Jonathan Leads The Counterattack

1 Then one day Jonathan son of Saul said to his armor bearer, "Come on, let's go over to the Philistine garrison that is opposite us." But he did not let his father know.

1 Now the day came that Jonathan, the son of Saul, said to the young man who was carrying his armor, “Come and let us cross over to the Philistines’ garrison that is on the other side.” But he did not tell his father.

1 Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison, that is on the other side. But he told not his father.

1 That same day Saul’s son Jonathan said to the attendant who carried his weapons, “Come on, let’s cross over to the Philistine garrison on the other side.” However, he did not tell his father.

1 One day Jonathan told his armor bearer, "Come, let's go over to the Philistine garrison which is on the other side," but he did not tell his father.

2 Now Saul was sitting under a pomegranate tree in Migron, on the outskirts of Gibeah. The army that was with him numbered about six hundred men.

2 Saul was staying in the outskirts of (A)Gibeah under the pomegranate tree which is in (B)Migron. And the people who were with him were (C)about six hundred men,

2 And Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree which is in Migron: and the people that were with him were about six hundred men;

2 Saul was staying under the pomegranate tree in Migron(A) on the outskirts of Gibeah.(a)(B) The troops with him numbered about 600.(C)

2 Saul was sitting on the outskirts of Geba under the pomegranate tree which was at Migron, and with him were about 600 men.

3 Now Ahijah was carrying an ephod. He was the son of Ahitub, who was the brother of Ichabod and a son of Phineas, son of Eli, the priest of the Lord in Shiloh. The army was unaware that Jonathan had left.

3 and Ahijah, the (D)son of Ahitub, (E)Ichabod’s brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the priest of the Lord at (F)Shiloh, (G)was (a)wearing an ephod. And the people did not know that Jonathan had gone.

3 And Ahiah, the son of Ahitub, Ichabod's brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the LORD'S priest in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people knew not that Jonathan was gone.

3 Ahijah,(D) who was wearing an ephod,(E) was also there. He was the son of Ahitub, the brother of Ichabod(F) son of Phinehas, son of Eli the Lord’s priest at Shiloh.(G) But the troops did not know that Jonathan had left.

3 Along with him were Ahitub's son Ahijah, Ichabod's brother, who was Phineas' son and a grandson of Eli the priest of the LORD at Shiloh, who was carrying the ephod. The people did not know that Jonathan had gone.

4 Now there was a steep cliff on each side of the pass through which Jonathan intended to go to reach the Philistine garrison. One cliff was named Bozez, the other Seneh.

4 (H)Between the passes by which Jonathan sought to cross over to the Philistines’ garrison, there was a sharp crag on the one side and a sharp crag on the other side, and the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh.

4 And between the passages, by which Jonathan sought to go over unto the Philistines' garrison, there was a sharp rock on the one side, and a sharp rock on the other side: and the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh.

4 There were sharp columns(b) of rock on both sides of the pass(H) that Jonathan intended to cross to reach the Philistine garrison. One was named Bozez and the other Seneh;

4 Now in the pass through which Jonathan planned to get across to the Philistine garrison, there was a sharp crag on one side and a sharp crag on the other side. The name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other was Seneh.

5 The cliff to the north was closer to Micmash, the one to the south closer to Geba.

5 The one crag rose on the north opposite Michmash, and the other on the south opposite Geba.

5 The forefront of the one was situate northward over against Michmash, and the other southward over against Gibeah.

5 one stood to the north in front of Michmash and the other to the south in front of Geba.

5 One crag rose on the north opposite Michmash, and the other on the south opposite Geba.

6 Jonathan said to his armor bearer, "Come on, let's go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will intervene for us. Nothing can prevent the Lord from delivering, whether by many or by a few."

6 Then Jonathan said to the young man who was carrying his armor, “Come and let us cross over to the garrison of (I)these uncircumcised; perhaps the Lord will work for us, for (J)the Lord is not restrained to save by many or by few.”

