Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version 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. New Living Translation Then Saul prayed, “O LORD, God of Israel, please show us who is guilty and who is innocent.” Then they cast sacred lots, and Jonathan and Saul were chosen as the guilty ones, and the people were declared innocent. English Standard Version Therefore Saul said, “O LORD God of Israel, why have you not answered your servant this day? If this guilt is in me or in Jonathan my son, O LORD, God of Israel, give Urim. But if this guilt is in your people Israel, give Thummim.” And Jonathan and Saul were taken, but the people escaped. Berean Standard Bible So Saul said to the LORD, the God of Israel, “Why have You not answered Your servant this day? If the fault is with me or my son Jonathan, respond with Urim, but if the fault is with the men of Israel, respond with Thummim.” And Jonathan and Saul were selected, but the people were cleared of the charge. Berean Literal Bible And Saul said to YHWH, God of Israel, “Why have You not answered Your servant this day? If the fault is with me or my son Jonathan, respond with Urim, but if the fault is with the men of Israel, respond with Thummim.” And Jonathan and Saul were taken, and the people escaped. King James Bible Therefore Saul said unto the LORD God of Israel, Give a perfect lot. And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people escaped. New King James Version Therefore Saul said to the LORD God of Israel, “Give a perfect lot.” So Saul and Jonathan were taken, but the people escaped. New American Standard Bible Therefore, Saul said to the LORD, the God of Israel, “Give a perfect lot.” And Jonathan and Saul were selected by lot, but the people were exonerated. NASB 1995 Therefore, Saul said to the LORD, the God of Israel, “Give a perfect lot.” And Jonathan and Saul were taken, but the people escaped. NASB 1977 Therefore, Saul said to the LORD, the God of Israel, “Give a perfect lot.” And Jonathan and Saul were taken, but the people escaped. Legacy Standard Bible Therefore, Saul said to Yahweh, the God of Israel, “Give a perfect lot.” And Jonathan and Saul were taken, but the people escaped. Amplified Bible Therefore, Saul said to the LORD, the God of Israel, “Give a perfect lot [identifying the transgressor].” Then Saul and Jonathan were selected [by lot], but the other men went free. Berean Annotated Bible So Saul (desired) said to the LORD, the God {YHWH Elohe} of Israel (he wrestles with God), “Why have You not answered Your servant this day? If the fault is with me or my son Jonathan, respond with Urim, but if the fault is with the men of Israel, respond with Thummim [“Give a perfect lot.”].” And Jonathan (YHWH has given) and Saul were selected, but the people were cleared of the charge. Christian Standard Bible So Saul said to the LORD, “God of Israel, why have you not answered your servant today? If the unrighteousness is in me or in my son Jonathan, LORD God of Israel, give Urim; but if the fault is in your people Israel, give Thummim.” Jonathan and Saul were selected, and the troops were cleared of the charge. Holman Christian Standard Bible So Saul said to the LORD, “God of Israel, give us the right decision.” Jonathan and Saul were selected, and the troops were cleared of the charge. American Standard Version Therefore Saul said unto Jehovah, the God of Israel, Show the right. And Jonathan and Saul were taken by lot; but the people escaped. Contemporary English Version Then Saul prayed, "Our LORD, God of Israel, why haven't you answered me today? Please show us who sinned. Was it my son Jonathan and I, or was it your people Israel?" The answer came back that Jonathan or Saul had sinned, not the army. English Revised Version Therefore Saul said unto the LORD, the God of Israel, Shew the right. And Jonathan and Saul were taken by lot: but the people escaped. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then Saul said to the LORD, "O God of Israel, why didn't you answer me today? If this sin is mine or my son Jonathan's, LORD God of Israel, [let the priest] draw Urim. But if it is in your people Israel, [let him] draw Thummim." Jonathan and Saul were chosen, and the people were freed [from guilt]. Good News Translation Saul said to the LORD, the God of Israel, "LORD, why have you not answered me today? LORD, God of Israel, answer me by the sacred stones. If the guilt is Jonathan's or mine, answer by the Urim; but if it belongs to your people Israel, answer by the Thummim." The answer indicated Jonathan and Saul; and the people were cleared. International Standard Version Then Saul told the LORD