1 Samuel 14:26
And when the people were come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped; but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּבֹ֤א
were come
H935
וַיָּבֹ֤א
were come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 17
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
הָעָ֖ם
And when the people
H5971
הָעָ֖ם
And when the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 17
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַיַּ֔עַר
into the wood
H3293
הַיַּ֔עַר
into the wood
Strong's:
H3293
Word #:
4 of 17
a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)
הֵ֣לֶךְ
dropped
H1982
הֵ֣לֶךְ
dropped
Strong's:
H1982
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, a journey, i.e., (by implication) a wayfarer; also a flowing
דְּבָ֑שׁ
behold the honey
H1706
דְּבָ֑שׁ
behold the honey
Strong's:
H1706
Word #:
7 of 17
honey (from its stickiness); by analogy, syrup
וְאֵין
H369
יָדוֹ֙
his hand
H3027
יָדוֹ֙
his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
10 of 17
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
פִּ֔יו
to his mouth
H6310
פִּ֔יו
to his mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
12 of 17
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
13 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הָעָ֖ם
And when the people
H5971
הָעָ֖ם
And when the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
15 of 17
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
Historical Context
Ancient curses were taken with utmost seriousness. The people's fear reflects belief in the effective power of pronounced oaths. Violation was thought to bring automatic negative consequences. This cultural context explains the troops' restraint despite exhaustion.
Questions for Reflection
- When does fear of human authority prevent receiving what God provides?
- How do we distinguish between proper respect for leadership and improper bondage to human decrees?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And when the people were come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped; but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath.
The people's fear of Saul's curse overpowers their physical need: they see 'the honey dropped' but 'no man put his hand to his mouth.' The Hebrew emphasizes restraint despite extreme temptation - honey literally dripping before exhausted, hungry warriors. Fear of the king's oath supersedes natural desire and practical need. Saul's word binds more than God's provision frees. This reversal of proper authority - king's command over divine gift - characterizes Saul's dysfunctional leadership.