6 And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.

6 Jonathan said to the attendant who carried his weapons, “Come on, let’s cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised men.(I) Perhaps the Lord will help us. Nothing can keep the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.”(J)

6 Jonathan told his armor bearer, "Come, let's go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised ones. Perhaps the LORD will work for us, since nothing prevents the LORD from delivering, whether by many or by a few."

7 His armor bearer said to him, "Do everything that is on your mind. Do as you're inclined. I'm with you all the way!"

7 His armor bearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart; turn yourself, and here I am with you according to your (b)desire.”

7 And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart.

7 His armor-bearer responded, “Do what is in your heart. You choose. I’m right here with you whatever you decide.”

7 His armor bearer told him, "Do whatever you want. Let's move out! I'm right here with you, as you wish."

8 Jonathan replied, "All right! We'll go over to these men and fight them.

8 Then Jonathan said, “(K)Behold, we will cross over to the men and reveal ourselves to them.

8 Then said Jonathan, Behold, we will pass over unto these men, and we will discover ourselves unto them.

8 “All right,” Jonathan replied, “we’ll cross over to the men and then let them see us.

8 Jonathan said, "Look, we're going over to the men, and we will show ourselves to them.

9 If they say to us, 'Stay put until we approach you,' we will stay right there and not go up to them.

9 If they (c)say to us, ‘Wait until we come to you’; then we will stand in our place and not go up to them.

9 If they say thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up unto them.

9 If they say, ‘Wait until we reach you,’ then we will stay where we are and not go up to them.

9 If they say to us, "Stay there until we come to you,' then we will stay where we are and not go up to them.

10 But if they say, 'Come up against us,' we will go up. For in that case the Lord has given them into our hand -- it will be a sign to us."

10 But if they (d)say, ‘Come up to us,’ then we will go up, for the Lord has given them into our hands; and (L)this shall be the sign to us.”

10 But if they say thus, Come up unto us; then we will go up: for the LORD hath delivered them into our hand: and this shall be a sign unto us.

10 But if they say, ‘Come on up,’ then we’ll go up, because the Lord has handed them over to us—that will be our sign.”

10 But if they say, "Come up and fight us,' then we will go up, for the LORD has given them into our hands, and this will be the sign for us."

11 When they made themselves known to the Philistine garrison, the Philistines said, "Look! The Hebrews are coming out of the holes in which they hid themselves."

11 When both of them revealed themselves to the garrison of the Philistines, the Philistines said, “Behold, (M)Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they have hidden themselves.”

11 And both of them discovered themselves unto the garrison of the Philistines: and the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves.

11 They let themselves be seen by the Philistine garrison, and the Philistines said, “Look, the Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they’ve been hiding!”

11 When the two of them showed themselves to the Philistine garrison, the Philistines said, "Look, the Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they have been hiding."

12 Then the men of the garrison said to Jonathan and his armor bearer, "Come on up to us so we can teach you a thing or two!" Then Jonathan said to his armor bearer, "Come up behind me, for the Lord has given them into the hand of Israel!"

12 So the men of the garrison (e)hailed Jonathan and his armor bearer and said, “Come up to us and (N)we will tell you something.” And Jonathan said to his armor bearer, “Come up after me, for (O)the Lord has given them into the hands of Israel.”

12 And the men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armourbearer, and said, Come up to us, and we will shew you a thing. And Jonathan said unto his armourbearer, Come up after me: for the LORD hath delivered them into the hand of Israel.

12 The men of the garrison called to Jonathan and his armor-bearer. “Come on up, and we’ll teach you a lesson!” they said.“Follow me,” Jonathan told his armor-bearer, “for the Lord has handed them over to Israel.”(K)

12 The men of the garrison responded to Jonathan and his armor bearer: "Come up and fight us, and we will show you something." Jonathan then told his armor bearer, "Follow me, for the LORD has given them into Israel's control."

13 Jonathan crawled up on his hands and feet, with his armor bearer following behind him. Jonathan struck down the Philistines, while his armor bearer came along behind him and killed them.

