Uriah answered David, ‘The ark, Israel, and Judah are dwelling in tents, and my master Joab and his soldiers are camping in the open field. How can I enter my house to eat and drink and sleep with my wife? As surely as you live and by your life, I will not do this! ’
So the people of Kiriath-jearim came for the ark of the Lord and took it to Abinadab’s house on the hill. They consecrated his son Eleazar to take care of it.
They went up, wept before the Lord until evening, and enquired of him, ‘Should we again attack our brothers the Benjaminites? ’ And the Lord answered, ‘Fight against them.’
They set out, went to Bethel, and enquired of God. The Israelites asked, ‘Who is to go first to fight for us against the Benjaminites? ’ And the Lord answered, ‘Judah will be first.’
He will stand before the priest Eleazar who will consult the Lord for him with the decision of the Urim. He and all the Israelites with him, even the entire community, will go out and come back in at his command.’
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 armour-bearer were gone.
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,’ the troops replied. But the priest said, ‘Let’s approach God here.’