And Saul said, Draw ye near hither, all the chief of the people: and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day.
1 SAMUEL 14:38KJVWhat does 1 Samuel 14:38 mean?
1 Samuel 14:38 describes King Saul calling together the leaders of the people to investigate a sin that has occurred that day. Saul wants to find out exactly what happened and who is responsible for the wrongdoing.
In this scene, Saul is speaking to the chief men of Israel after realizing that something has gone wrong during the day’s events, likely related to a broken oath or disobedience. He commands the leaders to come near so they can discuss and discover the source of the sin. The verse shows Saul’s concern for uncovering the truth and dealing with the problem among his people.
The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 14:38
- "Chief" (פִּנָּה, pinnah): This word often means "corner" or "chief," referring here to the leading men or heads of the people. It highlights that Saul is gathering the most important and responsible figures, not the entire assembly.
- "Sin" (חַטָּאָה, chatta'ah): This word means a moral failure or offense against God’s command. Saul is not just looking for a mistake but for a serious breach that has spiritual consequences.
Why 1 Samuel 14:38 matters
- This verse shows Saul’s leadership style, where he seeks the input and presence of the leaders before making a judgment, rather than acting alone.
- It sets the stage for the investigation that follows, helping the reader understand the seriousness with which Saul treats the situation.
- The verse connects to the broader story of Saul’s reign and the challenges he faces in maintaining obedience and unity among the people.