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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://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 ESV</title><link rel="stylesheet" href="/chapnew2.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="../spec.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /></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="../cmenus/1_samuel/14.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="../topmenuchap/1_samuel/14-1.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="http://biblehub.com">Bible</a> > <a href="../">ESV</a> > 1 Samuel 14</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></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="../1_samuel/13.htm" title="1 Samuel 13">◄</a> 1 Samuel 14 <a href="../1_samuel/15.htm" title="1 Samuel 15">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top">English Standard Version</td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/p/esv/nas/1_samuel/14.shtml" style="color:#001320" title="Parallel Chapters"> Par ▾ </a></tr></table></div></a><div class="chap"><p class="heading">Jonathan Defeats the Philistines</p><p class="regular"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-1.htm"><b>1</b></a></span>One day Jonathan the son of Saul said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the Philistine garrison on the other side.” But he did not tell his father. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-2.htm"><b>2</b></a></span>Saul was staying in the outskirts of Gibeah in the pomegranate cave<span class="footnote"><sup><a href="#footnotes" title="Or under the pomegranate [tree]">a</a></sup></span> at Migron. The people who were with him were about six hundred men, <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-3.htm"><b>3</b></a></span>including Ahijah the son of Ahitub, Ichabod’s brother, son of Phinehas, son of Eli, the priest of the <span class="divine-name">Lord</span> in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people did not know that Jonathan had gone. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-4.htm"><b>4</b></a></span>Within the passes, by which Jonathan sought to go over to the Philistine garrison, there was a rocky crag on the one side and a rocky crag on the other side. The name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-5.htm"><b>5</b></a></span>The one crag rose on the north in front of Michmash, and the other on the south in front of Geba.</p> <p class="regular"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-6.htm"><b>6</b></a></span>Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the <span class="divine-name">Lord</span> will work for us, for nothing can hinder the <span class="divine-name">Lord</span> from saving by many or by few.” <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-7.htm"><b>7</b></a></span>And his armor-bearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish.<span class="footnote"><sup><a href="#footnotes" title="Septuagint Do all that your mind inclines to">b</a></sup></span> Behold, I am with you heart and soul.” <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-8.htm"><b>8</b></a></span>Then Jonathan said, “Behold, we will cross over to the men, and we will show ourselves to them. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-9.htm"><b>9</b></a></span>If they say to us, ‘Wait until we come to you,’ then we will stand still in our place, and we will not go up to them. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-10.htm"><b>10</b></a></span>But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ then we will go up, for the <span class="divine-name">Lord</span> has given them into our hand. And this shall be the sign to us.” <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-11.htm"><b>11</b></a></span>So both of them showed themselves to the garrison of the Philistines. And the Philistines said, “Look, Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they have hidden themselves.” <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-12.htm"><b>12</b></a></span>And the men of the garrison hailed Jonathan and his armor-bearer and said, “Come up to us, and we will show you a thing.” And Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, “Come up after me, for the <span class="divine-name">Lord</span> has given them into the hand of Israel.” <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-13.htm"><b>13</b></a></span>Then Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet, and his armor-bearer after him. And they fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer killed them after him. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-14.htm"><b>14</b></a></span>And that first strike, which Jonathan and his armor-bearer made, killed about twenty men within as it were half a furrow’s length in an acre<span class="footnote"><sup><a href="#footnotes" title="Hebrew a yoke">c</a></sup></span> of land. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-15.htm"><b>15</b></a></span>And there was a panic in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. The garrison and even the raiders trembled, the earth quaked, and it became a very great panic.<span class="footnote"><sup><a href="#footnotes" title="Or became a panic from God">d</a></sup></span></p> <p class="regular"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-16.htm"><b>16</b></a></span>And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked, and behold, the multitude was dispersing here and there.<span class="footnote"><sup><a href="#footnotes" title="Septuagint; Hebrew they went here and there">e</a></sup></span> <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-17.htm"><b>17</b></a></span>Then Saul said to the people who were with him, “Count and see who has gone from us.” And when they had counted, behold, Jonathan and his armor-bearer were not there. