27th.: When God didn’t answer Saul, part 2
God did not answer.
Something was wrong (1st Sam. 14:37).
Even King Saul of Israel knew this.
What had to be done.
Was there unconfessed sin?
Many years before, a man named Achan had sinned.
His sin kept Israel from conquering a village called Ai.
God knew who sinned, but the Israelites did not.
By casting lots (Josh. 7:10-18), God pointed out to Joshua who the guilty party was.
Years later, Saul now cast lots to find the guilty party. (1st Sam. 14:39-44).
Saul's son, Jonathan, had eaten in violation of Saul’s ban on food (1st Sam. 14:39-44).
Fortunately, Jonathan had not violated God's commands,
so the people persuaded Saul to change his mind about executing Jonathan.
It looks bad when the national hero is executed for something silly.
The real unconfessed sin may actually have been King Saul's.
Saul had not yet admitted that he had sinned with the burnt offering.
Instead of blaming others, it would have been better for Saul to examine himself,
admit his own wrongdoing, and turn from his sin.
“He that covers his sins shall not proper. But whoso confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy.” (Pr. 28:13)