1 Kingdoms (1 Samuel) 14:45Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Consider that the people made a second vow, swearing in a different manner to the king. Ultimately, it is necessary to break this oath, as it is unfathomable that they could all uphold it faithfully. If the king had pursued his own will and upheld the oath, the entire nation would have turned against him, leading to horrifying violence; conversely, if the son, in a bid to save his own life, had sought refuge with the army, he would have immediately become guilty of patricide. Can you perceive the violence, the slaying of sons, the fratricidal conflict, the discord, the murder, the rivers of blood, and the countless bodies resulting from a single oath? Observe the grave chasm of destruction that the oath has created.

Jonathan sampled honey from the end of a stick, and his vision was restored, though he found himself in peril due to his unintentional act. Scripture reveals that he was unaware of his father's strict order forbidding any food until the Lord's triumph was achieved. The Lord's wrath was so intense that a lot was cast concerning Jonathan, who had been concealed. He admitted, “I have tasted a little honey from the end of this stick in my hand, and behold, I must die.” However, he was spared through the intercessions and prayers of the people, who pleaded with Saul, questioning, “Shall Jonathan die, who has brought such a great deliverance to Israel? Let it not be so!”

Breaking a prescribed fast is a serious transgression. To illustrate this, we can refer to the Book of Kings, where Saul, the Israelite king, proclaimed a fast for his troops while engaging in battle against foreign adversaries. Despite all the soldiers abstaining from food, Saul initiated the conflict against the enemy. His success was not attributed primarily to military might but rather to his devoutness; he fought with faith more than weaponry. When Saul's son Jonathan, unaware of his father’s decree, took a taste of honeycomb while the victorious army advanced, it provoked considerable outrage. This transgression led to a pause in their triumph and displeased the Lord. Consequently, the conflict continued unresolved, and the king received no prophetic counsel.

It is important to understand that the vice of gluttony can tempt us in various ways. At times, it arises before genuine hunger sets in, often craving more exquisite foods. It may also insist on the meticulous preparation of the meal, or it could concur with both the quality and timing of the dining experience, yet still demand an excess in quantity. Occasionally, it seeks something simple but sins more grievously through an insatiable and reckless desire. For instance, Jonathan faced a death sentence from his father for tasting honey before the appointed time for consumption.