Definition: But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that [was] in his hand, and dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Samuel 14:27. It's a really fascinating and dramatic moment in the story of David and Saul! Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Situation: Saul is King of Israel: At this point, Saul is still king and he’s facing a huge problem – his wife, Hannah, has tricked him into marrying her. She’s given him a beautiful baby girl, Tamar, who is incredibly loyal to him. The Oath: Saul is sworn to protect Tamar, and this oath is incredibly important because it gives him a powerful advantage over his enemies. It’s a promise of protection and loyalty. What Happened Next: Jonathan's Intervention: Jonathan, Saul’s older brother, notices that Hannah has given Tamar a beautiful, honey-covered bracelet. He realizes this is a deliberate tactic to distract Saul. The Plan: Jonathan, without Saul’s knowledge, takes the bracelet and dips it in honeycomb. He then puts his hand in its center, letting the sweet, sticky honey spread across his mouth. The Result: This seemingly bizarre action – putting his hand in honey – is a powerful sign! It shows that he’s not just being distracted; he’s understanding the situation and acting on it. He's essentially showing Saul that Tamar is loyal to him, and that he must respect this. The Meaning - A Symbolic Display of Trust & Understanding: “But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath…” – This sets up the context: Saul was focused on the oath and its implications. "...wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that [was] in his hand..." - This means he actively demonstrated his understanding of the situation, showing his commitment to protecting Tamar. He wasn't just passively accepting her deception. "...and dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth;" – This is the key part! He’s essentially symbolically “eating” the honey. It represents him understanding, embracing, and accepting the situation with Tamar. "...and his eyes were enlightened." - This is the most important part. Saul's eyes are now "enlightened" – he understands the truth and recognizes the value of Tamar. It signifies a shift in his perspective and his willingness to act in a way that benefits him and his kingdom. In short, this passage shows that Jonathan’s actions were not driven by fear or anger but by a deep understanding and acceptance of a difficult situation. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the story? Connect this passage to other Bible stories? Discuss the symbolism behind the honey?