God of Israel, "Judge us properly." Jonathan and Saul were selected, but the army was cleared. NET Bible Then Saul said, "O LORD God of Israel! If this sin has been committed by me or by my son Jonathan, then, O LORD God of Israel, respond with Urim. But if this sin has been committed by your people Israel, respond with Thummim." Then Jonathan and Saul were indicated by lot, while the army was exonerated. New Heart English Bible Therefore Saul said, "LORD, God of Israel, why have you not answered your servant this day? If this sin is mine or in Jonathan my son, LORD, God of Israel, give Urim. But if this sin is in your people Israel, give Thummim." And Jonathan and Saul were chosen, but the people were cleared. Webster's Bible Translation Therefore Saul said to the LORD God of Israel, Give a perfect lot. And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people escaped. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo Saul said to the LORD, the God of Israel, “Why have You not answered Your servant this day? If the fault is with me or my son Jonathan, respond with Urim, but if the fault is with the men of Israel, respond with Thummim.” And Jonathan and Saul were selected, but the people were cleared of the charge. World English Bible Therefore Saul said to Yahweh, the God of Israel, “Show the right.” Jonathan and Saul were chosen, but the people escaped. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Saul says to YHWH, God of Israel, “Give perfection”; and Jonathan and Saul are captured, and the people went out. Berean Literal Bible And Saul said to YHWH, God of Israel, “Why have You not answered Your servant this day? If the fault is with me or my son Jonathan, respond with Urim, but if the fault is with the men of Israel, respond with Thummim.” And Jonathan and Saul were taken, and the people escaped. Young's Literal Translation And Saul saith unto Jehovah, God of Israel, 'Give perfection;' and Jonathan and Saul are captured, and the people went out. Smith's Literal Translation And Saul will say to Jehovah the God of Israel, Give the truth. And Jonathan will be taken, and Saul: and the people will come forth. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Saul said to the Lord: O Lord God of Israel, give a sign, by which we may know, what the meaning is, that thou answerest not thy servant to day. If this iniquity be in me, or in my son Jonathan, give a proof: or if this iniquity be in thy people, give holiness. And Jonathan and Saul were taken, and the people escaped. Catholic Public Domain Version And Saul said to the Lord, the God of Israel: “O Lord, God of Israel, grant a sign: Why is it that you will not respond to your servant this day? If this iniquity is in me, or in my son Jonathan, grant an indication. Or if this iniquity is in your people, grant a sanctification.” And Jonathan and Saul were discovered, but the people were released. New American Bible And Saul said to the LORD, the God of Israel: “Why did you not answer your servant this time? If the blame for this resides in me or my son Jonathan, LORD, God of Israel, respond with Urim; but if this guilt is in your people Israel, respond with Thummim.” Jonathan and Saul were designated, and the people went free. New Revised Standard Version Then Saul said, “O LORD God of Israel, why have you not answered your servant today? If this guilt is in me or in my son Jonathan, O LORD God of Israel, give Urim; but if this guilt is in your people Israel, give Thummim.” And Jonathan and Saul were indicated by the lot, but the people were cleared. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleTherefore Saul said, O LORD God of Israel, give a perfect lot. And Saul and Jonathan were taken; but the people were not taken. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Shaul said: “LORD JEHOVAH, God of Israel, give unanimous agreement.” And Shaul and Yonathan were taken, and the people went out OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Therefore Saul said unto the LORD, the God of Israel: 'Declare the right.' And Jonathan and Saul were taken by lot; but the people escaped. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Saul said, O Lord God of Israel, why hast thou not answered thy servant this day? is the iniquity in me, or in Jonathan my son? Lord God of Israel, give clear manifestations; and if the lot should declare this, give, I pray thee, to thy people of Israel, give, I pray, holiness. And Jonathan and Saul are taken, and the people escaped. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The People Save Jonathan…40Then Saul said to all Israel, “You stand on one side, and I and my son Jonathan will stand on the other side.” “Do what seems good to you,” the troops replied. 