1 Samuel 14:40

1 Samuel 14:40 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then Saul said to all Israel, “You stand on one side, and I and my son Jonathan will stand on the other side.” “Do what seems good to you,” the troops replied.

King James Version KJV

Then said he unto all Israel, Be ye on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side. And the people said unto Saul, Do what seemeth good unto thee.

American Standard Version ASV

Then said he unto all Israel, Be ye on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side. And the people said unto Saul, Do what seemeth good unto thee.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then he said to all Israel, You be on one side, and I with Jonathan my son will be on the other side. And the people said to Saul, Do whatever seems good to you.

Free Bible Version FBV

Saul told them all, “You stand over to one side, and I and my son Jonathan will stand on the opposite side.” “Do what you think best,” the army replied.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then he saide vnto all Israel, Be ye on one side, and I and Ionathan my sonne will be on the other side. And the people saide vnto Saul, Doe what thou thinkest best.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And he saith unto all Israel, 'Ye — ye are on one side, and I and Jonathan my son are on another side;' and the people say unto Saul, 'That which is good in thine eyes do.'

World English Bible WEB

Then he said to all Israel, “You be on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side.” The people said to Saul, “Do what seems good to you.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then said he to all Israel, Be ye on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side. And the people said to Saul, Do what seemeth good to thee.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And he said to all Israel: Be you on one side, and I with Jonathan my son will be on the other side. And the people answered Saul: Do what seemeth good in thy eyes.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then Saul said to all the Israeli soldiers, “You stand on one side. My son Jonathan and I will stand on the other side.” His men replied, “Do whatever you think is best.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 14:40

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Samuel 14:40 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר אֶל כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל אַתֶּם֙ תִּֽהְיוּ֙ לְ/עֵ֣בֶר אֶחָ֔ד וַֽ/אֲנִי֙ וְ/יוֹנָתָ֣ן בְּנִ֔/י נִהְיֶ֖ה לְ/עֵ֣בֶר אֶחָ֑ד וַ/יֹּאמְר֤וּ הָ/עָם֙ אֶל שָׁא֔וּל הַ/טּ֥וֹב בְּ/עֵינֶ֖י/ךָ עֲשֵֽׂה

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

אַתֶּם֙ ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Pron

תִּֽהְיוּ֙ hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-2mp

לְ/עֵ֣בֶר ʻêber H5676 side Prep | N-ms

אֶחָ֔ד ʼechâd H259 one Adj

וַֽ/אֲנִי֙ ʼănîy H589 I Conj | Pron

וְ/יוֹנָתָ֣ן Yôwnâthân H3129 Jonathan Conj | N-proper

בְּנִ֔/י bên H1121 son N-ms | Suff

נִהְיֶ֖ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-1cp

לְ/עֵ֣בֶר ʻêber H5676 side Prep | N-ms

אֶחָ֑ד ʼechâd H259 one Adj

וַ/יֹּאמְר֤וּ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

הָ/עָם֙ ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

שָׁא֔וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul N-proper

הַ/טּ֥וֹב ṭôwb H2896 pleasant Art | Adj

בְּ/עֵינֶ֖י/ךָ ʻayin H5869 eye Prep | N-cd | Suff

עֲשֵֽׂה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Impv-2ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 14:40

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

אַתֶּם֙ ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Pron

You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.

Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)

Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.

תִּֽהְיוּ֙ hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-2mp

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

לְ/עֵ֣בֶר ʻêber H5676 "side" Prep | N-ms

This word describes a region or side, often referring to the area beyond or across a river, and can be used to describe a location, direction, or perspective.

Definition: : ahead/beyond 1) region beyond or across, side 1a) region across or beyond 1b) side, opposite side

Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against, beyond, by, [idiom] from, over, passage, quarter, (other, this) side, straight. See also: Genesis 50:10; Joshua 22:11; Isaiah 7:20.

אֶחָ֔ד ʼechâd H259 "one" Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.

Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)

Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.

וַֽ/אֲנִי֙ ʼănîy H589 "I" Conj | Pron

This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.

Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)

Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.

וְ/יוֹנָתָ֣ן Yôwnâthân H3129 "Jonathan" Conj | N-proper

Jonathan means Jehovah has given, a name shared by several Israelites, including King Saul's son and a friend of David. He was a key figure in 1 Samuel and a brave warrior. Jonathan's story is told in the books of Samuel.

Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.23.32; son of: Shammah (H8048I) Another spelling of ye.ho.na.tan (יְהוֹנָתָן "Jonathan" H3083J) § Jonathan or Jehonathan = "Jehovah has given" 1) a son of king Saul and a friend of David 2) a son of the high priest Abiathar and the last descendant of Eli of whom we hear 3) one of David's mighty warriors 4) a Levite and father of Zechariah, a priest who blew the trumpet at the dedication of the wall 5) a son of Kareah and a brother of Johanan; a Judaite captain after the fall of Jerusalem 6) another Judaite 7) father of Ebed in the time of Ezra 8) son of Asahel in the time of Ezra 9) a priest of the family of Melicu in the time of Nehemiah 10) son of Joiada and his successor to the high priesthood in the time of Nehemiah

Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: Jonathan. See also: Judges 18:30; 1 Samuel 14:42; Jeremiah 40:8.

בְּנִ֔/י bên H1121 "son" N-ms | Suff

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

נִהְיֶ֖ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-1cp

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

לְ/עֵ֣בֶר ʻêber H5676 "side" Prep | N-ms

This word describes a region or side, often referring to the area beyond or across a river, and can be used to describe a location, direction, or perspective.

