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Will you give them into Israel&#8217s hand?&#8221 But God did not answer him that day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/14.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So Saul asked God, “Should we go after the Philistines? Will you help us defeat them?” But God made no reply that day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/14.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />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="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Saul inquired of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will You give them into the hand of Israel?” But God did not answer him that day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/14.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/14.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So Saul asked counsel of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will You deliver them into the hand of Israel?” But He did not answer him that day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Saul inquired of God: “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will You hand them over to Israel?” But He did not answer him on that day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/14.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Saul inquired of God, &#8220Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will You give them into the hand of Israel?&#8221 But He did not answer him on that day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Saul inquired of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Wilt Thou give them into the hand of Israel?” But He did not answer him on that day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And Saul asked of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will You give them into the hand of Israel?” But He did not answer him on that day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Saul asked [counsel] of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will You hand them over to Israel?” But He did not answer him that day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Saul inquired of God, “Should I go after the Philistines? Will you hand them over to Israel? ” But God did not answer him that day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Saul inquired of God, &#8220Should I go after the Philistines? Will You hand them over to Israel?&#8221 But God did not answer him that day. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/14.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Saul asked God, "Should I attack the Philistines? Will you help us win?" This time God did not answer. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/14.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then Saul asked God, "Should I attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to Israel?" But he received no answer that day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/14.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So Saul asked God, "Shall I attack the Philistines? Will you give us victory?" But God did not answer that day. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/14.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Saul inquired of God, "Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will you give them into the hand of Israel?" But God did not answer him that day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Saul inquired of God, ?Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will You give them into the hand of Israel?? But God did not answer him that day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/14.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So Saul asked God, "Should I go down after the Philistines? Will you deliver them into the hand of Israel?" But he did not answer him that day. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Saul asked counsel of God, "Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will you deliver them into the hand of Israel?" But he did not answer him that day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/14.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Saul asked counsel of God: “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will you deliver them into the hand of Israel?” But he didn’t answer him that day. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Saul asks of God, “Do I go down after the Philistines? Do You give them into the hand of Israel?” And He has not answered him on that day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Saul asketh of God, 'Do I go down after the Philistines? dost Thou give them into the hand of Israel?' and He hath not answered him on that day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Saul will ask in God, Shall I go down after the rovers? wilt thou give them into the hand of Israel? And he will not answer him in that day.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Saul consulted the Lord: Shall I pursue after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hands of Israel? And he answered him not that day. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Saul consulted the Lord: “Shall I pursue the Philistines? Will you deliver them into the hands of Israel?” And he did not respond to him on that day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/14.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So Saul inquired of God: “Shall I go down in pursuit of the Philistines? Will you deliver them into the hand of Israel?” But he received no answer on this occasion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So 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.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Saul said to God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? Wilt thou deliver them into the hands of Israel? But the LORD did not answer him that day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/14.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Shaul said to God: “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will you deliver them into the hands of Israel?” And LORD JEHOVAH did not answer him on that day<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/14.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Saul asked counsel of God: 'Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt Thou deliver them into the hand of Israel?' But He answered him not that day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/14.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Saul enquired of God, If I go down after the Philistines, wilt thou deliver them into the hands of Israel? And he answered him not in that day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/14-37.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=3798" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/14.htm">The People Save Jonathan</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">37</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">So Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/7592.htm" title="7592: way·yiš·’al (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To ask, inquire. Or shael; a primitive root; to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand.">inquired</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: bê·lō·hîm (Prep-b:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">of God,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: ha·’ê·rêḏ (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To come or go down, descend. ">“Shall I go down</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rê (Prep) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">after</a> <a href="/hebrew/6430.htm" title="6430: p̄ə·liš·tîm (N-proper-mp) -- Inhab. of Philistia. Patrial from Plesheth; a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth.">the Philistines?</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: hă·ṯit·tə·nêm (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms:: 3mp) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">Will You give them</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: bə·yaḏ (Prep-b:: N-fsc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">into the hand</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel?”</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">But God did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: ‘ā·nā·hū (V-Qal-Perf-3ms:: 3ms) -- To answer, respond.">answer him</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: ha·hū (Art:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: bay·yō·wm (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">day.