Saul’s disobedience in 1 Samuel 13 resulted in losing the kingdom he could have had. Now God would look for another with a heart like His own. Saul’s life unraveled. In 1 Samuel 14:24-46, we read how he troubled the land through a rash curse, which weakened his people, and nearly cost him his son’s life.
A Rash Curse
It began with Saul uttering a curse. While Jonathan battled under God’s direction, Saul spoke rashly. “Cursed is any man who eats food before evening, before I have taken vengeance on my enemies.” It caused the people to be afraid to eat during the physically demanding battle they were in.
Weakened His People
Thus, Saul weakened the people. When Jonathan found dripping honey and took some with the end of the rod he was carrying and was refreshed, he encouraged the people to eat. They explained the king’s curse and refused. Jonathan said, “My father has troubled the land. How much greater would our victory have been if the people had eaten freely.”
Instead, the famished people sinned against God when they slew the animals taken in battle and ate them with the blood still in them. When Saul heard, he ordered the people to get everyone to bring their ox and sheep to him so they could be slaughtered and cooked rather than sinning by eating them bloody. The text then relates that Saul built his first altar. He wanted to pursue the Philistines, but the priest said, “Let us draw near to God here,” and Saul asked God for counsel. God didn’t answer. Saul had to know why.
His Son’s Life
His rash curse affected his son’s life. In the casting of lots, it was discovered that Jonathan had taken food. Saul was ready to kill his son. The people intervened. They knew Jonathan had gained a mighty victory by working with God. They did not permit one hair of his head to fall to the ground.
In 1 Samuel 14:24-46, we read how he further troubled the land through a rash curse, which weakened his people, and nearly cost him his son’s life.