1 Samuel 14:19
And it came to pass, while Saul talked unto the priest, that the noise that was in the host of the Philistines went on and increased: and Saul said unto the priest, Withdraw thine hand.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֗י
H1961
וַיְהִ֗י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 19
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עַ֣ד
H5704
עַ֣ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
2 of 19
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
דִּבֶּ֤ר
talked
H1696
דִּבֶּ֤ר
talked
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
3 of 19
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
שָׁא֛וּל
And it came to pass while Saul
H7586
שָׁא֛וּל
And it came to pass while Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
4 of 19
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
הַכֹּהֵ֖ן
unto the priest
H3548
הַכֹּהֵ֖ן
unto the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
6 of 19
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
וְהֶֽהָמ֗וֹן
that the noise
H1995
וְהֶֽהָמ֗וֹן
that the noise
Strong's:
H1995
Word #:
7 of 19
a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth
אֲשֶׁר֙
H834
אֲשֶׁר֙
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בְּמַֽחֲנֵ֣ה
that was in the host
H4264
בְּמַֽחֲנֵ֣ה
that was in the host
Strong's:
H4264
Word #:
9 of 19
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
of the Philistines
H6430
פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
of the Philistines
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
10 of 19
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ
went
H3212
וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ
went
Strong's:
H3212
Word #:
11 of 19
to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses)
הָל֖וֹךְ
on
H1980
הָל֖וֹךְ
on
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
12 of 19
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וָרָ֑ב
and increased
H7227
וָרָ֑ב
and increased
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
13 of 19
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
שָׁא֛וּל
And it came to pass while Saul
H7586
שָׁא֛וּל
And it came to pass while Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
15 of 19
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
הַכֹּהֵ֖ן
unto the priest
H3548
הַכֹּהֵ֖ן
unto the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
17 of 19
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
Cross References
Numbers 27:21And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.1 Samuel 14:24And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food.
Historical Context
The phrase 'withdraw thine hand' indicates Saul ordered the priest to stop the divinatory procedure, possibly involving Urim and Thummim manipulation. Ancient Near Eastern leaders commonly halted religious consultations when military developments demanded immediate action.
Questions for Reflection
- When do religious processes become hindrances to faithful action?
- How do we balance seeking guidance with seizing God-given opportunities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And it came to pass, while Saul talked unto the priest, that the noise that was in the host of the Philistines went on and increased: and Saul said unto the priest, Withdraw thine hand.
As Saul consults with the priest, 'the noise that was in the host of the Philistines went on and increased.' Divine action outpaces Saul's deliberation. His command 'Withdraw thine hand' interrupts the priestly consultation because the opportunity for action cannot wait for religious process. Saul finally moves, but his response remains reactive rather than faith-initiated. The contrast with Jonathan's proactive faith highlights Saul's spiritual deficit - he follows events God creates rather than initiating through faith.