Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Samuel 14:40. It’s a really dramatic moment in Saul’s life! Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Saul was the king of Israel, and he had a big problem with his wife, Hannah. She was pregnant with David, who was destined to be King. Saul was deeply troubled because he couldn’t conceive a son. He felt incredibly pressured by God and wanted to eliminate the possibility of having a male heir. What Happened: Saul, driven by his own desires, decided to trick Hannah into giving birth to a son – David. He devised a plan to trick her into believing that she had a son, but in reality, he was going to steal him. He ordered his men to lead Hannah's household and her servants to a remote location, where they would be kept under surveillance. The Key Verse - 1 Samuel 14:40: This verse describes what Saul did after the deception. He told all the Israelites – everyone in Israel – to stand on opposite sides. He also instructed his men to tell Hannah that she had a son, David. What it Means (Simplified): “Be ye on one side…” : This means to stand with someone. “…and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side.” : Saul made a deal with Hannah. He offered to help her, but in exchange , he would stand with her on the opposite side of the country. He was essentially offering his loyalty and partnership in exchange for David's future. “And the people said unto Saul, Do what seemeth good unto thee.” : This is a bit tricky. The people were confused – they didn’t understand why Saul was making this deal. They asked him, "Do what you think is good?" It implies that Saul was being manipulated by his own desires and wasn't really thinking about the best outcome for everyone. The Significance: This verse shows a few things: Saul’s Pride & Desire: It highlights Saul’s pride and desire to control his destiny, even if it meant sacrificing others. Divine Intervention (Maybe): Some interpretations suggest this event was a sign that God was intervening to protect the future of Israel. It's a moment where God tested Saul’s faith and loyalty. In short, 1 Samuel 14:40 is about a king making a deal with his wife that has potentially disastrous consequences for everyone involved. --- Would you like me to: Explain another part of this passage? Discuss the theological significance of Saul’s actions?