“And Saul said, Let us go down after the Philistines by night, and spoil them until the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them. And they said, Do whatsoever seemeth good unto thee. Then said the priest, Let us draw near hither unto God.”
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.
Seeking God’s Guidance:After Saul’s impulsive command, the priest suggests seeking God’s guidance before proceeding further. This shows the importance of seeking the Lord’s direction in important matters. As leaders, we should be mindful of seeking God’s wisdom and guidance rather than relying solely on our own judgement.
The Role of the Priest:The presence of the priest indicates the significance of consulting the spiritual leaders in times of decision‑making. In this case, the priest serves as a mediator between Saul and God, offering a channel through which they can seek divine guidance. It highlights the importance of involving spiritual leaders and seeking godly counsel when making important decisions.
Waiting on God:By drawing near to God, the priest suggests waiting for God’s response before proceeding with their plans. This teaches us the value of patience and seeking God’s timing rather than rushing into action without considering His will. It is important to wait on the Lord and listen for His guidance before making decisions or taking action.
Applying it to our Lives:This passage reminds us of the significance of seeking God’s guidance and involving spiritual leaders in our decision‑making process. It encourages us to wait on God and seek His will rather than relying solely on our own understanding. By seeking wise counsel and waiting for God’s timing, we can make better decisions that align with His purposes for our lives.
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 that as believers, we should seek His will and wisdom in all aspects of our lives, including leadership and decision‑making.
