1 Samuel 14:33

Then someone reported to Saul: "Look, the troops are sinning against the LORD by eating meat with the blood still in it." "You have broken faith," said Saul. "Roll a large stone over here at once."

Study Bible

Then someone reported to Saul
This phrase indicates a moment of accountability and communication within the Israelite camp. The Hebrew root for "reported" is "נָגַד" (nagad), which means to declare or make known. This reflects the importance of transparency and the role of communication in leadership. Saul, as king, is the central figure to whom reports are made, highlighting the hierarchical structure of Israelite society and the responsibility of leaders to be informed about the actions of their people.

Look, the troops are sinning against the LORD
The word "sinning" comes from the Hebrew "חָטָא" (chata), meaning to miss the mark or to err. This phrase underscores the gravity of the situation, as the troops' actions are not just a breach of military discipline but a transgression against divine law. The use of "against the LORD" emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where sin is not merely a personal failing but an offense against the divine order.

by eating meat with blood still in it
This refers to a specific violation of the dietary laws given in Leviticus 17:10-14, where consuming blood is strictly prohibited. The Hebrew word for "blood" is "דָּם" (dam), symbolizing life. In ancient Israel, blood was considered sacred, representing the life force given by God. This prohibition is a reminder of the sanctity of life and the need to respect God's commandments in all aspects of daily living.

You have broken faith
The phrase "broken faith" is derived from the Hebrew "מָעַל" (maal), meaning to act unfaithfully or treacherously. This accusation is serious, as it implies a breach of trust not only with God but within the community. Faithfulness is a core value in the covenant relationship, and breaking it has communal and spiritual repercussions.

he said. 'Roll a large stone over here at once.'
Saul's command to "roll a large stone" is a practical solution to address the sin. The stone serves as an altar or a place for proper slaughtering, ensuring that the meat is prepared according to God's laws. This action reflects the need for immediate correction and the importance of returning to obedience. The urgency in "at once" highlights the necessity of swift repentance and the restoration of right practices in the community.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Saul
The first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. In this passage, he is leading the Israelites in battle against the Philistines.

2. The Troops
The Israelite soldiers who, in their hunger and haste, sinned by eating meat with the blood, violating God's command.

3. The LORD
The God of Israel, who had given specific dietary laws to His people, including the prohibition against consuming blood.

4. The Large Stone
Saul commands a large stone to be rolled over, likely to be used as an altar or a place to properly slaughter the animals according to God's laws.

5. The Philistines
The enemies of Israel at this time, against whom Saul and his troops are fighting.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
This passage highlights the importance of adhering to God's laws, even in difficult circumstances. The troops' disobedience serves as a reminder of the consequences of neglecting God's commands.

Leadership Responsibility
Saul's response to the sin of the troops shows the responsibility of leaders to guide their people in righteousness and correct them when they go astray.

The Sanctity of Life
The prohibition against consuming blood underscores the value God places on life, as blood represents life itself.

Repentance and Correction
Saul's immediate action to rectify the situation demonstrates the importance of repentance and taking corrective measures when sin is identified.

The Role of Community
The report to Saul about the troops' sin shows the role of community in holding each other accountable to God's standards.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does this passage teach us about the importance of obedience to God's commands, even in challenging situations?

2. How does Saul's response to the troops' sin reflect the responsibilities of a godly leader?

3. In what ways does the prohibition against consuming blood in the Old Testament connect to the New Testament teachings for Christians today?

4. How can we apply the principle of repentance and correction in our own lives when we recognize sin?

5. What role does community play in helping us stay accountable to God's standards, and how can we foster such accountability in our own faith communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 17:10-14
This passage outlines God's command to the Israelites not to eat blood, emphasizing the sanctity of life and the importance of obedience to God's laws.

Deuteronomy 12:23-25
Reinforces the prohibition against consuming blood, highlighting the need for the Israelites to be set apart and obedient to God's commands.

Acts 15:20
In the New Testament, the early church reaffirms the prohibition against consuming blood, showing the continuity of this command across both covenants.