1 Samuel 14:24-45
THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK
All too often we speak before we think. It is very easy to look back and say, “I shouldn’t have said that,” or ” I should have said this.” King Saul didn’t think before he spoke and almost lost his son as a result of his own foolishness.
INTRODUCTION – Vss. 1-23
Due to the efforts of Jonathan and his armor bearer and the intervention of God, a great battle began against the Philistines.
A FAULTY (OR FLAKY) ORDER – Vss. 24-26
Saul stated that any soldier that ate during the battle was under the curse. The woods were full of nourishing honey, but the soldiers were afraid to eat.
A FAULTLESS VIOLATION – Vss. 27-32
Jonathan had not heard his father’s proclamation, and ate some of the honey. He was refreshed. Jonathan rightly observed the foolishness of his father’s command. When the day was over and the men could eat, they were so famished that they did not properly drain the blood from the animals. Leviticus 17:10-14
A FOOLISH CONDEMNATION – Vss. 33-44
It was discovered that someone had violated the curse placed on eating by Saul.
Jonathan was discovered as the guilty party.
Saul was ready to condemn him to death.
A FAITHFUL RESCUE – Vs. 45
Jonathan was largely responsible for the day’s victory.
The people wisely intervened and stopped Saul from killing his son.