1 Samuel 14:36

And Saul said, "Let us go down after the Philistines by night and plunder them until dawn, leaving no man alive!" "Do what seems good to you," the troops replied. But the priest said, "We must consult God here."

Study Bible

And Saul said, “Let us go down after the Philistines by night and plunder them until dawn, leaving no man alive!”
Saul's proposal to attack the Philistines at night reflects a common military strategy of surprise attacks, which were often used to gain an advantage over the enemy. The Philistines were a constant threat to Israel during this period, and Saul's desire to leave no man alive indicates a total annihilation strategy, which was sometimes seen in ancient warfare. This reflects Saul's impulsive nature and his focus on military victory rather than seeking divine guidance. The command to leave no man alive echoes the herem, or ban, which was a form of warfare where everything was devoted to destruction for God, as seen in Joshua's conquests (Joshua 6:21).

“Do what seems good to you,” the troops replied.
The troops' response shows their loyalty and willingness to follow Saul's leadership, despite the lack of consultation with God. This reflects the hierarchical nature of ancient Israelite society, where the king's word held significant weight. However, their response also indicates a lack of spiritual discernment, as they do not question the absence of divine guidance. This can be contrasted with the later example of David, who frequently sought God's counsel before battle (1 Samuel 23:2).

But the priest said, “We must consult God here.”
The priest's intervention highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance before making significant decisions, especially in matters of war. This reflects the role of the priesthood in Israel as mediators between God and the people, emphasizing the need for spiritual oversight. The priest's insistence on consulting God serves as a reminder of the theocratic nature of Israel, where God was the ultimate authority. This moment foreshadows the later failures of Saul, who often acted without seeking God's will, leading to his eventual rejection as king (1 Samuel 15:22-23). The priest's call to consult God aligns with the biblical principle of seeking God's direction, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Saul
The first king of Israel, who often acted impulsively and without seeking God's guidance.

2. Philistines
A perennial enemy of Israel, representing opposition to God's people.

3. The Troops
Saul's army, who were willing to follow his lead without question.

4. The Priest
Likely Ahijah, who served as a spiritual advisor and reminded Saul of the need to seek God's will.

5. Consulting God
The act of seeking divine guidance, which was a critical aspect of Israelite decision-making.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Seeking God's Guidance
Saul's initial plan to attack without consulting God highlights the danger of relying solely on human wisdom.

The Role of Spiritual Advisors
The priest's intervention serves as a reminder of the value of having godly counsel in decision-making.

The Dangers of Impulsivity
Saul's impulsive nature often led to poor decisions, emphasizing the need for patience and discernment.

The Power of Collective Wisdom
The troops' willingness to follow Saul shows the influence leaders have, but also the importance of collective discernment in seeking God's will.

The Necessity of Obedience to God
True success and victory come from aligning with God's plans, not merely human strategies.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Saul's approach to decision-making in 1 Samuel 14:36 compare to his actions in 1 Samuel 13, and what can we learn from this about the importance of seeking God's guidance?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are consulting God in our daily decisions, and how can we apply Proverbs 3:5-6 in practical terms?

3. How can the role of the priest in this passage inform our understanding of the importance of spiritual advisors in our lives today?

4. Reflect on a time when you acted impulsively without seeking God's guidance. What were the consequences, and how might the outcome have been different if you had sought divine wisdom?

5. How can we cultivate a community or environment where collective wisdom and discernment are valued, especially in decision-making processes?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 13
Saul's previous failure to wait for Samuel and seek God's guidance, leading to his kingdom being rejected.

Proverbs 3:5-6
The importance of trusting in the Lord and not leaning on one's own understanding.

James 1:5
Encouragement to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.