1 Samuel 14:42

The Message

Next Saul said, “Cast the lots between me and Jonathan—and death to the one God points to!” The soldiers protested, “No—this is not right. Stop this!” But Saul pushed on anyway. They cast the lots, Urim and Thummim, and the lot fell to Jonathan.

Cross References

Proverbs 16:33

Make your motions and cast your votes, but God has the final say.

Proverbs 18:18

You may have to draw straws when faced with a tough decision.

Jonah 1:7

Then the sailors said to one another, “Let’s get to the bottom of this. Let’s draw straws to identify the culprit on this ship who’s responsible for this disaster.” So they drew straws. Jonah got the short straw.

1 Samuel 14:41

Then Saul prayed to God, “O God of Israel, why haven’t you answered me today? Show me the truth. If the sin is in me or Jonathan, then, O God, give the sign Urim. But if the sin is in the army of Israel, give the sign Thummim.” The Urim sign turned up and pointed to Saul and Jonathan. That cleared the army.

1 Samuel 14:43

Saul confronted Jonathan. “What did you do? Tell me!” Jonathan said, “I licked a bit of honey off the tip of the staff I was carrying. That’s it—and for that I’m to die?”