1 Samuel 14:41–52

41 Therefore Saul said to the Lord God of Israel, c“Give 9a perfect lot.” dSo Saul and Jonathan were taken, but the people escaped. 42 And Saul said, “Cast lots between my son Jonathan and me.” So Jonathan was taken. 43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, e“Tell me what you have done.”

And Jonathan told him, and said, f“I only tasted a little honey with the end of the rod that was in my hand. So now I must die!”

44 Saul answered, g“God do so and more also; hfor you shall surely die, Jonathan.”

45 But the people said to Saul, “Shall Jonathan die, who has accomplished this great deliverance in Israel? Certainly not! iAs the Lord lives, not one hair of his head shall fall to the ground, for he has worked jwith God this day.” So the people rescued Jonathan, and he did not die.

46 Then Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, and the Philistines went to their own place.

Saul’s Continuing Wars

47 So Saul established his sovereignty over Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, against the people of kAmmon, against Edom, against the kings of lZobah, and against the Philistines. Wherever he turned, he 1harassed them. 48 And he gathered an army and mattacked 2the Amalekites, and delivered Israel from the hands of those who plundered them.

49 nThe sons of Saul were Jonathan, 3Jishui, and Malchishua. And the names of his two daughters were these: the name of the firstborn Merab, and the name of the younger oMichal. 50 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 puncle. 51 qKish was the father of Saul, and Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel.

52 Now there was fierce war with the Philistines all the days of Saul. And when Saul saw any strong man or any valiant man, rhe took him for himself.