer lives, even if it proves to be Y'honatan my son, he must be put to death." But no one among all the people answered him.

40

Then he said to all Isra'el, "You be on one side, and I and Y'honatan my son will be on the other side." The people replied to Sha'ul, "Do what seems good to you."

41

Sha'ul said to ADONAI the God of Isra'el, "Who is right?" Y'honatan and Sha'ul were chosen by lot, and the people went free.

42

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

43

Then Sha'ul said to Y'honatan, "Tell me what you did."Y'honatan told him, "Yes, I tasted a little honey with the end of the staff in my hand. Here I am; I'm ready to die."

44

Sha'ul said, "May God do the same to me and more also if you are not put to death, Y'honatan!"

45

But the people said to Sha'ul, "Must Y'honatan die, who has accomplished this great deliverance in Isra'el? Heaven forbid! As ADONAI lives, not one hair of his head will fall to the ground; because he worked with God today!" In this way the people rescued Y'honatan, so that he didn't die.

46

Then Sha'ul stopped pursuing the P'lishtim, and the P'lishtim returned to their own territory.

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