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.
40. So he said to all Israel, “You will be on one side, and I and my son Jonathan will be on the other side.”And the troops replied, “Do whatever you want.”
41. So Saul said to the Lord, “God of Israel, give us the right decision.” Jonathan and Saul were selected, and the troops were cleared of the charge.
42. Then Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan,” and Jonathan was selected.
43. Saul commanded him, “Tell me what you did.” Jonathan told him, “I tasted a little honey with the end of the staff I was carrying. I am ready to die! ”
44. Saul declared to him, “May God punish me and do so severely if you do not die, Jonathan! ”
45. But the people said to Saul, “Must Jonathan die, who accomplished such a great deliverance for Israel? No, as the Lord lives, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground, for he worked with God’s help today.” So the people redeemed Jonathan, and he did not die.
46. Then Saul gave up the pursuit of the Philistines, and the Philistines returned to their own territory.
47. When Saul assumed the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies in every direction: against Moab, the Ammonites, Edom, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines. Wherever he turned, he caused havoc.
48. He fought bravely, defeated the Amalekites, and delivered Israel from the hand of those who plundered them.