4-5. The pass that Jonathan was planning to cross over to the Philistine garrison was flanked on either side by sharp rock outcroppings, cliffs named Bozez and Seneh. The cliff to the north faced Micmash; the cliff to the south faced Geba (Gibeah).
6. Jonathan said to his armor bearer, “Come on now, let’s go across to these uncircumcised pagans. Maybe God will work for us. There’s no rule that says God can only deliver by using a big army. No one can stop God from saving when he sets his mind to it.”
7. His armor bearer said, “Go ahead. Do what you think best. I’m with you all the way.”
38-39. Saul then said, “All army officers, step forward. Some sin has been committed this day. We’re going to find out what it is and who did it! As God lives, Israel’s Savior God, whoever sinned will die, even if it should turn out to be Jonathan, my son!”Nobody said a word.
40. Saul said to the Israelites, “You line up over on that side, and I and Jonathan my son will stand on this side.”The army agreed, “Fine. Whatever you say.”
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.
42. 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.
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?”
44. Saul said, “Yes. Jonathan most certainly will die. It’s out of my hands—I can’t go against God, can I?”