| I may be avenged 1 Samuel 14:24 The key word here is "I". The previous verse makes it clear that "the LORD saved Israel," and in verse 45 Jonathan is credited as having "wrought this great salvation." But Saul wanted the credit to himself! So he makes a huge strategic blunder by issuing the command that no soldier should eat. It should have been a historic wipe-out of the Philistines and a huge celebration, but instead the soldiers were weak and discouraged, the military campaign could not be completed, and Jonathan almost died. All because Saul wanted the credit, putting his own desires above those of the Lord and his people. Although Saul "seemed" to have a heart for God, he really didn't, which is why God sought to replace him. |