30. How much better if the troops had eaten freely today from the plunder they took from their enemies! Then the slaughter of the Philistines would have been much greater.”
31. The Israelites struck down the Philistines that day from Michmash all the way to Aijalon. Since the Israelites were completely exhausted,
32. they rushed to the plunder, took sheep, cattle, and calves, slaughtered them on the ground, and ate meat with the blood still in it.
33. Some reported to Saul: “Look, the troops are sinning against the Lord by eating meat with the blood still in it.” Saul said, “You have been unfaithful. Roll a large stone over here at once.”
34. He then said, “Go among the troops and say to them, ‘Each man must bring me his ox or his sheep. Do the slaughtering here and then you can eat. Don’t sin against the Lord by eating meat with the blood in it.’ ” So every one of the troops brought his ox that night and slaughtered it there.
35. Then Saul built an altar to the Lord; it was the first time he had built an altar to the Lord.
36. Saul said, “Let’s go down after the Philistines tonight and plunder them until morning. Don’t let even one remain! ”“Do whatever you want,” the troops replied.But the priest said, “We must consult God here.”
37. 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.
38. Saul said, “All you leaders of the troops, come here. Let us investigate how this sin has occurred today.
39. As surely as the Lord lives who saves Israel, even if it is because of my son Jonathan, he must die! ” Not one of the troops answered him.