CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 14:26 And when they entered the forest and saw the flowing honey, not one of them put his hand to his mouth, because they feared the oath.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-26.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/09_1Sa_14_26.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 14:26 - Jonathan Eats the Honey" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And when they entered the forest and saw the flowing honey, not one of them put his hand to his mouth, because they feared the oath." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/14-26.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/14-26.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/14.htm">Chapter 14</a> > Verse 26</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/14-25.htm" title="1 Samuel 14:25">◄</a> 1 Samuel 14:26 <a href="/1_samuel/14-27.htm" title="1 Samuel 14:27">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_samuel/14.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/14.htm">New International Version</a> When they went into the woods, they saw the honey oozing out; yet no one put his hand to his mouth, because they feared the oath. <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/14.htm">New Living Translation</a> They didn’t dare touch the honey because they all feared the oath they had taken. <a href="/esv/1_samuel/14.htm">English Standard Version</a> And when the people entered the forest, behold, the honey was dropping, but no one put his hand to his mouth, for the people feared the oath. <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> And when they entered the forest and saw the flowing honey, not one of them put his hand to his mouth, because they feared the oath. <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/14.htm">King James Bible</a> And when the people were come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped; but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/14.htm">New King James Version</a> And when the people had come into the woods, there was the honey, dripping; but no one put his hand to his mouth, for the people feared the oath. <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> When the people entered the forest, behold, there was honey dripping; but no man put his hand to his mouth, because the people feared the oath. <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/14.htm">NASB 1995</a> When the people entered the forest, behold, there was a flow of honey; but no man put his hand to his mouth, for the people feared the oath. <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a> When the people entered the forest, behold, there was a flow of honey; but no man put his hand to his mouth, for the people feared the oath. <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So the people entered the forest, and behold, there was a flow of honey; but no man put his hand to his mouth, for the people feared the sworn oath. <a href="/amp/1_samuel/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a> When the people entered the forest, the honey was dripping, but no man put his hand to his mouth [to taste it], because the people feared the oath [of Saul]. <a href="/csb/1_samuel/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When the troops entered the forest, they saw the flow of honey, but none of them ate any of it because they feared the oath. <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When the troops entered the forest, they saw the flow of honey, but none of them ate any of it because they feared the oath. <a href="/asv/1_samuel/14.htm">American Standard Version</a> And when the people were come unto the forest, behold, the honey dropped: but no man put his hand to his mouth; for the people feared the oath. <a href="/erv/1_samuel/14.htm">English Revised Version</a> And when the people were come unto the forest, behold, the honey dropped: but no man put his hand to his mouth; for the people feared the oath. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> When the troops entered the woods, the honey was flowing. But no one put his hand to his mouth, because the troops were afraid of violating their oath. <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/14.htm">Good News Translation</a> The woods were full of honey, but no one ate any of it because they were all afraid of Saul's curse. <a href="/isv/1_samuel/14.htm">International Standard Version</a> The people came into the woods and there was flowing honey, but no one put his hand to his mouth to eat it because the people were afraid due to the oath. <a href="/msb/1_samuel/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> And when they entered the forest and saw the flowing honey, not one of them put his hand to his mouth, because they feared the oath. <a href="/net/1_samuel/14.htm">NET Bible</a> When the army entered the forest, they saw the honey flowing, but no one ate any of it, for the army was afraid of the oath. <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And when the people came upon the honeycomb, look, its bees had left, but no man would raise his hand to his mouth, for the people feared the oath. <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And when the people had come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped; but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath. <a href="/web/1_samuel/14.htm">World English Bible</a> When the people had come to the forest, behold, honey was dripping, but no one put his hand to his mouth, for the people feared the oath. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and the people come into the forest, and behold, the honey dropped, and none is moving his hand to his mouth, for the people feared the oath. <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and the people come in unto the forest, and lo, the honey dropped, and none is moving his hand unto his mouth, for the people feared the oath. <a href="/slt/1_samuel/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the people will come to the thicket, and behold, the honey went; and none putting his hand to his mouth, for the people will be afraid of the oath.