1 Samuel 14:41
Therefore Saul said unto the LORD God of Israel, Give a perfect lot. And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people escaped.
Original Language Analysis
וְשָׁא֖וּל
Therefore Saul
H7586
וְשָׁא֖וּל
Therefore Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
2 of 13
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
יְהוָ֛ה
unto the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
5 of 13
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
6 of 13
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
הָ֣בָה
Give
H3051
הָ֣בָה
Give
Strong's:
H3051
Word #:
7 of 13
to give (whether literal or figurative); generally, to put; imperatively (reflexive) come
תָמִ֑ים
a perfect
H8549
תָמִ֑ים
a perfect
Strong's:
H8549
Word #:
8 of 13
entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth
וַיִּלָּכֵ֧ד
were taken
H3920
וַיִּלָּכֵ֧ד
were taken
Strong's:
H3920
Word #:
9 of 13
to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere
וְשָׁא֖וּל
Therefore Saul
H7586
וְשָׁא֖וּל
Therefore Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
11 of 13
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
Cross References
Acts 1:24And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,Proverbs 16:33The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.Jonah 1:7And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah.
Historical Context
The Urim and Thummim were priestly objects used for obtaining divine guidance. The mechanism apparently allowed three outcomes: Urim (no), Thummim (yes), or neither (no answer). Saul's request for 'perfect lot' sought clear divine communication.
Questions for Reflection
- How does seeking divine guidance sometimes reveal truths we did not want to find?
- What happens when proper procedure produces painful results?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Therefore Saul said unto the LORD God of Israel, Give a perfect lot. And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people escaped.
Saul's prayer for 'a perfect lot' (thummim, connected to the Urim and Thummim) requests divine identification of the guilty party. The lot eliminates the people and 'Saul and Jonathan were taken.' God's answer implicates the royal house. The very oracle Saul sought reveals his own son as the oath-breaker. Divine guidance, properly sought, often reveals uncomfortable truths. Saul receives accurate answer to his question but remains blind to the underlying issue - his rash oath.