Then Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” And Jonathan told him, “I tasted a little honey with the tip of the staff that was in my hand. Here I am; I will die.” And Saul said, “God do so to me and more also; you shall surely die, Jonathan.” Then the people said to Saul, “Shall Jonathan die, who has worked this great salvation in Israel? Far from it! As the LORD lives, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground, for he has worked with God this day.” So the people ransomed Jonathan, so that he did not die. Then Saul went up from pursuing the Philistines, and the Philistines went to their own place.
(1 Samuel 14:43-46 ESV)
This is what happens when we get wrapped up in ourselves, thinking we are always right. We say and do rash things, causing harm even to those we say we love the most. What a contrast! Jonathan freely admits his "guilt", and is willing to face the consequences, despite his innocence (by not knowing of the vow.) But Saul must be vindicated and be proven in full power. He will not back down. Before, when Saul had said: "Let's go out to battle," everyone was behind him. But now, even the easily deluded public realizes how nuts this whole idea is, and they come to Jonathan's aid, somehow providing a ransom for his life. The last statement is telling. The mission was not accomplished. Life went on. Nothing changed. Saul stayed king; the Philistines were still a problem. There was no lasting victory. There never is when I have to always be right.
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