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And when the people came into the forest, behold the honey dropped, but no man put his hand to his mouth. For the people feared the oath. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And so the people entered the forest, and there appeared flowing honey, but no one drew his hand near his mouth. For the people were afraid of the oath. <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/14.htm">New American Bible</a> and when the soldiers came to the comb the honey was flowing; yet no one raised a hand from it to his mouth, because the people feared the oath. <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When the troops came upon the honeycomb, the honey was dripping out; but they did not put their hands to their mouths, for they feared the oath.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And when the people were come into the forest, behold, the honey was dropping; but no one put his hand to his mouth; for the people feared the oath. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/14.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the people entered into the forest, and the honey flowed, and there was no one who reached his hand to his mouth, because the people were afraid of the oath<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/14.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And when the people were come unto the forest, behold a flow of honey; but no man put his hand to his mouth; for the people feared the oath. <a href="/sep/1_samuel/14.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the people went into the place of the bees, and, behold, they continued speaking; and, behold, there was none that put his hand to his mouth, for the people feared the oath of the Lord. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/14-26.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=3658" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/14.htm">Jonathan Eats the Honey</a> …25Then all the troops entered the forest, and there was honey on the ground. 26<a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">And when they</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇō (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">entered</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3293.htm" title="3293: hay·ya·‘ar (Art:: N-ms) -- From an unused root probably meaning to thicken with verdure; a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb.">the forest</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: wə·hin·nêh (Conj-w:: Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">and saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/1982.htm" title="1982: hê·leḵ (N-msc) -- Traveler. From halak; properly, a journey, i.e. a wayfarer; also a flowing.">the flowing</a> <a href="/hebrew/1706.htm" title="1706: də·ḇāš (N-ms) -- Honey. From an unused root meaning to be gummy; honey; by analogy, syrup.">honey,</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: wə·’ên- (Conj-w:: Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">not one of them</a> <a href="/hebrew/5381.htm" title="5381: maś·śîḡ (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-ms) -- To reach, overtake. A primitive root; to reach.">put</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yā·ḏōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">his hand</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: pîw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">his mouth,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">they</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3372.htm" title="3372: yā·rê (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten. A primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. To frighten.">feared</a> <a href="/hebrew/7621.htm" title="7621: haš·šə·ḇu·‘āh (Art:: N-fs) -- An oath, curse. Feminine passive participle of shaba'; properly, something sworn, i.e. An oath.">the oath.</a> 27Jonathan, however, had not heard that his father had charged the people with the oath. So he reached out the end of the staff in his hand, dipped it into the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes brightened.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/exodus/3-8.htm">Exodus 3:8</a> I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. <a href="/proverbs/24-13.htm">Proverbs 24:13</a> Eat honey, my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your taste. <a href="/psalms/19-10.htm">Psalm 19:10</a> They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. <a href="/psalms/119-103.htm">Psalm 119:103</a> How sweet are Your words to my taste—sweeter than honey in my mouth! <a href="/judges/14-8.htm">Judges 14:8-9</a> When Samson returned later to take her, he left the road to see the lion’s carcass, and in it was a swarm of bees, along with their honey. / So he scooped some honey into his hands and ate it as he went along. And when he returned to his father and mother, he gave some to them and they ate it. But he did not tell them that he had taken the honey from the lion’s carcass. <a href="/deuteronomy/8-3.htm">Deuteronomy 8:3</a> He humbled you, and in your hunger He gave you manna to eat, which neither you nor your fathers had known, so that you might understand that man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. <a href="/matthew/3-4.htm">Matthew 3:4</a> John wore a garment of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. <a href="/revelation/10-9.htm">Revelation 10:9-10</a> And I went to the angel and said, “Give me the small scroll.” “Take it and eat it,” he said. “It will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.” / So I took the small scroll from the angel’s hand and ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. But when I had eaten it, my stomach turned bitter. <a href="/ezekiel/3-3.htm">Ezekiel 3:3</a> “Son of man,” He said to me, “eat and fill your stomach with this scroll I am giving