Wednesday, July 24, 2019

The men rescued Jonathan, and he was not put to death

1 Samuel 14:24-52
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.”
Then someone said to Saul, “Look, the men are sinning against the Lord by eating meat that has blood in it.”
So Saul asked God, “Shall I go down and pursue the Philistines? Will you give them into Israel’s hand?” But God did not answer him that day.
Then Saul prayed to the Lord, the God of Israel, “Why have you not answered your servant today? If the fault is in me or my son Jonathan, respond with Urim, but if the men of Israel are at fault, respond with Thummim.” Jonathan and Saul were taken by lot, and the men were cleared. Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and Jonathan my son.” And Jonathan was taken.
But the men said to Saul, “Should Jonathan die—he who has brought about this great deliverance in Israel? Never! As surely as the Lord lives, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground, for he did this today with God’s help.” So the men rescued Jonathan, and he was not put to death.
Jonathan is seen as a man of outstanding faith and courage, as the writer makes clear from this story. By contrast, the narrative begins to bring out those flaws in Saul's make-up which later developed into serious mental disorder.
The people intervene to save Jonathan from the consequences of his father's rash oath.
Why?
Do not take the oath rash and have faith in the Lord!
For there is sin among a group, God does not answer their praying and asking.
Taken by lot is a way to ask the way of the Lord. But carful to using it. Even now the best way is could be learned from the Holy Spirit. Instead of taking a lot.
How?
Do not make a decision in rush or under emotion or disorder situation.





No comments: