The people redeem Jonathan

40Then he said to all Israel, “You be on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side.” And the people said to Saul, “Do what seems good in your eyes.”

41Then Saul said to Yahweh, the God of Israel, “Give a perfect lot.” And Jonathan and Saul were taken, but the people escaped.

42Then Saul said, “Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son.” And Jonathan was taken.

43Then Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” And Jonathan told him and said, “I indeed tasted a little honey on the tip of the staff that was in my hand, and here I am, about to die.”

44And Saul said, “May God do so and more also, for you shall surely die, Jonathan.”

45But the people said to Saul, “Should Jonathan die, who has brought about this great deliverance in Israel? Far from it! As Yahweh lives, not one hair of his head shall fall to the ground, for he has worked with God this day.” So the people redeemed Jonathan, and he did not die.