The men of Israel were distressed that day; for Saul had adjured the people, saying, “Cursed is the man who eats any food until it is evening, and I am avenged of my enemies.” So none of the people tasted food.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 24. Together. Which interpretation is more natural ( Calmet.) than the Prot. “where distressed, … for Saul had adjured,” and so forth Bible.—Septuagint “And all the people was with Saul, about 10,000, and the war was spread through all the city in Mount Ephraim, and Saul was guilty of great ignorance that day, and he adjures ( Bible. or cursed) the people,” and so forth He saw not that he was acting against his own interest. The sequel does not evince that God approved of his conduct. But the people were to be taught not to make light of oaths, nor to neglect the curses which their rulers should denounce. Calmet.—Food. Lit. “bread,” which comprises all sorts of food, honey, and so forth (verse 25. Bible.) but not drink, which might lawfully have been taken, as thirst is more difficult to bear. Menochius.—Salien ( A. 2964) defends the conduct of Saul, and condemns Jonathan.