13 Then Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet, with his armor bearer behind him; and they fell before Jonathan, and his armor bearer put some to death after him.

13 And Jonathan climbed up upon his hands and upon his feet, and his armourbearer after him: and they fell before Jonathan; and his armourbearer slew after him.

13 Jonathan climbed up using his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer behind him. Jonathan cut them down, and his armor-bearer followed and finished them off.

13 Jonathan crawled up on his hands and feet, with his armor bearer following him. The Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor bearer who was behind him also killed some.

14 In this initial skirmish Jonathan and his armor bearer struck down about twenty men in an area that measured half an acre.

14 That first slaughter which Jonathan and his armor bearer made was about twenty men within about half a furrow in an acre of land.

14 And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armourbearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were an half acre of land, which a yoke of oxen might plow.

14 In that first assault Jonathan and his armor-bearer struck down about 20 men in a half-acre field.

14 In the initial attack, Jonathan and his armor bearer struck down about twenty men in an area of about half an acre of land.

A Defeat For The Philistines

15 Then fear overwhelmed those who were in the camp, those who were in the field, all the army in the garrison, and the raiding bands. They trembled and the ground shook. This fear was caused by God.

15 And there was a trembling in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. Even the garrison and (P)the raiders trembled, and (Q)the earth quaked so (R)that it became a (f)great trembling.

15 And there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people: the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth quaked: so it was a very great trembling.

15 Terror spread through the Philistine camp and the open fields to all the troops. Even the garrison and the raiding parties(L) were terrified. The earth shook,(M) and terror spread from God.(c)(N)

15 There was terror in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. Even the garrison and the raiders were terrified. The earth shook, and there was even greater terror.

Israel Defeats The Philistines

16 Saul's watchmen at Gibeah in the territory of Benjamin looked on as the crowd of soldiers seemed to melt away first in one direction and then in another.

16 Now Saul’s watchmen in Gibeah of Benjamin looked, and behold, the multitude melted away; and they went here and there.

16 And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down one another.

16 When Saul’s watchmen in Gibeah of Benjamin looked, they saw the panicking troops scattering in every direction.

16 Saul's sentries in Gibeah of Benjamin watched as the camp was in disarray, going this way and that.

17 So Saul said to the army that was with him, "Muster the troops and see who is no longer with us." When they mustered the troops, Jonathan and his armor bearer were not there.

17 Saul said to the people who were with him, “(g)Number now and see who has gone from us.” And when they had (h)numbered, behold, Jonathan and his armor bearer were not there.

17 Then said Saul unto the people that were with him, Number now, and see who is gone from us. And when they had numbered, behold, Jonathan and his armourbearer were not there.

17 So Saul said to the troops with him, “Call the roll and determine who has left us.” They called the roll and saw that Jonathan and his armor-bearer were gone.

17 Saul told the people who were with him, "Do a roll call and see who has left us." They did a roll call, and Jonathan and his armor bearer were not there.

18 So Saul said to Ahijah, "Bring near the ephod," for he was at that time wearing the ephod.

18 Then Saul said to Ahijah, “(S)Bring the ark of God here.” For the ark of God was at that time with the sons of Israel.

18 And Saul said unto Ahiah, Bring hither the ark of God. For the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel.

18 Saul told Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God,” for it was with the Israelites(d) at that time.

18 Saul told Ahijah, "Bring the Ark of God here." For at that time the Ark of God was with the Israelis.

19 While Saul spoke to the priest, the panic in the Philistines' camp was becoming greater and greater. So Saul said to the priest, "Withdraw your hand!"

19 (T)While Saul talked to the priest, the commotion in the camp of the Philistines continued and increased; so Saul said to the priest, “Withdraw your hand.”

19 And it came to pass, while Saul talked unto the priest, that the noise that was in the host of the Philistines went on and increased: and Saul said unto the priest, Withdraw thine hand.

