KJV ORIGINAL
Therefore Saul said unto the LORD God of Israel, Give a perfect lot. And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people escaped.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
So Saul said to the LORD God of Israel, 'Give us a clear answer.' And the lot fell on Saul and Jonathan, but the people were cleared.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
Saul is asking God to clearly reveal who broke an oath, and the divine lot points to either him or his son Jonathan, clearing everyone else.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs during a battle against the Philistines where Saul had made a rash oath that no one should eat until evening. Unknown to Jonathan, he had eaten honey while fighting, technically breaking his father's oath. Saul is now using the sacred lot (likely the Urim and Thummim stones) to determine who violated the oath.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.
Share or Save