New International VersionSo Saul asked God, “Shall I go down and pursue the Philistines? Will you give them into Israel’s hand?” But God did not answer him that day.
New Living TranslationSo Saul asked God, “Should we go after the Philistines? Will you help us defeat them?” But God made no reply that day.
English Standard VersionAnd Saul inquired of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will you give them into the hand of Israel?” But he did not answer him that day.
Berean Standard BibleSo Saul inquired of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will You give them into the hand of Israel?” But God did not answer him that day.
King James BibleAnd Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day.
New King James VersionSo Saul asked counsel of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will You deliver them into the hand of Israel?” But He did not answer him that day.
New American Standard BibleSo Saul inquired of God: “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will You hand them over to Israel?” But He did not answer him on that day.
NASB 1995Saul inquired of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will You give them into the hand of Israel?” But He did not answer him on that day.
NASB 1977And Saul inquired of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Wilt Thou give them into the hand of Israel?” But He did not answer him on that day.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd Saul asked of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will You give them into the hand of Israel?” But He did not answer him on that day.
Amplified BibleSaul asked [counsel] of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will You hand them over to Israel?” But He did not answer him that day.
Christian Standard BibleSo Saul inquired of God, “Should I go after the Philistines? Will you hand them over to Israel? ” But God did not answer him that day.
Holman Christian Standard BibleSo Saul inquired of God, “Should I go after the Philistines? Will You hand them over to Israel?” But God did not answer him that day.
American Standard VersionAnd Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day.
Contemporary English VersionSaul asked God, "Should I attack the Philistines? Will you help us win?" This time God did not answer.
English Revised VersionAnd Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThen Saul asked God, "Should I attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to Israel?" But he received no answer that day.
Good News TranslationSo Saul asked God, "Shall I attack the Philistines? Will you give us victory?" But God did not answer that day.
International Standard VersionSaul inquired of God, "Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will you give them into the hand of Israel?" But God did not answer him that day.
NET BibleSo Saul asked God, "Should I go down after the Philistines? Will you deliver them into the hand of Israel?" But he did not answer him that day.
New Heart English BibleSaul asked counsel of God, "Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will you deliver them into the hand of Israel?" But he did not answer him that day.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo Saul inquired of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will You give them into the hand of Israel?” But God did not answer him that day.
World English BibleSaul asked counsel of God: “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will you deliver them into the hand of Israel?” But he didn’t answer him that day. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Saul asks of God, “Do I go down after the Philistines? Do You give them into the hand of Israel?” And He has not answered him on that day.
Young's Literal Translation And Saul asketh of God, 'Do I go down after the Philistines? dost Thou give them into the hand of Israel?' and He hath not answered him on that day.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Saul will ask in God, Shall I go down after the rovers? wilt thou give them into the hand of Israel? And he will not answer him in that day. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Saul consulted the Lord: Shall I pursue after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hands of Israel? And he answered him not that day.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd Saul consulted the Lord: “Shall I pursue the Philistines? Will you deliver them into the hands of Israel?” And he did not respond to him on that day.
New American BibleSo Saul inquired of God: “Shall I go down in pursuit of the Philistines? Will you deliver them into the hand of Israel?” But he received no answer on this occasion.
New Revised Standard VersionSo Saul inquired of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will you give them into the hand of Israel?” But he did not answer him that day. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Saul said to God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? Wilt thou deliver them into the hands of Israel? But the LORD did not answer him that day.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd Shaul said to God: “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will you deliver them into the hands of Israel?” And LORD JEHOVAH did not answer him on that day OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Saul asked counsel of God: 'Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt Thou deliver them into the hand of Israel?' But He answered him not that day.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Saul enquired of God, If I go down after the Philistines, wilt thou deliver them into the hands of Israel? And he answered him not in that day.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The People Save Jonathan37So Saulinquiredof God,“Shall I go downafterthe Philistines?Will You give theminto the handof Israel?”But God did notanswer himthatday.38Therefore Saul said, “Come here, all you leaders of the troops, and let us investigate how this sin has occurred today.…
Cross References Judges 20:18The Israelites set out, went up to Bethel, and inquired of God, “Who of us shall go up first to fight against the Benjamites?” “Judah will be first,” the LORD replied.
Judges 20:23They went up and wept before the LORD until evening, inquiring of Him, “Should we again draw near for battle against our brothers the Benjamites?” And the LORD answered, “Go up against them.”
Judges 20:27-28And the Israelites inquired of the LORD. (In those days the ark of the covenant of God was there, / and Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, served before it.) The Israelites asked, “Should we again go out to battle against our brothers the Benjamites, or should we stop?” The LORD answered, “Fight, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hand.”
1 Samuel 23:2So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go and attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.”
1 Samuel 23:4Once again, David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him: “Go at once to Keilah, for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.”
1 Samuel 28:6He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.
1 Samuel 30:8and David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, “for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.”
2 Samuel 2:1Some time later, David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” “Go up,” the LORD answered. Then David asked, “Where should I go?” “To Hebron,” replied the LORD.
2 Samuel 5:19So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go up,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.”