19 While Saul spoke to the priest,(O) the panic in the Philistine camp increased in intensity. So Saul said to the priest, “Stop what you’re doing.”(e)

19 While Saul was still speaking to the priest, the commotion in the Philistine camp increased more and more, and Saul told the priest, "Remove your hand."

20 Saul and all the army that was with him assembled and marched into battle, where they found the Philistines in total panic killing one another with their swords.

20 Then Saul and all the people who were with him rallied and came to the battle; and behold, (U)every man’s sword was against his fellow, and there was very great confusion.

20 And Saul and all the people that were with him assembled themselves, and they came to the battle: and, behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was a very great discomfiture.

20 Saul and all the troops with him assembled and marched to the battle, and there, the Philistines were fighting against each other in great confusion!(P)

20 Then Saul and all the people who were with him assembled and went into battle. Now the swords of all the Philistines were against each other, and there was very great confusion.

21 The Hebrews who had earlier gone over to the Philistine side joined the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.

21 Now the Hebrews who were with the Philistines previously, who went up with them all around in the camp, even (V)they also turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.

21 Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp from the country round about, even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan.

21 There were Hebrews from the area who had gone earlier into the camp to join the Philistines, but even they joined the Israelites(Q) who were with Saul and Jonathan.

21 The Hebrews who had previously been with the Philistines, who had gone up with them from the surrounding areas to the camp, even they joined Israel and those who were with Saul and Jonathan.

22 When all the Israelites who had hidden themselves in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines had fled, they too pursued them in battle.

22 When all the (W)men of Israel who had hidden themselves in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines had fled, even they also pursued them closely in the battle.

22 Likewise all the men of Israel which had hid themselves in mount Ephraim, when they heard that the Philistines fled, even they also followed hard after them in the battle.

22 When all the Israelite men who had been hiding in the hill country of Ephraim(R) heard that the Philistines were fleeing, they also joined Saul and Jonathan in the battle.

22 All the Israelis who had been hiding in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were fleeing, and even they pursued the Philistines in the battle.

23 So the Lord delivered Israel that day, and the battle shifted over to Beth Aven.

23 So (X)the Lord delivered Israel that day, and the battle (i)spread beyond (Y)Beth-aven.

23 So the LORD saved Israel that day: and the battle passed over unto Bethaven.

23 So the Lord saved Israel that day.(S)The battle extended beyond Beth-aven,

23 On that day the LORD delivered Israel, and the battle moved past Beth-aven.

Saul's Oath Leads To Trouble

24 Now the men of Israel were hard pressed that day, for Saul had made the army agree to this oath: "Cursed be the man who eats food before evening! I will get my vengeance on my enemies!" So no one in the army ate anything.

24 Now the men of Israel were hard-pressed on that day, for Saul had (Z)put the people under oath, saying, “Cursed be the man who eats food (j)before evening, and until I have avenged myself on my enemies.” So none of the people tasted food.

24 And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food.

24 and the men of Israel were worn out that day, for Saul had(f) placed the troops under an oath:(T) “The man who eats food before evening, before I have taken vengeance on my enemies is cursed.” So none of the troops tasted any food.

24 The men of Israel were hard pressed on that day, and Saul required the army to take an oath: "Cursed is the person who eats food before evening and before I've been avenged of my enemies." So no one tasted food.

25 Now the whole army entered the forest and there was honey on the ground.

25 All the people of the land entered the forest, and there was honey on the ground.

25 And all they of the land came to a wood; and there was honey upon the ground.

25 Everyone(g) went into the forest, and there was honey on the ground.

25 Later on, all the soldiers entered the woods, and there was honey on the ground.

26 When the army entered the forest, they saw the honey flowing, but no one ate any of it, for the army was afraid of the oath.

26 When the people entered the forest, behold, (AA)there was a flow of honey; but no man put his hand to his mouth, for the people feared the oath.

26 And when the people were come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped; but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath.

26 When the troops entered the forest, they saw the flow of honey, but none of them ate any of it(h) because they feared the oath.

