35. Then Saul built an altar to the Lord. It was the first altar he had built to the Lord.
36. Saul said, “Let’s go after the Philistines tonight and rob them. We won’t let any of them live!”The men answered, “Do whatever you think is best.”But the priest said, “Let’s ask God.”
37. So Saul asked God, “Should I chase the Philistines? Will you let us defeat them?” But God did not answer Saul at that time.
38. Then Saul said to all the leaders of his army, “Come here. Let’s find out what sin has been done today.
39. As surely as the Lord lives who has saved Israel, even if my son Jonathan did the sin, he must die.” But no one in the army spoke.
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 men answered, “Do whatever you think is best.”
41. Then Saul prayed to the Lord, the God of Israel, “Give me the right answer.”And Saul and Jonathan were picked; the other men went free.
42. Saul said, “Now let us discover if it is I or Jonathan my son who is guilty.” And Jonathan was picked.
43. Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.”So Jonathan told Saul, “I only tasted a little honey from the end of my stick. And must I die now?”
44. Saul said, “Jonathan, if you don’t die, may God punish me terribly.”
45. But the soldiers said to Saul, “Must Jonathan die? Never! He is responsible for saving Israel today! As surely as the Lord lives, not even a hair of his head will fall to the ground! Today Jonathan fought against the Philistines with God’s help!” So the army saved Jonathan, and he did not die.
46. Then Saul stopped chasing the Philistines, and they went back to their own land.
47. When Saul became king over Israel, he fought against Israel’s enemies all around. He fought Moab, the Ammonites, Edom, the king of Zobah, and the Philistines. Everywhere Saul went he defeated Israel’s enemies.
48. He fought bravely and defeated the Amalekites. He saved the Israelites from their enemies who had robbed them.
49. Saul’s sons were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malki-Shua. His older daughter was named Merab, and his younger daughter was named Michal.
50. Saul’s wife was Ahinoam daughter of Ahimaaz. The commander of his army was Abner son of Ner, Saul’s uncle.