1 Samuel 14:40
Then said he unto all Israel, Be ye on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side. And the people said unto Saul, Do what seemeth good unto thee.
Original Language Analysis
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 21
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
he unto all Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
he unto all Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
4 of 21
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
תִּֽהְיוּ֙
H1961
תִּֽהְיוּ֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
6 of 21
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְעֵ֣בֶר
side
H5676
לְעֵ֣בֶר
side
Strong's:
H5676
Word #:
7 of 21
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
אֶחָ֑ד
Be ye on one
H259
אֶחָ֑ד
Be ye on one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
8 of 21
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
וְיֽוֹנָתָ֣ן
and I and Jonathan
H3129
וְיֽוֹנָתָ֣ן
and I and Jonathan
Strong's:
H3129
Word #:
10 of 21
jonathan, the name of ten israelites
בְּנִ֔י
my son
H1121
בְּנִ֔י
my son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
11 of 21
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
נִֽהְיֶ֖ה
H1961
נִֽהְיֶ֖ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
12 of 21
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְעֵ֣בֶר
side
H5676
לְעֵ֣בֶר
side
Strong's:
H5676
Word #:
13 of 21
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
אֶחָ֑ד
Be ye on one
H259
אֶחָ֑ד
Be ye on one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
14 of 21
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
הָעָם֙
And the people
H5971
הָעָם֙
And the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
16 of 21
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
שָׁא֔וּל
unto Saul
H7586
שָׁא֔וּל
unto Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
18 of 21
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
הַטּ֥וֹב
good
H2896
הַטּ֥וֹב
good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
19 of 21
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
Historical Context
Lot-casting typically narrowed from larger to smaller groups. Saul's arrangement assumed the sin was more likely among commoners than in the royal family. This assumption proved wrong, intensifying the irony of the situation.
Questions for Reflection
- How do assumptions about who is guilty affect how we investigate problems?
- What does the people's passive compliance suggest about their relationship with Saul?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then said he unto all Israel, Be ye on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side. And the people said unto Saul, Do what seemeth good unto thee.
Saul's division of the assembly - 'Be ye on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side' - places himself and Jonathan together, opposite Israel. This arrangement suggests Saul considers royal house more likely innocent than the general population. The people's response 'Do what seemeth good unto thee' reflects resignation rather than enthusiasm. They comply but do not affirm. The process moves toward tragedy with a sense of inevitability.