Now the Israelites were in distress that day, because Saul had bound the people under an oath, saying, “Cursed be anyone who eats food before evening comes, before I have avenged myself on my enemies!” So none of the troops tasted food. – 1 Samuel 14:24

Today’s Scripture Reading (February 28, 2019): 1 Samuel 14

“An army marches on its stomach.” The quote has been attributed to both Frederick the Great, the King of Prussia, and Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte of France. Both leaders lived in approximately the same era, with Frederick the Great slightly preceding the life of the French ruler. But regardless of who said it, the quote underlines the need for secure supply lines if an army is going to be successful. We might add that an army also fights on its stomach. Hunger tends to interfere with both our physical and mental abilities, both abilities that are greatly needed in the middle of the fight.

Saul, however, was not on the same page with either Frederick the Great nor Napoleon. Saul probably believed that if his army were hungry, they would fight harder to get to the place where they could eat. The King holds a future meal in front of his army like a carrot on a stick. The message is clear; fight well for me, and I will feed you.

In hindsight, Saul’s strategy with regard to his hungry troops is not well thought out. Even Jonathan, Saul’s son and Israel’s top general, will later agree that dear old Dad has handicapped the army of Israel by not feeding them. But the problem presented in this passage goes much deeper than the physically deprived condition to which Saul subjects his fighting army. There is a direct contrast between the attitudes of Saul and his Son. Earlier in the story, Jonathan acts dependent, not on his military strength, but rather on the actions of God. “Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, ‘Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few’” (1 Samuel 14:6). But Saul dangles a carrot in front of his soldiers so that they will complete his (Saul’s) vengeance on his (Saul’s) enemies. God’s desires and assistance seems to be the farthest thing from his mind.

The difference is significant. Jonathan accomplishes amazing things, including his initial invasion into Philistine territory, which actually makes the victory of Saul’s army possible, depending on God to prepare the way. Saul is insistent here, and elsewhere during his reign, that victory is dependent on him and his strategy. And, ultimately, this will be the reason why Saul’s reign as King would be destined to fail.

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 15