26 The people came into the woods and there was flowing honey, but no one put his hand to his mouth to eat it because the people were afraid due to the oath.

27 But Jonathan had not heard about the oath his father had made the army take. He extended the end of his staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb. When he ate it, his eyes gleamed.

27 But Jonathan had not heard when his father put the people under oath; therefore, (AB)he put out the end of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth, and (AC)his eyes brightened.

27 But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened.

27 However, Jonathan had not heard his father make the troops swear the oath. He reached out with the end of the staff he was carrying and dipped it into the honeycomb.(U) When he ate the honey,(i) he had renewed energy.(V)

27 But Jonathan had not heard that his father had required the army to swear an oath, so he stretched out the end of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb. He brought it back to his mouth and his eyes brightened.

28 Then someone from the army informed him, "Your father put the army under a strict oath saying, 'Cursed be the man who eats food today!' That is why the army is tired."

28 Then one of the people said, “Your father strictly put the people under oath, saying, ‘Cursed be the man who eats food today.’” And the people were weary.

28 Then answered one of the people, and said, Thy father straitly charged the people with an oath, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food this day. And the people were faint.

28 Then, one of the troops said, “Your father made the troops solemnly swear, ‘The man who eats food today is cursed,’ and the troops are exhausted.”

28 Then one of the people responded: "Your father strictly ordered the army to take an oath. That's why he said, "Cursed is the person who eats food today,' and so the army is exhausted."

29 Then Jonathan said, "My father has caused trouble for the land. See how my eyes gleamed when I tasted just a little of this honey.

29 Then Jonathan said, “(AD)My father has troubled the land. See now, how my eyes have brightened because I tasted a little of this honey.

29 Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey.

29 Jonathan replied, “My father has brought trouble to the land.(W) Just look at how I have renewed energy because I tasted a little honey.

29 Jonathan said, "My father has troubled the land. See how my eyes have brightened because I tasted a little of this honey.

30 Certainly if the army had eaten some of the enemies' provisions that they came across today, would not the slaughter of the Philistines have been even greater?"

30 How much more, if only the people had eaten freely today of the spoil of their enemies which they found! For now the slaughter among the Philistines has not been great.”

30 How much more, if haply the people had eaten freely to day of the spoil of their enemies which they found? for had there not been now a much greater slaughter among the Philistines?

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.”

30 How much better if the army had eaten freely today of their enemy's spoil that they found, because the slaughter among the Philistines has not been great."

31 On that day the army struck down the Philistines from Micmash to Aijalon, and they became very tired.

31 They struck among the Philistines that day from (AE)Michmash to (AF)Aijalon. And the people were very weary.

31 And they smote the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon: and the people were very faint.

31 The Israelites struck down the Philistines that day from Michmash(X) all the way to Aijalon.(Y) Since the Israelites were completely exhausted,

31 That day they struck down the Philistines from Michmash to Aijalon, and the army was very weary.

32 So the army rushed greedily on the plunder, confiscating sheep, cattle, and calves. They slaughtered them right on the ground, and the army ate them blood and all.

32 (AG)The people (k)rushed greedily upon the spoil, and took sheep and oxen and calves, and slew them on the ground; and the people ate them (AH)with the blood.

32 And the people flew upon the spoil, and took sheep, and oxen, and calves, and slew them on the ground: and the people did eat them with the blood.

32 they rushed to the plunder,(Z) took sheep, cattle, and calves, slaughtered them on the ground, and ate meat with the blood still in it.

32 The army grabbed the spoil, took sheep, oxen, and calves, and slaughtered them on the ground, and then the army ate them with the blood.

33 Now it was reported to Saul, "Look, the army is sinning against the Lord by eating even the blood." He said, "All of you have broken the covenant! Roll a large stone over here to me."

33 Then they told Saul, saying, “Behold, the people are (AI)sinning against the Lord by eating with the blood.” And he said, “You have acted treacherously; roll a great stone to me today.”

