“Now the Israelites were in distress that day, because Saul had bound the people under an oath, saying, “Cursed be anyone who eats food before evening comes, before I have avenged myself on my enemies!” So none of the troops tasted food. 25 The entire army entered the woods, and there was honey on the ground. 26 When they went into the woods, they saw the honey oozing out; yet no one put his hand to his mouth, because they feared the oath.27 But Jonathan had not heard that his father had bound the people with the oath, so he reached out the end of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it into the honeycomb. He raised his hand to his mouth, and his eyes brightened.[c] 28 Then one of the soldiers told him, “Your father bound the army under a strict oath, saying, ‘Cursed be anyone who eats food today!’ That is why the men are faint.” 29 Jonathan said, “My father has made trouble for the country. See how my eyes brightened when I tasted a little of this honey. 30 How much better it would have been if the men had eaten today some of the plunder they took from their enemies. Would not the slaughter of the Philistines have been even greater?” 1 Samuel 14.24-30
King Saul was a foolish king. He was chosen by the Lord not because of his bravery but because of his weaknesses. He was not like David—a man after God’s own heart. Throughout Saul’s life, we see foolish deeds and nonsensical decisions.
One such decision was his order to prevent any of his men from eating food after a battle. He declared, “Cursed be anyone who eats food before evening comes, before I have avenged myself on my enemies!” As a result, no one ate—except Jonathan, who had not heard the king’s command. Jonathan came across some honey in the woods and tasted it. Upon doing so, Scripture says, “His eyes brightened.” He was strengthened by it.
When Saul found out that Jonathan had eaten the food and unknowingly defied the king’s command, he declared that Jonathan must die. Fortunately, the troops stood up for Jonathan, and the king relented. This incident highlights Saul’s foolishness as a leader. If only he had allowed his men to eat some of the plunder, the rout of the Philistines might have been even greater, as Jonathan himself pointed out.
Human nature is a peculiar thing. We see this kind of behavior with leaders throughout history. Political leaders often enforce nonsensical rules for the sake of control and power. Dictators commit atrocities to further their own agendas. Even those in minor positions of authority sometimes abuse their power. Is it pride that drives people to misuse authority? Is it the need to be admired, liked, or feared?
Saul had already shown his disregard for the Lord’s offerings and sacrifices by ignoring Samuel and acting on his own. This incident is yet another example of a king making foolish decisions without seeking wisdom or consultation from the Lord.
Most of us will never hold authority over entire nations, but we can lead in smaller spheres—our families, our friendships, or our communities. We can choose to lead with integrity or with selfishness and pride. Only one path will honor the Lord. Will you choose to obey God today or follow your own selfish desires and sins?
“O Lord God, this is the season of Thanksgiving—a holiday not only started by the pilgrims but also instituted by President Lincoln after the Civil War (as noted in the Denison Forum). I thank you, Lord, for the ability to love and serve you. Even when other influences try to pull me away, you hold me steady. You allow me to avoid foolish decisions by remaining faithful to you. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me with your love and grace. Help me walk in the way of righteousness so that I may fulfill all you have called me to do. Amen.”