</a> </span><span class="reftext">38</span>Therefore Saul said, “Come here, all you leaders of the troops, and let us investigate how this sin has occurred today.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/20-18.htm">Judges 20:18</a></span><br />The Israelites set out, went up to Bethel, and inquired of God, “Who of us shall go up first to fight against the Benjamites?” “Judah will be first,” the LORD replied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/20-23.htm">Judges 20:23</a></span><br />They went up and wept before the LORD until evening, inquiring of Him, “Should we again draw near for battle against our brothers the Benjamites?” And the LORD answered, “Go up against them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/20-27.htm">Judges 20:27-28</a></span><br />And the Israelites inquired of the LORD. (In those days the ark of the covenant of God was there, / and Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, served before it.) The Israelites asked, “Should we again go out to battle against our brothers the Benjamites, or should we stop?” The LORD answered, “Fight, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hand.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/23-2.htm">1 Samuel 23:2</a></span><br />So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go and attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/23-4.htm">1 Samuel 23:4</a></span><br />Once again, David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him: “Go at once to Keilah, for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/28-6.htm">1 Samuel 28:6</a></span><br />He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/30-8.htm">1 Samuel 30:8</a></span><br />and David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, “for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/2-1.htm">2 Samuel 2:1</a></span><br />Some time later, David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” “Go up,” the LORD answered. Then David asked, “Where should I go?” “To Hebron,” replied the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/5-19.htm">2 Samuel 5:19</a></span><br />So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go up,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/5-23.htm">2 Samuel 5:23</a></span><br />So David inquired of the LORD, who answered, “Do not march straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/14-10.htm">1 Chronicles 14:10</a></span><br />So David inquired of God, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go,” replied the LORD, “for I will deliver them into your hand.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/14-14.htm">1 Chronicles 14:14</a></span><br />So David again inquired of God, who answered him, “Do not march up after them, but circle around them and attack them in front of the balsam trees.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/58-2.htm">Isaiah 58:2</a></span><br />For day after day they seek Me and delight to know My ways, like a nation that does what is right and does not forsake the justice of their God. They ask Me for righteous judgments; they delight in the nearness of God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/20-3.htm">Ezekiel 20:3</a></span><br />“Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: Have you come to inquire of Me? As surely as I live, I will not be consulted by you, declares the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-7.htm">Matthew 7:7</a></span><br />Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? will you deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day.</p><p class="hdg">Shall I go</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/23-4.htm">1 Samuel 23:4,9-12</a></b></br> Then David inquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/30-7.htm">1 Samuel 30:7,8</a></b></br> And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech's son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/1-1.htm">Judges 1:1</a></b></br> Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass, that the children of Israel asked the LORD, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first, to fight against them?</p><p class="hdg">he answered.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/28-6.htm">1 Samuel 28:6</a></b></br> And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/14-3.htm">Ezekiel 14:3-5</a></b></br> Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be inquired of at all by them? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/20-3.htm">Ezekiel 20:3</a></b></br> Son of man, speak unto the elders of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Are ye come to inquire of me? <i>As</i> I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/9-9.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-21.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-19.htm">Desiring</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-16.htm">Directions</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-27.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-13.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-22.htm">Inquired</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-24.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-9.htm">Israel's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-36.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-36.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-14.htm">Wilt</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/15-31.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-37.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-9.htm">Desiring</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-10.htm">Directions</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-43.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-48.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-10.htm">Inquired</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-39.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-12.htm">Israel's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-46.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-38.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-1.htm">Wilt</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 14</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/14-1.htm">Jonathan goes and miraculously smites the Philistine's garrison</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/14-15.htm">A divine terror makes them beat themselves</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/14-17.htm">Saul, not staying the priest's answer, sets on them</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/14-21.htm">The captivated Hebrews, and the hidden Israelites, join against them.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/14-24.htm">Saul's unadvised adjuration hinders the victory</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/14-31.htm">He restrains the people from eating blood</a></span><br><span class="reftext">35. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/14-35.htm">He builds an altar</a></span><br><span class="reftext">37. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/14-37.htm">Jonathan, taken by lot, is save by the people</a></span><br><span class="reftext">47. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/14-47.htm">Saul's victories, strength, and family</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>So Saul inquired of God</b><br>In the context of ancient Israel, inquiring of God was a common practice for leaders seeking divine guidance. Saul, as king, had the responsibility to seek God's will before making significant military decisions. This reflects the theocratic nature of Israel, where God was seen as the ultimate leader. Saul's inquiry likely involved the use of the Urim and Thummim, sacred lots used by the high priest to discern God's will (<a href="/exodus/28-30.htm">Exodus 28:30</a>). This practice underscores the importance of divine guidance in leadership, a theme echoed throughout the Old Testament.<p><b>“Shall I go down after the Philistines?</b><br>The Philistines were a perennial enemy of Israel, often depicted as a formidable military force. Saul's question indicates a strategic decision point, as pursuing the Philistines could lead to either victory or disaster. The phrase "go down" suggests a geographical descent, possibly from the highlands of Israel to the coastal plains where the Philistines resided. This reflects the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Philistines, a central theme in the books of Samuel.<p><b>Will You give them into the hand of Israel?”