33 Then they told Saul, saying, Behold, the people sin against the LORD, in that they eat with the blood. And he said, Ye have transgressed: roll a great stone unto me this day.

33 Some reported to Saul: “Look, the troops are sinning against the Lord by eating meat with the blood still in it.”(AA)Saul said, “You have been unfaithful. Roll a large stone over here at once.”

33 Someone reported this to Saul: "Right now the army is sinning against the LORD by eating meat with the blood." He said, "You have acted treacherously. Roll a large stone to me today."

34 Then Saul said, "Scatter out among the army and say to them, 'Each of you bring to me your ox and sheep and slaughter them in this spot and eat. But don't sin against the Lord by eating the blood." So that night each one brought his ox and slaughtered it there.

34 Saul said, “Disperse yourselves among the people and say to them, ‘Each one of you bring me his ox or his sheep, and slaughter it here and eat; and do not sin against the Lord by eating with the blood.’” So all the people that night brought each one his ox (l)with him and slaughtered it there.

34 And Saul said, Disperse yourselves among the people, and say unto them, Bring me hither every man his ox, and every man his sheep, and slay them here, and eat; and sin not against the LORD in eating with the blood. And all the people brought every man his ox with him that night, and slew them there.

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.

34 Then Saul said, "Disperse yourselves among the soldiers and say to them, "Let each man bring his ox and his sheep to me, and you are to slaughter them here and eat. But don't sin against the LORD by eating meat with the blood.'" So every soldier brought his ox with him that night, and they slaughtered them there.

Jonathan Rescued From His Father Saul

35 Then Saul built an altar for the Lord; it was the first time he had built an altar for the Lord.

35 And (AJ)Saul built an altar to the Lord; it was the first altar that he built to the Lord.

35 And Saul built an altar unto the LORD: the same was the first altar that he built unto the LORD.

35 Then Saul built an altar to the Lord; it was the first time he had built an altar to the Lord.(AB)

35 Saul built an altar to the LORD; it was the first altar that he built to the LORD.

36 Saul said, "Let's go down after the Philistines at night; we will rout them until the break of day. We won't leave any of them alive!" They replied, "Do whatever seems best to you." But the priest said, "Let's approach God here."

36 Then Saul said, “Let us go down after the Philistines by night and take spoil among them until the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them.” And they said, “Do whatever seems good (m)to you.” So (AK)the priest said, “Let us draw near to God here.”

36 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.

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,”(j) the troops replied.But the priest(AC) said, “We must consult God here.”(AD)

36 Saul said, "Let's go down after the Philistines tonight and plunder them until dawn, and let's not leave a single one of them alive." They said, "Do whatever seems good to you!" But the priest said, "Let's draw near to God here."

37 So Saul asked God, "Should I go down after the Philistines? Will you deliver them into the hand of Israel?" But he did not answer him that day.

37 Saul (AL)inquired of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will You give them into the hand of Israel?” But (AM)He did not answer him on that day.

37 And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day.

37 So Saul inquired of God,(AE) “Should I go after the Philistines? Will You hand them over to Israel?” But God did not answer him that day.(AF)

37 Saul inquired of God, "Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will you give them into the hand of Israel?" But God did not answer him that day.

38 Then Saul said, "All you leaders of the army come here. Find out how this sin occurred today.

38 Saul said, “(AN)Draw near here, all you (n)chiefs of the people, and investigate and see how this sin has happened today.

38 And Saul said, Draw ye near hither, all the chief of the people: and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day.

38 Saul said, “All you leaders of the troops, come here. Let us investigate how this sin has occurred today.

38 Saul said, "All you army officers are to come here to find out what constitutes this sin today.

39 For as surely as the Lord, the deliverer of Israel, lives, even if it turns out to be my own son Jonathan, he will certainly die!" But no one from the army said anything.

39 For (AO)as the Lord lives, who delivers Israel, though it is in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die.” But not one of all the people answered him.