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-18.htm"><b>18</b></a></span>So Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God here.” For the ark of God went at that time with the people<span class="footnote"><sup><a href="#footnotes" title="Hebrew; Septuagint Bring the ephod. For at that time he wore the ephod before the people">f</a></sup></span> of Israel. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-19.htm"><b>19</b></a></span>Now while Saul was talking to the priest, the tumult in the camp of the Philistines increased more and more. So Saul said to the priest, “Withdraw your hand.” <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-20.htm"><b>20</b></a></span>Then Saul and all the people who were with him rallied and went into the battle. And behold, every Philistine’s sword was against his fellow, and there was very great confusion. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-21.htm"><b>21</b></a></span>Now the Hebrews who had been with the Philistines before that time and who had gone up with them into the camp, even they also turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-22.htm"><b>22</b></a></span>Likewise, when all the men of Israel who had hidden themselves in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were fleeing, they too followed hard after them in the battle. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-23.htm"><b>23</b></a></span>So the <span class="divine-name">Lord</span> saved Israel that day. And the battle passed beyond Beth-aven.</p> <p class="heading">Saul’s Rash Vow</p><p class="regular"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-24.htm"><b>24</b></a></span>And the men of Israel had been hard pressed that day, so Saul had laid an oath on the people, saying, “Cursed be the man who eats food until it is evening and I am avenged on my enemies.” So none of the people had tasted food. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-25.htm"><b>25</b></a></span>Now when all the people<span class="footnote"><sup><a href="#footnotes" title="Hebrew land">g</a></sup></span> came to the forest, behold, there was honey on the ground. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-26.htm"><b>26</b></a></span>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. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-27.htm"><b>27</b></a></span>But Jonathan had not heard his father charge the people with the oath, so he put out the tip of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb and put his hand to his mouth, and his eyes became bright. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-28.htm"><b>28</b></a></span>Then one of the people said, “Your father strictly charged the people with an oath, saying, ‘Cursed be the man who eats food this day.’” And the people were faint. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-29.htm"><b>29</b></a></span>Then Jonathan said, “My father has troubled the land. See how my eyes have become bright because I tasted a little of this honey. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-30.htm"><b>30</b></a></span>How much better if the people had eaten freely today of the spoil of their enemies that they found. For now the defeat among the Philistines has not been great.”</p> <p class="regular"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-31.htm"><b>31</b></a></span>They struck down the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon. And the people were very faint. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-32.htm"><b>32</b></a></span>The people pounced on the spoil and took sheep and oxen and calves and slaughtered them on the ground. And the people ate them with the blood. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-33.htm"><b>33</b></a></span>Then they told Saul, “Behold, the people are sinning against the <span class="divine-name">Lord</span> by eating with the blood.” And he said, “You have dealt treacherously; roll a great stone to me here.”<span class="footnote"><sup><a href="#footnotes" title="Septuagint; Hebrew this day">h</a></sup></span> <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-34.htm"><b>34</b></a></span>And Saul said, “Disperse yourselves among the people and say to them, ‘Let every man bring his ox or his sheep and slaughter them here and eat, and do not sin against the <span class="divine-name">Lord</span> by eating with the blood.’” So every one of the people brought his ox with him that night and they slaughtered them there. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-35.htm"><b>35</b></a></span>And Saul built an altar to the <span class="divine-name">Lord</span>; it was the first altar that he built to the <span class="divine-name">Lord</span>.</p> <p class="regular"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-36.htm"><b>36</b></a></span>Then Saul said, “Let us go down after the Philistines by night and plunder them until the morning light; let us not leave a man of them.” And they said, “Do whatever seems good to you.” But the priest said, “Let us draw near to God here.” <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-37.htm"><b>37</b></a></span>And Saul inquired of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will you give them into the hand of Israel?” But he did not answer him that day. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-38.htm"><b>38</b></a></span>And Saul said, “Come here, all you leaders of the people, and know and see how this sin has arisen today. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-39.htm"><b>39</b></a></span>For as the <span class="divine-name">Lord</span> lives who saves Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die.” But there was not a man among all the people who answered him. