Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, &c.— i.e. three sons, who signalised themselves in the wars here mentioned. Ish-bosheth, mentioned 1 Chronicles 8:33 under the name of Esh-baal, was too young to go to war, and therefore he is omitted in this place.
Reflections on 1 Samuel 14:36-52.—1st. Saul has no sooner given his army a moment's refreshment, than he is eager to pursue again the flying Philistines; and, though weary and wanting repose, his men, as faithful soldiers, are submissive to his orders, and ready to follow him. But,
1. Ahiah desires to consult God first, and Saul consents; but when they drew near, God gave them no answer. Note; It is good to have near us a faithful minister to advise and admonish us of our duty.
2. Saul hereupon concludes, that some sin had been committed, which provoked God thus to withdraw; and therefore as passionately resolves to punish, as he had imprudently bound the people under a curse. To determine the case, lots are cast; and, though none dared or cared to inform against Jonathan, God is pleased to give the discovery in the person of Jonathan, on whom the lot fell. Note: (1.) We may well conclude that God is angry, when our prayers find no answer of peace from him. (2.) We should solicitously inquire what it is wherein we have offended, that we may put away iniquity from us.
3. Jonathan, at Saul's injunction, acknowledges that he had tasted a little honey that day in the wood; and, though he thinks it hard to die for such a fault, he speaks as expecting it from his father's rash and unrelenting spirit; whilst Saul, agreeably to his character, binds his resolution with a solemn oath, that nothing should save him. Note; (1.) Violent tempers will sacrifice to their passions even the dearest relatives. (2.) An angry judge cannot but pass a rash and unjust sentence. (3.) They who swear in heat will often be guilty not only of profaneness, but perjury.
4. The people are highly displeased at Saul's resolve, and bind themselves by oath to prevent its execution. It was unjust to condemn Jonathan for unwittingly offending; and ungrateful to put to death him, who, under God, had that day saved their lives and all Israel; therefore they rescued, or redeemed, him out of his hand. Note; (1.) Those whom God, in his cause, evidently honours with his blessing, we must support against all opposers. (2.) When kings act madly against the laws of God, and tyrannically against the lives and liberties of the people, such resistance as tends to reduce them to their duty, without injuring their persons, or lessening their lawful authority, is, no doubt, true patriotism, and consistent with true piety.
5. The season of pursuit being lost by altercation, and God reserving the Philistines for a further scourge, those who escaped from the battle got into places of safety, and Saul returned to Gibeah. Thus dissensions between the generals have often lost the advantages of victory.
2nd, Saul's family are taken notice of. His house was now established, like his kingdom, great and prosperous. But how fading are all sublunary things! In a few years his house becomes ruined, and his kingdom removed. Let us never place confidence then in any thing beneath the sun. The fashion of this world passeth away.