“Cursed is the man who eats any food until evening, before I have taken vengeance on my enemies.” So the men did not eat anything. They came to a wood where there was honey dripping. No one ate any of it. However, Jonathan had not heard his father’s vow, and ate some honey, and his countenance brightened. One of the men told him of his father’s oath. They were all faint with hunger. He said that his father had troubled the army. They could have made an even greater slaughter had they eaten. So when they had driven back the Philistines from Michmash to Aijalon, they rushed on the spoil, and killed and ate sheep, oxen, and calves, with their blood! This was considered a sin in Israel. Saul scolded them, then called for a large rock, and they killed, cooked, and ate the slaughter. This was the first altar Saul built to the Lord.
Saul sought God for instructions whether they should go after the Philistines again. When God did not answer, Saul assumed someone had sinned, so he drew lots and it landed on Jonathan. He confessed to having eaten a little honey in opposition to Saul’s oath. Saul said he must die. The people refused, rescuing Jonathan from his father’s judgment. Saul then continued to establish his sovereignty and had sons and daughters, named Abner the commander of his army, and waged fierce war with the Philistines all the days of his life. He also recruited any strong man or valiant man for himself.
Saul made a rash vow before God, and when Jonathan broke that vow (innocently) he was judged worthy of death. Be careful what you vow to God. Whether it is a daughter, or a son, or any other person or thing, making a vow to God can cost you desperately. Be realistic, and only vow what you are willing to pay. God is serious about speaking the truth and following through on your promises. In this case, Saul was rash and unreasonable, and cooler heads prevailed. Listen to counsel, and do not be rash in your dealings with God!
Devoted To You 