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-40.htm"><b>40</b></a></span>Then he said to all Israel, “You shall be on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side.” And the people said to Saul, “Do what seems good to you.” <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-41.htm"><b>41</b></a></span>Therefore Saul said, “O <span class="divine-name">Lord</span> God of Israel, why have you not answered your servant this day? If this guilt is in me or in Jonathan my son, O <span class="divine-name">Lord</span>, God of Israel, give Urim. But if this guilt is in your people Israel, give Thummim.”<span class="footnote"><sup><a href="#footnotes" title="Vulgate and Septuagint; Hebrew Therefore Saul said to the LORD, the God of Israel, Give Thummim.">i</a></sup></span> And Jonathan and Saul were taken, but the people escaped. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-42.htm"><b>42</b></a></span>Then Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan.” And Jonathan was taken.</p> <p class="regular"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-43.htm"><b>43</b></a></span>Then Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” And Jonathan told him, “I tasted a little honey with the tip of the staff that was in my hand. Here I am; I will die.” <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-44.htm"><b>44</b></a></span>And Saul said, “God do so to me and more also; you shall surely die, Jonathan.” <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-45.htm"><b>45</b></a></span>Then the people said to Saul, “Shall Jonathan die, who has worked this great salvation in Israel? Far from it! As the <span class="divine-name">Lord</span> lives, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground, for he has worked with God this day.” So the people ransomed Jonathan, so that he did not die. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-46.htm"><b>46</b></a></span>Then Saul went up from pursuing the Philistines, and the Philistines went to their own place.</p> <p class="heading">Saul Fights Israel’s Enemies</p><p class="regular"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-47.htm"><b>47</b></a></span>When Saul had taken the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, against the Ammonites, against Edom, against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines. Wherever he turned he routed them. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-48.htm"><b>48</b></a></span>And he did valiantly and struck the Amalekites and delivered Israel out of the hands of those who plundered them.</p> <p class="regular"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-49.htm"><b>49</b></a></span>Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchi-shua. And the names of his two daughters were these: the name of the firstborn was Merab, and the name of the younger Michal. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-50.htm"><b>50</b></a></span>And the name of Saul’s wife was Ahinoam the daughter of Ahimaaz. And the name of the commander of his army was Abner the son of Ner, Saul’s uncle. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-51.htm"><b>51</b></a></span>Kish was the father of Saul, and Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel.</p> <p class="regular"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-52.htm"><b>52</b></a></span>There was hard fighting against the Philistines all the days of Saul. And when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he attached him to himself.</p><A name="footnotes"></a><hr size="1" color="DDEEFF"><span class="mainfootnotes"><span class="mainfootnoteshdg">Footnotes:</span><br><span class="footnotesbot">a</span> <span class="fnverse">2</span> Or <i>under the pomegranate</i> [tree]<br /><span class="footnotesbot">b</span> <span class="fnverse">7</span> Septuagint <i><span class="catch-word">Do</span> all that your mind inclines to</i><br /><span class="footnotesbot">c</span> <span class="fnverse">14</span> Hebrew <i><span class="catch-word">a</span> yoke</i><br /><span class="footnotesbot">d</span> <span class="fnverse">15</span> Or <i><span class="catch-word">became a</span> panic from God</i><br /><span class="footnotesbot">e</span> <span class="fnverse">16</span> Septuagint; Hebrew <i>they went here and there</i><br /><span class="footnotesbot">f</span> <span class="fnverse">18</span> Hebrew; Septuagint <i><span class="catch-word">"Bring the</span> ephod." For at that time he wore the ephod before the people</i><br /><span class="footnotesbot">g</span> <span class="fnverse">25</span> Hebrew <i>land</i><br /><span class="footnotesbot">h</span> <span class="fnverse">33</span> Septuagint; Hebrew <i>this day</i><br /><span class="footnotesbot">i</span> <span class="fnverse">41</span> Vulgate and Septuagint; Hebrew <i>Therefore <span class="catch-word">Saul said</span> to the <span class="divine-name">Lord</span>, the God of Israel, "Give Thummim."</i><br /></span></div></div><div id="botbox"><div class="padbot"><div align="center">ESV Text Edition® (2016).<br /><br />The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®) copyright © 2001 by <a href="http://www.crossway.org/home/esv/">Crossway Bibles</a>, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. The ESV® text has been reproduced in cooperation with and by permission of Good News Publishers. Unauthorized reproduction of this publication is prohibited. All rights reserved.<br /><br />The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®) is adapted from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. 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