you.” So I ate, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. <a href="/proverbs/25-16.htm">Proverbs 25:16</a> If you find honey, eat just what you need, lest you have too much and vomit it up. <a href="/songs/4-11.htm">Song of Solomon 4:11</a> Your lips, my bride, drip sweetness like the honeycomb; honey and milk are under your tongue, and the fragrance of your garments is like the aroma of Lebanon. <a href="/isaiah/7-15.htm">Isaiah 7:15</a> By the time He knows enough to reject evil and choose good, He will be eating curds and honey. <a href="/matthew/9-37.htm">Matthew 9:37</a> Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. <a href="/luke/24-42.htm">Luke 24:42</a> So they gave Him a piece of broiled fish, <a href="/john/6-49.htm">John 6:49-51</a> Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. / This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that anyone may eat of it and not die. / I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And this bread, which I will give for the life of the world, is My flesh.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And when the people were come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped; but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath.the people<a href="/ecclesiastes/9-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:2</a> All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/3-13.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/ruth/2-16.htm">Dropped</a> <a href="/judges/8-25.htm">Dropping</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-25.htm">Entered</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-19.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-25.htm">Honey</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-15.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-12.htm">Moving</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-24.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-25.htm">Wood</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-25.htm">Woods</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/15-3.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-10.htm">Dropped</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/24-10.htm">Dropping</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-6.htm">Entered</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-27.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-27.htm">Honey</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-27.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-13.htm">Moving</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-27.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-7.htm">Wood</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-6.htm">Woods</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 14</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/14-1.htm">Jonathan goes and miraculously smites the Philistine's garrison</a> 15. <a href="/1_samuel/14-15.htm">A divine terror makes them beat themselves</a> 17. <a href="/1_samuel/14-17.htm">Saul, not staying the priest's answer, sets on them</a> 21. <a href="/1_samuel/14-21.htm">The captivated Hebrews, and the hidden Israelites, join against them.</a> 24. <a href="/1_samuel/14-24.htm">Saul's unadvised adjuration hinders the victory</a> 31. <a href="/1_samuel/14-31.htm">He restrains the people from eating blood</a> 35. <a href="/1_samuel/14-35.htm">He builds an altar</a> 37. <a href="/1_samuel/14-37.htm">Jonathan, taken by lot, is save by the people</a> 47. <a href="/1_samuel/14-47.htm">Saul's victories, strength, and family</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/14.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/14.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>And when they entered the forest The forest here refers to a wooded area in the region of Michmash, where the Israelites were encamped during their conflict with the Philistines. Forests in ancient Israel were not as dense as modern ones but provided cover and resources. This setting is significant as it contrasts with the open battlefields and highlights the natural resources available to the Israelites.and saw the flowing honey Honey in ancient Israel was a symbol of abundance and prosperity, often associated with the Promised Land described as "a land flowing with milk and honey" (<a href="/exodus/3-8.htm">Exodus 3:8</a>). The presence of honey in the forest indicates the richness of the land and God's provision, even in times of conflict. The honey likely came from wild bees, which were common in the region.not one of them put his hand to his mouth This phrase emphasizes the discipline and obedience of the Israelite soldiers. Despite their hunger and the natural temptation to eat, they refrained from doing so. This act of self-control is significant in the context of the oath imposed by King Saul, which prohibited eating until evening.because they feared the oath The oath refers to King Saul's command that no one should eat until evening, under penalty of a curse (<a href="/1_samuel/14-24.htm">1 Samuel 14:24</a>). This oath was intended to motivate the troops to focus on defeating the Philistines. The fear of the oath indicates the soldiers' respect for Saul's authority and the seriousness with which they regarded oaths and curses in their culture. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the power of words and vows, as seen in passages like <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:4-5</a> and <a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">Matthew 5:33-37</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jonathan.htm">Jonathan</a> - The son of King Saul, who unknowingly breaks his father's oath by eating honey, demonstrating his bravery and initiative in the battle against the Philistines. 2. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a> - The first king of Israel, who made a rash oath that his troops should not eat until evening, which led to unnecessary hardship for his men. