1 Samuel 14:36

And Saul saide, Let vs goe downe after the Philistines by night, and spoile them vntil the morning light, and let vs not leaue a man of them. And they said, Do whatsoeuer seemeth good vnto thee. Then said the priest, Let vs draw neere hither vnto God. 1 Samuel 14:36 (KJV)

Context: The passage is found in the book of 1 Samuel, which focuses on the transition from the time of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. Saul is the first king of Israel, and Jonathan is his son. In this chapter, Jonathan leads a successful military attack against the Philistines, and Saul makes a rash oath that no one in his army should eat until evening.

After Saul made a rash command that no one in his army should eat until evening, the priest suggested consulting God before proceeding further. This highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance in important matters and relying on godly counsel rather than solely on human judgment.

The Role of the Priest:

The priest’s suggestion to draw near to God underscores the significance of involving spiritual leaders in decision‑making. In this case, the priest acted as a mediator, offering a way for Saul to seek God’s will through the ephod, emphasizing the importance of seeking godly advice when making important decisions.

Waiting on God:

By suggesting they draw near to God, the priest implied waiting for His response before taking action. This teaches us the value of patience and trusting in God’s timing rather than rushing into decisions without considering His will.

Applying it to our Lives:

This passage reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s guidance and involving spiritual leaders in our decision‑making process. It encourages us to wait on God, seek His will, and trust in His timing rather than relying solely on our own understanding. By seeking wise counsel and waiting for God’s direction, we can make decisions that align with His purposes.

Overall, 1 Samuel 14:36 teaches us the importance of seeking God’s guidance, involving spiritual leaders, and waiting on Him before making decisions. It reminds us to seek His will and wisdom in all aspects of our lives, especially in leadership and decision‑making.