2 Samuel 5:23So David inquired of the LORD, who answered, “Do not march straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees.
1 Chronicles 14:10So David inquired of God, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go,” replied the LORD, “for I will deliver them into your hand.”
1 Chronicles 14:14So David again inquired of God, who answered him, “Do not march up after them, but circle around them and attack them in front of the balsam trees.
Isaiah 58:2For day after day they seek Me and delight to know My ways, like a nation that does what is right and does not forsake the justice of their God. They ask Me for righteous judgments; they delight in the nearness of God.”
Ezekiel 20:3“Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: Have you come to inquire of Me? As surely as I live, I will not be consulted by you, declares the Lord GOD.
Matthew 7:7Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.
Treasury of Scripture And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? will you deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day. Shall I go 1 Samuel 23:4,9-12 Then David inquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand… 1 Samuel 30:7,8 And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech's son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David… Judges 1:1 Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass, that the children of Israel asked the LORD, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first, to fight against them? he answered. 1 Samuel 28:6 And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets. Ezekiel 14:3-5 Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be inquired of at all by them? … Ezekiel 20:3 Son of man, speak unto the elders of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Are ye come to inquire of me?As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you. Jump to Previous CounselDeliverDesiringDirectionsHandHandsInquiredIsraelIsrael'sPhilistinesSaulWiltJump to Next CounselDeliverDesiringDirectionsHandHandsInquiredIsraelIsrael'sPhilistinesSaulWilt1 Samuel 14 1.Jonathan goes and miraculously smites the Philistine's garrison15.A divine terror makes them beat themselves17.Saul, not staying the priest's answer, sets on them21.The captivated Hebrews, and the hidden Israelites, join against them.24.Saul's unadvised adjuration hinders the victory31.He restrains the people from eating blood35.He builds an altar37.Jonathan, taken by lot, is save by the people47.Saul's victories, strength, and familySo Saul inquired of GodIn the context of ancient Israel, inquiring of God was a common practice for leaders seeking divine guidance. Saul, as king, had the responsibility to seek God's will before making significant military decisions. This reflects the theocratic nature of Israel, where God was seen as the ultimate leader. Saul's inquiry likely involved the use of the Urim and Thummim, sacred lots used by the high priest to discern God's will ( Exodus 28:30). This practice underscores the importance of divine guidance in leadership, a theme echoed throughout the Old Testament. “Shall I go down after the Philistines?
The Philistines were a perennial enemy of Israel, often depicted as a formidable military force. Saul's question indicates a strategic decision point, as pursuing the Philistines could lead to either victory or disaster. The phrase "go down" suggests a geographical descent, possibly from the highlands of Israel to the coastal plains where the Philistines resided. This reflects the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Philistines, a central theme in the books of Samuel. Will You give them into the hand of Israel?”
This phrase highlights Saul's dependence on God for victory, acknowledging that success in battle was attributed to divine intervention rather than mere human effort. The concept of God delivering enemies into the hands of His people is a recurring motif in the Old Testament, seen in stories like Joshua's conquest of Canaan (Joshua 10:8). It emphasizes the belief that God fights for Israel, a notion that reinforces Israel's identity as God's chosen people. But God did not answer him that day.
The silence of God in response to Saul's inquiry is significant. It suggests a break in the relationship between Saul and God, possibly due to Saul's earlier disobedience (1 Samuel 13:13-14). This silence can be seen as a form of divine judgment, indicating that Saul's leadership was no longer under God's favor. The absence of an answer also foreshadows Saul's eventual downfall and the rise of David, who is portrayed as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). This moment serves as a turning point in the narrative, highlighting the consequences of disobedience and the importance of maintaining a right relationship with God. Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. At this point in his reign, Saul is leading Israel in battle against the Philistines. 2. PhilistinesA significant enemy of Israel during the time of Saul and David. They were a formidable military force and often in conflict with the Israelites. 3. God's SilenceIn this passage, God does not respond to Saul's inquiry, which is significant in understanding Saul's relationship with God and his leadership. Teaching Points The Importance of ObedienceSaul's failure to receive an answer from God may reflect his earlier disobedience. Obedience to God's commands is crucial for maintaining a relationship where God responds to our inquiries. Seeking God with the Right HeartWhen we seek God's guidance, it is essential to approach Him with a sincere and humble heart, not merely as a formality or last resort. Understanding Divine SilenceGod's silence can be a tool for reflection and self-examination. It may prompt us to consider our spiritual state and relationship with Him. The Role of Faith in InquiryWhen seeking God's guidance, faith is essential. We must trust in His wisdom and timing, even when answers are not immediate. Consequences of DisobedienceSaul's experience serves as a warning about the spiritual consequences of disobedience and the importance of aligning our actions with God's will. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 14:37?
2.Why did God not answer Saul's inquiry in 1 Samuel 14:37?
3.How can we discern God's will when He seems silent?
4.What does 1 Samuel 14:37 teach about seeking God's guidance in decisions?
5.How does Saul's inquiry compare to other biblical leaders seeking God's counsel?
6.How can we ensure our motives align with God's will in prayer?