</b><br>This phrase highlights Saul's dependence on God for victory, acknowledging that success in battle was attributed to divine intervention rather than mere human effort. The concept of God delivering enemies into the hands of His people is a recurring motif in the Old Testament, seen in stories like Joshua's conquest of Canaan (<a href="/joshua/10-8.htm">Joshua 10:8</a>). It emphasizes the belief that God fights for Israel, a notion that reinforces Israel's identity as God's chosen people.<p><b>But God did not answer him that day.</b><br>The silence of God in response to Saul's inquiry is significant. It suggests a break in the relationship between Saul and God, possibly due to Saul's earlier disobedience (<a href="/1_samuel/13-13.htm">1 Samuel 13:13-14</a>). This silence can be seen as a form of divine judgment, indicating that Saul's leadership was no longer under God's favor. The absence of an answer also foreshadows Saul's eventual downfall and the rise of David, who is portrayed as a man after God's own heart (<a href="/1_samuel/13-14.htm">1 Samuel 13:14</a>). This moment serves as a turning point in the narrative, highlighting the consequences of disobedience and the importance of maintaining a right relationship with God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. At this point in his reign, Saul is leading Israel in battle against the Philistines.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a></b><br>A significant enemy of Israel during the time of Saul and David. They were a formidable military force and often in conflict with the Israelites.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god's_silence.htm">God's Silence</a></b><br>In this passage, God does not respond to Saul's inquiry, which is significant in understanding Saul's relationship with God and his leadership.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a></b><br>Saul's failure to receive an answer from God may reflect his earlier disobedience. Obedience to God's commands is crucial for maintaining a relationship where God responds to our inquiries.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_god_with_the_right_heart.htm">Seeking God with the Right Heart</a></b><br>When we seek God's guidance, it is essential to approach Him with a sincere and humble heart, not merely as a formality or last resort.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_divine_silence.htm">Understanding Divine Silence</a></b><br>God's silence can be a tool for reflection and self-examination. It may prompt us to consider our spiritual state and relationship with Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_faith_in_inquiry.htm">The Role of Faith in Inquiry</a></b><br>When seeking God's guidance, faith is essential. We must trust in His wisdom and timing, even when answers are not immediate.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_disobedience.htm">Consequences of Disobedience</a></b><br>Saul's experience serves as a warning about the spiritual consequences of disobedience and the importance of aligning our actions with God's will.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_14.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 14</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_jonathan_defeat_20_philistines.htm">How could Jonathan and his armor-bearer realistically defeat twenty Philistine warriors in such a small area (1 Samuel 14:12-14)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_philistines_suddenly_fear_david.htm">In 1 Samuel 29:3-5, why would the Philistines fear David so abruptly if Achish had trusted him for an extended time?</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>(37) <span class= "bld">And Saul asked counsel of God.</span>--The same phrase is always used in the many passages in the Books of Judges, 1 Sam., 2 Sam., 1 Chron., Hosea, &c. when God was inquired of by the Urim and Thummim. It may be styled the technical term of inquiry of the Oracle of the Most High; there are, however, slight. variations in the English translations of this phrase.<p><span class= "bld">But he answered him not . . .</span>--When the mysterious gems refused to shine, or in any way to signify the Divine approbation or disapproval, the high-priestly questioner seems, as in this instance, to have concluded that some public transgression had been committed, and that special atonement must be made before the desired answer could be expected. The sacred gems probably remained dull and lightless the night was wearing on, and Saul chafed at the unexpected delay, and in his impetuous anger uttered the wild words on which we are about to comment.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 37, 38.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He answered him not.</span> From this silence Saul concludes that some sin has been committed, and therefore calls together <span class="cmt_word">all the chief of the people</span> - literally, "the corner stones" (<a href="/judges/20-2.htm">Judges 20:2</a>) - to inquire who was the guilty person, and wherein he had sinned. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/14-37.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">So Saul</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁאוּל֙</span> <span class="translit">(šā·’ūl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> </span><span class="str2">Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">inquired</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשְׁאַ֤ל</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiš·’al)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7592.htm">Strong's 7592: </a> </span><span class="str2">To inquire, to request, to demand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of God,</span><br /><span class="heb">בֵּֽאלֹהִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(bê·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Shall I go down</span><br /><span class="heb">הַֽאֵרֵד֙</span> <span class="translit">(ha·’ê·rêḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come or go down, descend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">after</span><br /><span class="heb">אַחֲרֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(’a·ḥă·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The hind or following part</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Philistines?</span><br /><span class="heb">פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(p̄ə·liš·tîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6430.htm">Strong's 6430: </a> </span><span class="str2">Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Will You give</span><br /><span class="heb">הֲתִתְּנֵ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(hă·ṯit·tə·nêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them into the hand</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּיַ֣ד</span> <span class="translit">(bə·yaḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Israel?”</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">But God did not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">answer</span><br /><span class="heb">עָנָ֖הוּ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·nā·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> </span><span class="str2">To answer, respond</span><br /><br /><span class="word">him that</span><br /><span class="heb">הַהֽוּא׃</span> <span class="translit">(ha·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">day.</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּיּ֥וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(bay·yō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/14-37.htm">1 Samuel 14:37 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/14-37.htm">1 Samuel 14:37 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/14-37.htm">1 Samuel 14:37 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/14-37.htm">1 Samuel 14:37 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/14-37.htm">1 Samuel 14:37 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/14-37.htm">1 Samuel 14:37 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/14-37.htm">1 Samuel 14:37 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/14-37.htm">1 Samuel 14:37 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/14-37.htm">1 Samuel 14:37 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/14-37.htm">1 Samuel 14:37 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/14-37.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 14:37 Saul asked counsel of God Shall (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/14-36.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 14:36"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 14:36" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/14-38.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 14:38"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 14:38" /></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>