41So Saul said to the LORD, the God of Israel, “Why have You not answered Your servant this day? If the fault is with me or my son Jonathan, respond with Urim; but if the fault is with the men of Israel, respond with Thummim.” And Jonathan and Saul were selected, but the people were cleared of the charge. 42Then Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan.” And Jonathan was selected.… Cross References So Saul said to the LORD, the God of Israel, 1 Kings 8:23 and said: “O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like You in heaven above or on earth below, keeping Your covenant of loving devotion with Your servants who walk before You with all their hearts. 2 Samuel 7:27 For You, O LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, have revealed this to Your servant when You said, ‘I will build a house for you.’ Therefore Your servant has found the courage to offer this prayer to You. Joshua 7:19 So Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and make a confession to Him. I urge you to tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me.” “Why have You not answered Your servant this day? 1 Samuel 28:6 He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets. Psalm 22:2 I cry out by day, O my God, but You do not answer, and by night, but I have no rest. Habakkuk 1:2 How long, O LORD, must I call for help but You do not hear, or cry out to You, “Violence!” but You do not save? If the fault is with me or my son Jonathan, Joshua 7:18-21 And he had the family of Zabdi come forward man by man, and Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was selected. / So Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and make a confession to Him. I urge you to tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me.” / “It is true,” Achan replied, “I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel. This is what I did: … 2 Samuel 24:17 When David saw the angel striking down the people, he said to the LORD, “Surely I, the shepherd, have sinned and acted wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? Please, let Your hand fall upon me and my father’s house.” Numbers 32:23 But if you do not do this, you will certainly sin against the LORD—and be assured that your sin will find you out. respond with Urim, Numbers 27:21 He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who will seek counsel for him before the LORD by the judgment of the Urim. At his command, he and all the Israelites with him—the entire congregation—will go out and come in.” Exodus 28:30 And place the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece of judgment, so that they will also be over Aaron’s heart whenever he comes before the LORD. Aaron will continually carry the judgment of the sons of Israel over his heart before the LORD. Deuteronomy 33:8 Concerning Levi he said: “Give Your Thummim to Levi and Your Urim to Your godly one, whom You tested at Massah and contested at the waters of Meribah. but if the fault is with the men of Israel, respond with Thummim.” Ezra 2:63 The governor ordered them not to eat the most holy things until there was a priest to consult the Urim and Thummim. Nehemiah 7:65 The governor ordered them not to eat the most holy things until there was a priest to consult the Urim and Thummim. Numbers 16:22 But Moses and Aaron fell facedown and said, “O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, when one man sins, will You be angry with the whole congregation?” And Jonathan and Saul were selected, 1 Samuel 10:21 Then he had the tribe of Benjamin come forward by its clans, and the clan of Matri was selected. Finally, Saul son of Kish was selected. But when they looked for him, they could not find him. Treasury of Scripture Therefore Saul said to the LORD God of Israel, Give a perfect lot. And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people escaped. give a perfect lot. Proverbs 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD. Acts 1:24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, And Saul 1 Samuel 10:20,21 And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken… Joshua 7:16-18 So Joshua rose up early in the morning, and brought Israel by their tribes; and the tribe of Judah was taken: … Jonah 1:7 And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah. escaped. Jump to Previous Captured Declare Escaped Israel Jonathan Lot Marked Perfect Perfection Prayed Right Saul Servant Show Testimony Thummim Today UrimJump to Next Captured Declare Escaped Israel Jonathan Lot Marked Perfect Perfection Prayed Right Saul Servant Show