39 For, as the LORD liveth, which saveth Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die. But there was not a man among all the people that answered him.

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.

39 Indeed, as the LORD who delivers Israel lives, even if the sin is with my son Jonathan, he will surely die!" Not a single one of the soldiers answered him.

40 Then he said to all Israel, "You will be on one side, and I and my son Jonathan will be on the other side." The army replied to Saul, "Do whatever you think is best."

40 Then he said to all Israel, “You shall be on one side and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side.” And the people said to Saul, “Do what seems good (o)to you.”

40 Then said he unto all Israel, Be ye on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side. And the people said unto Saul, Do what seemeth good unto thee.

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.”(k)

40 Then he told all Israel, "You will be on one side, and I and my son Jonathan will be on the other side." The people told Saul, "Do what seems good to you."

41 Then Saul said, "O Lord God of Israel! If this sin has been committed by me or by my son Jonathan, then, O Lord God of Israel, respond with Urim. But if this sin has been committed by your people Israel, respond with Thummim." Then Jonathan and Saul were indicated by lot, while the army was exonerated.

41 Therefore, Saul said to the Lord, the God of Israel, “(AP)Give a perfect lot.” And Jonathan and Saul were taken, but the people escaped.

41 Therefore Saul said unto the LORD God of Israel, Give a perfect lot. And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people escaped.

41 So Saul said to the Lord, “God of Israel, give us the right decision.”(l)(AG) Jonathan and Saul were selected, and the troops were cleared of the charge.

41 Then Saul told the LORD God of Israel, "Judge us properly." Jonathan and Saul were selected, but the army was cleared.

42 Then Saul said, "Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan!" Jonathan was indicated by lot.

42 Saul said, “Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son.” And Jonathan was taken.

42 And Saul said, Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken.

42 Then Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan,” and Jonathan was selected.

42 Saul said, "Cast lots between me and my son Jonathan," and Jonathan was selected.

43 So Saul said to Jonathan, "Tell me what you have done." Jonathan told him, "I used the end of the staff that was in my hand to taste a little honey. I must die!"

43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, “(AQ)Tell me what you have done.” So Jonathan told him and said, “(AR)I indeed tasted a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand. Here I am, I must die!”

43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in mine hand, and, lo, I must die.

43 Saul commanded him, “Tell me what you did.”(AH)Jonathan told him, “I tasted a little honey(AI) with the end of the staff I was carrying. I am ready to die!”

43 Saul told Jonathan, "Tell me what you've done." So Jonathan spoke to him: "I did taste a little honey from the end of the staff that was in my hand. Here I am; I'm ready to die!"

44 Saul said, "God will punish me severely if Jonathan doesn't die!"

44 Saul said, “(AS)May God do (p)this to me and more also, for (AT)you shall surely die, Jonathan.”

44 And Saul answered, God do so and more also: for thou shalt surely die, Jonathan.

44 Saul declared to him, “May God punish me and do so severely(AJ) if you do not die, Jonathan!”

44 Saul said, "May God do this to me and even more, if you don't surely die, Jonathan!"

45 But the army said to Saul, "Should Jonathan, who won this great victory in Israel, die? May it never be! As surely as the Lord lives, not a single hair of his head will fall to the ground! For it is with the help of God that he has acted today." So the army rescued Jonathan from death.

45 But the people said to Saul, “Must Jonathan die, who has (q)brought about this great deliverance in Israel? Far from it! As the Lord lives, (AU)not one hair of his head shall fall to the ground, for (AV)he has worked with God this day.” So the people (r)rescued Jonathan and he did not die.

45 And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: as the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not.

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,(AK) for he worked with God’s help today.”(AL) So the people redeemed Jonathan, and he did not die.

45 Then the army told Saul, "Shall Jonathan die, who brought about this great deliverance in Israel? As the LORD lives, not one hair of his head will fall to the ground, because today he did this with God's help."

