King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 14:35 Mean?

“And Saul built an altar unto the LORD: the same was the first altar that he built unto the LORD. the same: Heb. that altar he began to build unto the LORD”

Context

Then they told Saul, saying, Behold, the people sin against the LORD, in that they eat with the blood. And he said, Ye have transgressed: roll a great stone unto me this day. transgressed: or, dealt treacherously

And Saul said, Disperse yourselves among the people, and say unto them, Bring me hither every man his ox, and every man his sheep, and slay them here, and eat; and sin not against the LORD in eating with the blood. And all the people brought every man his ox with him that night, and slew them there. with him: Heb. in his hand

And Saul built an altar unto the LORD: the same was the first altar that he built unto the LORD. the same: Heb. that altar he began to build unto the LORD

And Saul said, Let us go down after the Philistines by night, and spoil them until the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them. And they said, Do whatsoever seemeth good unto thee. Then said the priest, Let us draw near hither unto God.

And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(35) **The same was the first altar that he built . . .**—More accurately, as in margin, *the same he began to build as an altar. *The great Jewish commentators are divided as to the precise meaning of the old Hebrew language of this verse. *Abarbanel *interprets the words, “that King Saul began to build, but did not finish.” The Midrash prefers to understand the statement as telling how “Saul began among the kings of Israel the building of altars.” The more obvious meaning, if we translate as in our English Version, seems to be that this was the first public acknowledgment King Saul made to God for the mercies and goodness vouchsafed to him.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 14:35 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.