1 Samuel 14:42
And Saul said, Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken.
Original Language Analysis
הַפִּ֕ילוּ
Cast
H5307
הַפִּ֕ילוּ
Cast
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
3 of 9
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
בֵּינִ֕י
H996
בֵּינִ֕י
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
4 of 9
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
וּבֵ֖ין
H996
וּבֵ֖ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
5 of 9
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
בְּנִ֑י
my son
H1121
בְּנִ֑י
my son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
7 of 9
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Historical Context
The lot's identification of Jonathan was understood as divine verdict. Ancient Israelites believed God controlled lot outcomes (Proverbs 16:33). Jonathan's 'taking' by the lot was considered divine confirmation of his violation, regardless of his ignorance.
Questions for Reflection
- When proper procedures produce unjust results, what is wrong - the procedure or the underlying situation?
- How should we evaluate systems that technically function correctly but produce harmful outcomes?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Saul said, Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken.
The lot between Saul and Jonathan identifies Jonathan. The spare narrative - 'Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken' - heightens tension. What should have been unthinkable becomes reality: the hero of the battle stands condemned by his father's oath. The lot functions correctly; God identifies the oath-breaker. Yet the oath itself was the problem, not the one who unknowingly violated it. Divine process confirms human folly.