1 Samuel 14:36–42

Jonathan in Danger of Death

³⁶Then Saul said, “Let us go down after the Philistines by night and despoil them until the morning light; let us not leave one of them.” They said, “Do whatever seems good to you.” But the priest said, “Let us draw near to God here.” ³⁷So 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.^{* 38}Saul said, “Come here, all you leaders of the people, and let us find out how this sin has arisen today.^{* 39}For as the Lord lives who saves Israel, even if it is in my son Jonathan, he shall surely die!” But there was no one among all the people who answered him.^{* 40}He said to all Israel, “You shall be on one side, and I and my son Jonathan will be on the other side.” The people said to Saul, “Do what seems good to you.” ⁴¹Then Saul said, “O Lord God of Israel, why have you not answered your servant today? If this guilt is in me or in my son Jonathan, O Lord God of Israel, give Urim, but if this guilt is in your people Israel,^q give Thummim.” And Jonathan and Saul were indicated by the lot, but the people were cleared.^{* 42}Then Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan.” And Jonathan was taken.