46 Then Saul stopped chasing the Philistines, and the Philistines went back home.

46 Then Saul went up from (s)pursuing the Philistines, and the Philistines went to their own place.

46 Then Saul went up from following the Philistines: and the Philistines went to their own place.

46 Then Saul gave up the pursuit of the Philistines, and the Philistines returned to their own territory.

46 Then Saul stopped pursuing the Philistines, and the Philistines went back to their territory.

Summary Of Saul's Kingship

47 After Saul had secured his royal position over Israel, he fought against all their enemies on all sides -- the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines. In every direction that he turned he was victorious.

47 Now when Saul had taken the kingdom over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, (AW)the sons of Ammon, Edom, (AX)the kings of Zobah, and (AY)the Philistines; and wherever he turned, he (t)inflicted punishment.

47 So Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines: and whithersoever he turned himself, he vexed them.

47 When Saul assumed the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies in every direction: against Moab, the Ammonites,(AM) Edom, the kings of Zobah,(AN) and the Philistines. Wherever he turned, he caused havoc.(m)

47 When Saul became king over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side against Moab, the Ammonites, Edom, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines. Everywhere he turned he was victorious.

48 He fought bravely, striking down the Amalekites and delivering Israel from the hand of its enemies.

48 He acted valiantly and (u)(AZ)defeated the Amalekites, and delivered Israel from the hands of (v)those who plundered them.

48 And he gathered an host, and smote the Amalekites, and delivered Israel out of the hands of them that spoiled them.

48 He fought bravely, defeated the Amalekites,(AO) and delivered Israel from the hand of those who plundered them.

48 He acted valiantly, defeated Amalek, and delivered Israel from those who had been plundering them.

Members Of Saul's Family

49 The sons of Saul were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malki-Shua. He had two daughters; the older one was named Merab and the younger Michal.

49 Now (BA)the sons of Saul were Jonathan and Ishvi and Malchi-shua; and the names of his two daughters were these: the name of the firstborn (BB)Merab and the name of the younger (BC)Michal.

49 Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Ishui, and Melchishua: and the names of his two daughters were these; the name of the firstborn Merab, and the name of the younger Michal:

49 Saul’s sons(AP) were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchishua. The names of his two daughters were: Merab,(AQ) his firstborn, and Michal,(AR) the younger.

49 Saul's sons included Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchi-shua. Of his two daughters, the firstborn was named Merab, and the younger one was named Michal.

50 The name of Saul's wife was Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz. The name of the general in command of his army was Abner son of Ner, Saul's uncle.

50 The name of Saul’s wife was Ahinoam the daughter of Ahimaaz. And (BD)the name of the captain of his army was Abner the son of Ner, Saul’s uncle.

50 And the name of Saul's wife was Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz: and the name of the captain of his host was Abner, the son of Ner, Saul's uncle.

50 The name of Saul’s wife was Ahinoam daughter of Ahimaaz. The name of the commander of his army was Abner son of Saul’s uncle Ner.(AS)

50 Saul's wife was Ahinoam, daughter of Ahimaaz, while the commander of his army was Saul's uncle Ner's son Abner.

51 Kish was the father of Saul, and Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel.

51 (BE)Kish was the father of Saul, and Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel.

51 And Kish was the father of Saul; and Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel.

51 Saul’s father was Kish.(AT) Abner’s father was Ner son of Abiel.

51 Saul's father Kish and Abner's father Ner were sons of Abiel.

52 There was fierce war with the Philistines all the days of Saul. So whenever Saul saw anyone who was a warrior or a brave individual, he would conscript him.

52 Now the war against the Philistines was severe all the days of Saul; and when Saul saw any mighty man or any valiant man, he (w)(BF)attached him to (x)his staff.

52 And there was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul: and when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he took him unto him.

52 The conflict with the Philistines was fierce all of Saul’s days, so whenever Saul noticed any strong or brave man, he enlisted him.(AU)

52 There was intense fighting against the Philistines during Saul's entire reign, and whenever Saul discovered a strong or valiant warrior, he would enlist him for service.

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