And the men of Israel were distressed, &c.— Houbigant renders this verse in the following manner: On the same day, after the Israelites were assembled together, Saul bound them by the following oath, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food before the evening, until I be avenged of mine enemies. Therefore none of the army took any food. In consequence of this rash oath, whereof Jonathan, as being absent, was ignorant, he became subject to the curse. The people, for want of refreshment, were so faint that they could not pursue the enemy, and make the utmost of this great victory (1 Samuel 14:30-31.); and at the same time, through their great hunger, became transgressors of the law of God, 1 Samuel 14:33. See the note on chap. 1 Samuel 13:13.
Related Commentaries of 1 Samuel 14:24
1 Samuel 14:24
24 And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food.