Testimony Thummim Today Urim1 Samuel 14 1. Jonathan goes and miraculously smites the Philistine's garrison15. A divine terror makes them beat themselves 17. Saul, not staying the priest's answer, sets on them 21. The captivated Hebrews, and the hidden Israelites, join against them. 24. Saul's unadvised adjuration hinders the victory 31. He restrains the people from eating blood 35. He builds an altar 37. Jonathan, taken by lot, is save by the people 47. Saul's victories, strength, and family So Saul said to the LORD, the God of Israel, Saul addresses God with a title that emphasizes His covenant relationship with Israel. This reflects the theocratic nature of Israel's leadership, where God is the ultimate authority. Saul's invocation of God highlights the seriousness of the situation and his reliance on divine guidance. “Why have You not answered Your servant this day? If the fault is with me or my son Jonathan, respond with Urim, but if the fault is with the men of Israel, respond with Thummim.” And Jonathan and Saul were selected, but the people were cleared of the charge. Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, chosen by God but later rejected due to disobedience. In this passage, he seeks divine guidance through casting lots. 2. Jonathan Saul's son, known for his bravery and faith in God. He plays a crucial role in the events leading up to this verse. 3. The LORD, the God of Israel The covenant God of Israel, whom Saul seeks for guidance. 4. Casting Lots An ancient practice used to discern God's will, often involving stones or other objects to make decisions. 5. The People Refers to the Israelite army, who were not found guilty in this divine inquiry. Teaching Points Seeking Divine GuidanceSaul's use of lots underscores the importance of seeking God's will in decision-making. While the method may differ today, the principle of seeking divine guidance remains crucial. The Role of Leadership Saul's leadership is put to the test. Leaders are called to seek God's direction and act in accordance with His will, setting an example for others. Faith and Obedience Jonathan's earlier actions demonstrate faith and obedience, contrasting with Saul's later disobedience. Faithful actions often precede divine guidance. God's Sovereignty The casting of lots reflects God's control over all circumstances. Believers can trust that God is sovereign over the outcomes of their lives. Community Accountability The process of casting lots involved the entire community, highlighting the importance of accountability and transparency in communal decisions. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 14:41?2. How does 1 Samuel 14:41 demonstrate the importance of seeking God's guidance? 3. What role does casting lots play in discerning God's will in 1 Samuel? 4. How can we apply Jonathan's faith in God to our daily decisions? 5. How does 1 Samuel 14:41 connect to Proverbs 3:5-6 about trusting God? 6. In what ways can we seek God's wisdom in challenging situations today? 7. Why does 1 Samuel 14:41 differ in translations regarding the Urim and Thummim? 8. How does 1 Samuel 14:41 reflect God's guidance through casting lots? 9. What is the significance of the Urim and Thummim in 1 Samuel 14:41? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 14? 11. What are the Urim and Thummim? 12. What does 'ephod' mean? 13. Is gambling considered sinful? 14. Joshua 18:10 – Does relying on casting lots for land distribution conflict with claims of divine guidance in other parts of the Bible? What Does 1 Samuel 14:41 Mean So Saul said to the LORD, the God of Israel• Saul turns directly to “the LORD, the God of Israel,” acknowledging Him as the covenant-keeping God who rules the nation (Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 10:17). • His approach underscores that military success, national direction, and personal vindication must come from God, not human strategy (1 Samuel 13:11-12; Psalm 20:7). • Although Saul’s earlier disobedience strained his relationship with the LORD (1 Samuel 13:13-14), he still expects divine guidance, reflecting the ongoing patience God often shows His leaders (Numbers 14:18). Why have You not answered Your servant this day? • Saul recognizes that the LORD’s silence signals a problem; unanswered prayer can expose hidden sin or misplaced priorities (Psalm 66:18; Isaiah 59:1-2). • The phrase “Your servant” sounds humble, yet Saul’s track record reveals a conflicted heart—zealous in crisis, careless in obedience (1 Samuel 15:22-23; James 1:8). • God’s silence sets the stage for self-examination, mirroring situations like Joshua’s pursuit of Ai after Achan’s sin (Joshua 7:10-12). If