7.Why did God not answer Saul in 1 Samuel 14:37?
8.What does 1 Samuel 14:37 reveal about divine guidance?
9.How does 1 Samuel 14:37 challenge the concept of prayer?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 14?
11.1 Chronicles 14:8-17 - How do we reconcile any discrepancies between this account of David's battles with the Philistines and the parallel text in 2 Samuel 5?
12.Why would God honor Saul's command to fast when it led the soldiers to sin by eating meat with blood (1 Samuel 14:24, 31-33)?
13.How could Jonathan and his armor-bearer realistically defeat twenty Philistine warriors in such a small area (1 Samuel 14:12-14)?
14.In 1 Samuel 29:3-5, why would the Philistines fear David so abruptly if Achish had trusted him for an extended time?What Does 1 Samuel 14:37 Mean Saul inquired of God• Saul pauses his pursuit and seeks direction through the priest and the ephod (1 Samuel 14:18–19), showing outward dependence on the Lord. • Scripture commends turning to God before acting—seeJoshua 9:14, yet contrasts Saul’s inconsistent pattern (1 Samuel 13:12; 28:6). • Genuine inquiry is always welcomed (Jeremiah 33:3), but God weighs the heart behind it (Proverbs 21:2).
Shall I go down after the Philistines?• Saul wants specific military guidance, mirroring earlier leaders who asked similar questions—Judges 20:18; David in2 Samuel 5:19. • Consulting God for battle strategy underscores that victory belongs to Him, not human force (Deuteronomy 20:4). • Saul’s question is correct in form, yet his prior rash oath that starved his troops (1 Samuel 14:24–30) undermines its sincerity.
Will You give them into the hand of Israel?• Saul recognizes that only God can deliver enemies into Israel’s hand (1 Samuel 17:47;Psalm 44:3). • Using “Israel” instead of “me” sounds humble, but Saul’s record of self-interest (1 Samuel 13:13–14; 15:12) casts doubt on his motives. • God honors such a request when the petitioner walks in integrity—note David at Keilah (1 Samuel 23:2–5).
God did not answer him that day• Divine silence is a sober warning: unconfessed sin blocks fellowship (Psalm 66:18;Isaiah 59:2). • Saul’s broken leadership—his oath, the people’s unwitting sin of eating blood (1 Samuel 14:32–33), and his escalating pride (1 Samuel 15:23)—creates a barrier to God’s response. • Silence can be God’s call to self-examination (Lamentations 3:40) and repentance before renewed guidance comes (1 John 1:9). • Later, Saul’s pattern of ignored or delayed repentance ends with total silence even through prophets or dreams (1 Samuel 28:6).
summary1 Samuel 14:37 teaches that right words without a right heart do not move God. Inquiry is essential, but obedience and humility keep the communication line open. Saul’s unanswered question reminds every believer that divine guidance flows through a life aligned with God’s revealed will. (37) And Saul asked counsel of God.--The same phrase is always used in the many passages in the Books of Judges, 1 Sam., 2 Sam., 1 Chron., Hosea, &c. when God was inquired of by the Urim and Thummim. It may be styled the technical term of inquiry of the Oracle of the Most High; there are, however, slight. variations in the English translations of this phrase. But he answered him not . . .--When the mysterious gems refused to shine, or in any way to signify the Divine approbation or disapproval, the high-priestly questioner seems, as in this instance, to have concluded that some public transgression had been committed, and that special atonement must be made before the desired answer could be expected. The sacred gems probably remained dull and lightless the night was wearing on, and Saul chafed at the unexpected delay, and in his impetuous anger uttered the wild words on which we are about to comment. Verses 37, 38. - He answered him not. From this silence Saul concludes that some sin has been committed, and therefore calls together all the chief of the people - literally, "the corner stones" ( Judges 20:2) - to inquire who was the guilty person, and wherein he had sinned.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew So Saulשָׁאוּל֙(šā·’ūl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586:Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelitesinquiredוַיִּשְׁאַ֤ל(way·yiš·’al)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7592:To inquire, to request, to demandof God,בֵּֽאלֹהִ֔ים(bê·lō·hîm)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative“Shall I go downהַֽאֵרֵד֙(ha·’ê·rêḏ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3381:To come or go down, descendafterאַחֲרֵ֣י(’a·ḥă·rê)Preposition
Strong's 310:The hind or following partthe Philistines?פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים(p̄ə·liš·tîm)Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 6430:Philistines -- inhabitants of PhilistiaWill You giveהֲתִתְּנֵ֖ם(hă·ṯit·tə·nêm)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setthem into the handבְּיַ֣ד(bə·yaḏ)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3027:A handof Israel?”יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל(yiś·rā·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his descBut God did notוְלֹ֥א(wə·lō)Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, noanswerעָנָ֖הוּ(‘ā·nā·hū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6030:To answer, respondhim thatהַהֽוּא׃(ha·hū)Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, areday.בַּיּ֥וֹם(bay·yō·wm)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A day
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OT History: 1 Samuel 14:37 Saul asked counsel of God Shall (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
