36. Then Saul said, “Let’s chase the Philistines all night and plunder them until sunrise. Let’s destroy every last one of them.”His men replied, “We’ll do whatever you think is best.”But the priest said, “Let’s ask God first.”
37. So Saul asked God, “Should we go after the Philistines? Will you help us defeat them?” But God made no reply that day.
38. Then Saul said to the leaders, “Something’s wrong! I want all my army commanders to come here. We must find out what sin was committed today.
39. I vow by the name of the lord who rescued Israel that the sinner will surely die, even if it is my own son Jonathan!” But no one would tell him what the trouble was.
40. Then Saul said, “Jonathan and I will stand over here, and all of you stand over there.”And the people responded to Saul, “Whatever you think is best.”
41. Then Saul prayed, “O lord, God of Israel, please show us who is guilty and who is innocent.” Then they cast sacred lots, and Jonathan and Saul were chosen as the guilty ones, and the people were declared innocent.
42. Then Saul said, “Now cast lots again and choose between me and Jonathan.” And Jonathan was shown to be the guilty one.
43. “Tell me what you have done,” Saul demanded of Jonathan.“I tasted a little honey,” Jonathan admitted. “It was only a little bit on the end of my stick. Does that deserve death?”
44. “Yes, Jonathan,” Saul said, “you must die! May God strike me and even kill me if you do not die for this.”