Definition: : ahead/beyond 1) region beyond or across, side 1a) region across or beyond 1b) side, opposite side

Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against, beyond, by, [idiom] from, over, passage, quarter, (other, this) side, straight. See also: Genesis 50:10; Joshua 22:11; Isaiah 7:20.

אֶחָ֑ד ʼechâd H259 "one" Adj

וַ/יֹּאמְר֤וּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

הָ/עָם֙ ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

שָׁא֔וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 "Shaul" N-proper

Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah

Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.

הַ/טּ֥וֹב ṭôwb H2896 "pleasant" Art | Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.

Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)

Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.

בְּ/עֵינֶ֖י/ךָ ʻayin H5869 "eye" Prep | N-cd | Suff

This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.

עֲשֵֽׂה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 14:40

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Samuel 14:40 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 14:40
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 14:40
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:40
Sermons on 1 Samuel 14:40

Context — The People Save Jonathan

38Therefore Saul said, “Come here, all you leaders of the troops, and let us investigate how this sin has occurred today. 39As surely as the LORD who saves Israel lives, even if it is my son Jonathan, he must die!” But not one of the troops said a word.

40Then Saul said to all Israel, “You stand on one side, and I and my son Jonathan will stand on the other side.” “Do what seems good to you,” the troops replied.

41So Saul said to the LORD, the God of Israel, “Why have You not answered Your servant this day? If the fault is with me or my son Jonathan, respond with Urim, but if the fault is with the men of Israel, respond with Thummim.” And Jonathan and Saul were selected, but the people were cleared of the charge. 42Then Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan.” And Jonathan was selected.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	2 Samuel 15:15	The king’s servants replied, “Whatever our lord the king decides, we are your servants.”
2	1 Samuel 14:7	His armor-bearer replied, “Do all that is in your heart. Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.”
3	1 Samuel 14:36	And Saul said, “Let us go down after the Philistines by night and plunder them until dawn, leaving no man alive!” “Do what seems good to you,” the troops replied. But the priest said, “We must consult God here.”

1 Samuel 14:40 Summary

In 1 Samuel 14:40, Saul is trying to figure out who has sinned and caused God to be silent. He decides to divide the people into two groups to determine who is responsible. This shows that Saul is willing to take responsibility and make difficult decisions, even if it means potentially implicating himself or his loved ones, similar to the teachings in Proverbs 28:1. By seeking God's guidance and wisdom, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7, we can learn to trust in His sovereignty and make decisions that align with His will, just like Saul's actions in 1 Samuel 14:41.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Saul decide to divide the people into two groups in 1 Samuel 14:40?

Saul decided to divide the people into two groups to determine who was responsible for the sin that had occurred, as he was seeking to identify the cause of God's silence in response to his inquiry, as seen in 1 Samuel 14:38-39. This action shows his desire to follow God's will and remove any obstacle to their relationship with Him, similar to King David's actions in 2 Samuel 24:17.

What can we learn about leadership from Saul's actions in this verse?

From Saul's actions, we can learn that a leader must be willing to take responsibility and make difficult decisions, even if it means potentially implicating themselves or their loved ones, as seen in 1 Samuel 14:39. This is in line with the teachings of Proverbs 28:1, which emphasizes the importance of integrity in leadership.

How does the response of the troops in 1 Samuel 14:40 reflect their attitude towards Saul's leadership?

The troops' response of 'Do what seems good to you' indicates a sense of detachment and lack of confidence in Saul's leadership, as they are not taking an active role in the decision-making process, unlike the engagement seen in Exodus 18:13-27 where the people and leaders worked together to make decisions.

What role does trust in God play in this verse?

Trust in God is implicit in Saul's actions, as he is seeking God's guidance and wisdom in determining the cause of the sin, as seen in 1 Samuel 14:41 where he consults the LORD. This highlights the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and seeking His will, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 37:3-7.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I need to seek God's guidance and wisdom, just like Saul in 1 Samuel 14:40-41?
How can I apply the principle of taking responsibility for my actions, as seen in Saul's willingness to investigate and potentially implicate himself, to my own life and relationships?
In what ways can I demonstrate trust in God's sovereignty, even when faced with uncertainty or difficult decisions, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Isaiah 26:3-4?
What are some ways I can cultivate a deeper sense of community and shared responsibility with my fellow believers, unlike the detachment seen in the troops' response in 1 Samuel 14:40?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 14:40

Then said he unto all Israel,.... As many of them as were present; not the principal men only, but the common people; not the officers only, but the common soldiers in the army: be ye on one side,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 14:40

And Saul said, Disperse yourselves among the people, and say unto them, Bring me hither every man his ox, and every man his sheep, and slay them here, and eat; and sin not against the LORD in eating with the blood.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:40

1 Samuel 14:40 Then said he unto all Israel, Be ye on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side. And the people said unto Saul, Do what seemeth good unto thee.Ver. 40. Do what seemeth good unto thee.] So they had said once before. Silken words must be given to princes as she in the story said. But when Saul spake of putting Jonathan to death, there was first altum silentium and then an absolute opposition, and a forcible rescue. Plut.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 14:40

	Sermon	Description
	What Is a Christian 18 Christian an Instrument by James K. Boswell	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Romans 6 and highlights four important things that the Apostle Paul wants believers to know. These include the meaning of baptism, the signi
	The Early Success of Saul by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith focuses on the early success of Saul as the king of Israel. Saul reigned for one year and then chose 3,000 men to form a standing army, with 2,00

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