35. Then Saul built an altar for the Lord. Saul himself began building that altar for the Lord.
36. Saul said, “Let’s go after the Philistines tonight. We will take everything from them. We will kill them all!” The army answered, “Do whatever you think is best.” But the priest said, “Let’s ask God.”
37. So Saul asked God, “Should I go chase the Philistines? Will you let us defeat the Philistines?” But God did not answer Saul that day.
38. So Saul said, “Bring all the leaders to me! Let’s find who committed the sin today.
39. I swear by the Lord who saves Israel, that even if my own son Jonathan sinned, he must die.” None of the people said a word.
40. Then Saul said to all the Israelites, “You stand on this side. I and my son Jonathan will stand on the other side.” The soldiers answered, “As you wish, sir.”
41. Then Saul prayed, “Lord, God of Israel, why haven’t you answered me today? Show us who sinned. If it was I or my son Jonathan, give Urim. But if it was your people Israel who sinned, give Thummim.” Saul and Jonathan were shown to be the ones who sinned, and the people went free.
42. Saul said, “Throw them again to show the guilty one—me or my son Jonathan.” Jonathan was shown to be the one.