the fault is with me or my son Jonathan, respond with Urim • Saul invites God to spotlight sin even if it implicates the royal house, echoing David’s later willingness to be judged (2 Samuel 24:17). • Urim and Thummim were sacred lots kept in the high priest’s breastpiece for decisive yes/no answers (Leviticus 8:8; Numbers 27:21). • By naming himself and Jonathan first, Saul appears self-sacrificing, yet he is also eager to justify his earlier rash oath that put Jonathan at risk (1 Samuel 14:24-30). If the fault is with the men of Israel, respond with Thummim • Saul widens the search to the whole army, assuming collective guilt is possible (Leviticus 4:13-15). • His request still places God’s verdict above human suspicion, affirming that “the lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD” (Proverbs 16:33). • The king seeks clarity before proceeding, a needed pattern for any leader facing moral ambiguity (James 1:5). And Jonathan and Saul were selected • The sacred lot falls on the royal pair, immediately shifting suspicion from the troops to the throne (1 Samuel 14:42). • God isolates the very relationship affected by Saul’s oath, illustrating that leadership sins often ensnare the innocent (1 Chronicles 21:17). • Jonathan’s earlier victory (1 Samuel 14:13-14) contrasted with Saul’s rash vow, showing how one family can embody both faith and folly (Hebrews 12:1). But the people were cleared of the charge • God vindicates the army, protecting them from wrongful blame (Deuteronomy 24:16). • The verdict highlights divine justice: sin is pinpointed precisely, never indiscriminately (Genesis 18:25; Romans 2:2). • Their clearance reinforces corporate unity and prevents unnecessary discipline, preserving morale for continued battle (1 Samuel 14:45-46). summary 1 Samuel 14:41 shows a king confronting divine silence and seeking clarity through Urim and Thummim. God answers by exposing the true sphere of guilt—Saul’s household—while exonerating the people. The passage underscores that the LORD remains the ultimate judge, that sin in leadership hinders divine guidance, and that sincere—even if imperfect—appeals for God’s verdict receive a precise, just response. (41) Give a perfect lot.--The rendering in the margin, "show the innocent," is a better and more accurate rendering of the Hebrew. "Give a perfect lot" is the translation given by Rabbi D. Kimchi. Dean Payne Smith observes that "there are few mistakes of the English Version which have not some good authority for them, as King James' translators were singularly well versed in Jewish literature, while they seem strangely to have neglected the still higher authority of the ancient versions."In the forty-first and in the following verse the LXX. version is lengthened out with a long paraphrase, which, however, contains no fact of additional interest. Hebrew So Saulשָׁא֗וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites said וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the LORD, יְהוָ֛ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel the God אֱלֹהֵ֥י (’ĕ·lō·hê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative of Israel, יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc “[Why have You not answered Your servant this day? If the fault is with me or my son Jonathan, respond with Urim; but if the fault is with the men of Israel,] respond הָ֣בָה (hā·ḇāh) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 3051: To give, to put, imperatively, come with Thummim.” תָמִ֑ים (ṯā·mîm) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 8549: Entire, integrity, truth And Jonathan יוֹנָתָ֛ן (yō·w·nā·ṯān) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3129: Jonathan and Saul וְשָׁא֖וּל (wə·šā·’ūl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites were selected, וַיִּלָּכֵ֧ד (way·yil·lā·ḵêḏ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3920: To catch, to capture, occupy, to choose, to cohere but the people וְהָעָ֥ם (wə·hā·‘ām) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock were cleared of the charge. יָצָֽאוּ׃ (yā·ṣā·’ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim Links 1 Samuel 14:41 NIV1 Samuel 14:41 NLT 1 Samuel 14:41 ESV 1 Samuel 14:41 NASB 1 Samuel 14:41 KJV 1 Samuel 14:41 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 14:41 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 14:41 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 14:41 French Bible 1 Samuel 14:41 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 14:41 Therefore Saul said to Yahweh the God (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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