1 Samuel 14:38
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Samuel 14:38
38 And Saul said, Draw ye near hither, all the chief of the people: and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day.
Chapter Context
1 Samuel 14 is a biographical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, truth, wisdom. Written during the transition to monarchy (c. 1050-1010 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Israel transitioned from tribal confederacy to monarchy while facing Philistine military pressure.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-52: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Samuel and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Samuel 14:38
38 And Saul said, Draw ye near hither, all the chief of the people: and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day.
Analysis
And Saul said, Draw ye near hither, all the chief of the people: and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day.
Saul summons 'all the chief of the people' to 'know and see wherein this sin hath been this day.' He assumes sin exists and determines to find the sinner. His process is correct (involving leadership, seeking identification of sin), but his self-examination is absent. The irony intensifies: Saul will discover his own son violated his own rash oath, yet never questions whether the oath itself was the problem. He seeks sins in others while blind to his own.
Historical Context
Investigating sin through lot-casting was established procedure (Joshua 7:14-18). The process involved progressively narrowing identification until the guilty party was revealed. Saul follows proper procedure while missing the larger issue.
Reflection
- How can proper procedures for addressing sin miss the actual problem?
- When have you searched for fault in others while missing your own contribution to a situation?
Word Studies
- Sin: חַטָּאת (Chatta'ah) H2403 - Sin, missing the mark