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_troops.htm">The Troops</a> - The Israelite soldiers who were fighting under King Saul's command and were affected by his oath, leading to their exhaustion and fear. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_forest.htm">The Forest</a> - The location where the honey was found, symbolizing God's provision and the natural abundance that was available to the troops. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_oath.htm">The Oath</a> - A vow made by Saul that cursed any man who ate food before evening, which was intended to motivate the troops but instead caused them to fear and suffer.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_rash_decisions.htm">The Danger of Rash Decisions</a> Saul's impulsive oath demonstrates the potential harm of making decisions without seeking God's guidance. Believers should be cautious and prayerful in their commitments. <a href="/topical/g/god's_provision_in_times_of_need.htm">God's Provision in Times of Need</a> The honey in the forest symbolizes God's provision. Even in difficult circumstances, God provides for His people. Trust in His timing and resources. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience_and_discernment.htm">The Importance of Obedience and Discernment</a> The troops' fear of the oath shows the tension between obedience to authority and discernment. Christians are called to obey God above all and discern His will in every situation. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_fear.htm">The Consequences of Fear</a> Fear of man, as seen in the troops' reaction, can lead to missed opportunities for God's blessings. Believers should cultivate a fear of the Lord, which leads to wisdom and courage. <a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_responsibility.htm">Leadership and Responsibility</a> Saul's leadership failure serves as a reminder of the responsibility leaders have to care for those under their charge. Christian leaders should seek God's wisdom to lead effectively and compassionately.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_14.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 14</a> <a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_1_chr_14_8-17_and_2_sam_5.htm">1 Chronicles 14:8-17 - How do we reconcile any discrepancies between this account of David's battles with the Philistines and the parallel text in 2 Samuel 5?</a> <a href="/q/why_would_god_condemn_jonathan.htm">If Jonathan unknowingly broke Saul's oath, why would God seemingly condemn him to death (1 Samuel 14:43-45)?</a> <a href="/q/why_honor_saul's_fast_if_it_led_to_sin.htm">Why would God honor Saul's command to fast when it led the soldiers to sin by eating meat with blood (1 Samuel 14:24, 31-33)?</a> <a href="/q/evidence_for_1_samuel_14_battle_site.htm">Is there any archaeological or extra-biblical evidence confirming the battle site and the events described in 1 Samuel 14?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/14.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(26) Behold, the honey dropped.--Literally,. Behold, a stream of honey.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 26. - The honey dropped. More correctly, "Behold, a stream (or a flowing) of honey." <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/14-26.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>And when [they] הָעָם֙ (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock entered וַיָּבֹ֤א (way·yā·ḇō) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go the forest הַיַּ֔עַר (hay·ya·‘ar) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3293.htm">Strong's 3293: </a> A copse of bushes, a forest, honey in the comb and saw וְהִנֵּ֖ה (wə·hin·nêh) Conjunctive waw | Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> Lo! behold! the flowing הֵ֣לֶךְ (hê·leḵ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1982.htm">Strong's 1982: </a> A journey, a wayfarer, a flowing honey, דְּבָ֑שׁ (də·ḇāš) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1706.htm">Strong's 1706: </a> Honey, syrup not one of them וְאֵין־ (wə·’ên-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> A non-entity, a negative particle put מַשִּׂ֤יג (maś·śîḡ) Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5381.htm">Strong's 5381: </a> To reach, overtake his hand יָדוֹ֙ (yā·ḏōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to his mouth, פִּ֔יו (pîw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to because כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction [they] הָעָ֖ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock feared יָרֵ֥א (yā·rê) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten the oath. הַשְּׁבֻעָֽה׃ (haš·šə·ḇu·‘āh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7621.htm">Strong's 7621: </a> Something sworn, an oath <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/14-26.htm">1 Samuel 14:26 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/14-26.htm">1 Samuel 14:26 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/14-26.htm">1 Samuel 14:26 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/14-26.htm">1 Samuel 14:26 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/14-26.htm">1 Samuel 14:26 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/14-26.htm">1 Samuel 14:26 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/14-26.htm">1 Samuel 14:26 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/14-26.htm">1 Samuel 14:26 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/14-26.htm">1 Samuel 14:26 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/14-26.htm">1 Samuel 14:26 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-26.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 14:26 When the people were come to (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/14-25.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 14:25"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 14:25" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/14-27.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 14:27"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 14:27" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>