New International Version So 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 Translation So Saul asked God, “Should we go after the Philistines? Will you help us defeat them?” But God made no reply that day. English Standard Version And 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 Bible So 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. Berean Literal Bible And Saul inquired of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will You give them into the hand of Israel?” And He did not answer him on that day. King James Bible And 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 Version So 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 Bible So 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 1995 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 on that day. NASB 1977 And 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 Bible And 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 Bible Saul 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. Berean Annotated Bible So Saul (desired) inquired of God {Elohim}, “Shall I go down after the Philistines (immigrants)? Will You give them into the hand of Israel (he wrestles with God)? But God did not answer him that day. Christian Standard Bible So 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 Bible So 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 Version And 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 Version Saul asked God, "Should I attack the Philistines? Will you help us win?" This time God did not answer. English Revised Version And 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® Translation Then Saul asked God, "Should I attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to Israel?" But he received no answer that day. Good News Translation So Saul asked God, "Shall I attack the Philistines? Will you give us victory?" But God did not answer that day. International Standard Version 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. NET Bible So 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 Bible 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. Webster's Bible Translation And 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 Bible Saul 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. Berean Literal Bible And Saul inquired of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will You give them into the hand of Israel?” And He did not answer 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 Translation And 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 Version And 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 Bible So 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 Version So 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 Translated And 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 Translation And 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 (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context The People Save Jonathan37So 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. 38Therefore Saul said, “Come here, all you leaders of the troops, and let us investigate how this sin has occurred today.… Cross References So Saul inquired of God, 1 Chronicles 14:10 So 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 Samuel 23:2 So 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 30:8 and 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.” “Shall I go down after the Philistines? 2 Samuel 5:19 So 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 5:23 So 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. Judges 20:18 The 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. Will You give them into the hand of Israel?” Joshua 10:8 The LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them, for I have delivered them into your hand. Not one of them shall stand against you.” 1 Samuel 17:46-47 This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand. This day I will strike you down, cut off your head, and give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth. Then the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. / And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.” 2 Chronicles 20:15 And he said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle does not belong to you, but to God. But God did not answer him that day. 1 Samuel 28:6 He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets. Proverbs 1:28 Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will earnestly seek me, but will not find me. Jeremiah 11:11 Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘I am about to bring upon them a disaster that they cannot escape. They will cry out to Me, but I will not listen to them. Judges 20:23 They 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 20:27-28 And 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 23:4 Once 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.” 2 Samuel 2:1 Some 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. 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 Counsel Deliver Desiring Directions Hand Hands Inquired Israel Israel's Philistines Saul WiltJump to Next Counsel Deliver Desiring Directions Hand Hands Inquired Israel Israel's Philistines Saul Wilt1 Samuel 14 1. Jonathan goes and miraculously smites the Philistine's garrison15. A divine terror makes them beat themselves 17. Saul, not staying the priest's answer, sets on them 21. The captivated Hebrews, and the hidden Israelites, join against them. 24. Saul's unadvised adjuration hinders the victory 31. He restrains the people from eating blood 35. He builds an altar 37. Jonathan, taken by lot, is save by the people 47. Saul's victories, strength, and family So Saul inquired of God, Saul sought the Lord’s direction before continuing the pursuit after Israel’s victory over the Philistines. As king, he recognized that Israel’s success depended on God’s help rather than military strength alone. 1Ch 14:10 So David inquired of God, “Should I go up…”… “Shall I go down after the Philistines? The Philistines had retreated toward their own territory, and Saul needed to decide whether to press the attack. The pursuit could secure a greater victory, but it also required the Lord’s approval. 2Sa 5:19 So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up… Will You give them into the hand of Israel?” Saul asked whether God would grant Israel final victory over its enemy. The outcome of battle belonged to the Lord, who had already thrown the Philistine camp into confusion. Jos 10:8 The LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them.”… But God did not answer him that day. God’s silence revealed that sin had disrupted Israel’s fellowship with Him. Saul would soon discover through inquiry that Jonathan had unknowingly violated the oath Saul had imposed on the army. 1Sa 28:6 He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him… 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. Philistines A 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 Silence In 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 Heart When 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 Silence God'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 Inquiry When seeking God's guidance, faith is essential. We must trust in His wisdom and timing, even when answers are not immediate. Consequences of Disobedience Saul'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? (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. 1 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.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So Saulשָׁאוּל֙ (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites inquired וַיִּשְׁאַ֤ל (way·yiš·’al) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7592: To inquire, to request, to demand of God, בֵּֽאלֹהִ֔ים (bê·lō·hîm) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative “Shall I go down הַֽאֵרֵד֙ (ha·’ê·rêḏ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend after אַחֲרֵ֣י (’a·ḥă·rê) Preposition Strong's 310: The hind or following part the Philistines? פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים (p̄ə·liš·tîm) Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia Will You give הֲתִתְּנֵ֖ם (hă·ṯit·tə·nêm) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine plural Strong's 5414: To give, put, set them into the hand בְּיַ֣ד (bə·yaḏ) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 3027: A hand of Israel?” יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc But God did not וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no answer עָנָ֖הוּ (‘ā·nā·hū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular Strong's 6030: To answer, respond him that הַהֽוּא׃ (ha·hū) Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are day. בַּיּ֥וֹם (bay·yō·wm) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3117: A day Additonal Resources 1 Samuel 14:37 Blue Letter Bible1 Samuel 14:37 Bible Gateway 1 Samuel 14:37 Bible.com 1 Samuel 14:37 NIV |
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