39. For as the Lord lives, who saves Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die.” But not a man among all the people answered him.
40. Then he said to all Israel, “You be on one side, and my son Jonathan and I will be on the other side.”And the people said to Saul, “Do what seems good to you.”
41. Therefore Saul said to the Lord God of Israel, “Give a perfect lot.” So Saul and Jonathan were taken, but the people escaped.
42. And Saul said, “Cast lots between my son Jonathan and me.” So Jonathan was taken.
43. Then Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.”And Jonathan told him, and said, “I only tasted a little honey with the end of the rod that was in my hand. So now I must die!”
44. Saul answered, “God do so and more also; for you shall surely die, Jonathan.”
45. But the people said to Saul, “Shall Jonathan die, who has accomplished this great deliverance in Israel? Certainly not! As the Lord lives, not one hair of his head shall fall to the ground, for he has worked with God this day.” So the people rescued Jonathan, and he did not die.