For, as the LORD liveth, which saveth Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die. But there was not a man among all the people that answered him.
As surely as the LORD lives, the one who saves Israel, even if it's my own son Jonathan who has done this, he will certainly die. But not one person among all the people said anything in response to him.
King Saul is making a solemn oath that whoever broke his command must die, even if it's his own son Jonathan, but the people remain silent.
📚 Historical Context
In the context of 1 Samuel 14, King Saul had made a hasty vow that no one in his army should eat until the Philistines were defeated, which weakened his troops during the battle. When his son Jonathan, unaware of the oath, ate some honey to regain strength, Saul demanded that the vow be enforced, even if it meant putting Jonathan to death. The people's silence in response shows their fear or reluctance to challenge their king's impulsive decision amid the chaos of war.
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