Seeking God's Voice in the Silence | 1 Samuel 14:36-42

Do you wonder why God isn't speaking, or you cannot hear his voice?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in 1 Samuel 14. I've titled this chapter "A Contrast Of Leadership Between Jonathan and Saul."

We are in the latter part of Chapter 14, surveying Saul's leadership. We are still feeling the hangover that results from that stupid vow Saul instituted, but in the end, Saul builds an altar to the Lord, and then here is what happens next in verses 36-38:

Then Saul said, “Let us go down after the Philistines by night and plunder them until the morning light; let us not leave a man of them.” And they said, “Do whatever seems good to you.” But the priest said, “Let us draw near to God here.” And Saul inquired of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will you give them into the hand of Israel?” But he did not answer him that day. — 1 Samuel 14:36-37

Saul is pretty excited about this victory—I would be pretty high, too—because death was knocking at his door. But he wants to continue the campaign and finish them off, which probably would have been the case if they had the calories to do it.

But before they go, in traditional fashion, he tries to consult God, but God doesn't answer, which bothers him.

We have all been in this situation: We want to know what God wants us to do and even seek his counsel, but we don't seem to get the answer as fast as we want. And it's irritating because we are irritated with God's sovereignty.

But there is more to this story. Verses 38-42 read:

And Saul said, “Come here, all you leaders of the people, and know and see how this sin has arisen today. For as the Lord lives who saves Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die.” But there was not a man among all the people who answered him. Then he said to all Israel, “You shall 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 to you.” Therefore Saul said, “O Lord God of Israel, why have you not answered your servant this day? If this guilt is in me or in Jonathan my son, O Lord, God of Israel, give Urim. But if this guilt is in your people Israel, give Thummim.” And Jonathan and Saul were taken, but the people escaped. Then Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan.” And Jonathan was taken. — 1 Samuel 14:38-42

Saul does what any believer would do. He searches out the sin, preventing the voice of God, which is the right impulse. When God is silent, it is right to ask this question and deal with sin because sometimes sin prevents the voice of God or us from hearing the voice of God.

The problem with Saul's search is that he will not like the answer.

So the priest pulls out the Urim and Thummim, which are kept in his breastplate and rolls the divine dice. We are not exactly sure how this worked, but we do know this: it is the same process used for selecting Saul as King. But this time, the selection is not of a king but of a sinner. And the die falls to Jonathan.

Tomorrow, we will see how this pans out. But for now, remember that every situation in this life is an opportunity to consult God. Sometimes, God's answers don't come in the timing we like or expect. The key is not to be irritated with God's sovereignty. We need to trust his sovereignty when he calls us to act and not act. And sometimes, when he doesn't answer, this is a good time to do business with our selfishness and sin. So do that today!

#GodsTiming, #DivineSilence, #SaulAndJonathan

Ask This:
When you face moments of silence from God, what practical steps can you take to reflect on your own life and possible barriers to hearing His voice
How can Saul’s experience with unanswered prayers guide you in your own journey of seeking God’s direction, especially when His responses are delayed or unclear?
Do This:

Seek his voice and search out your sin.

Pray This:

Lord, when Your voice seems silent, help me to trust in Your timing and seek my own heart for any barriers to hearing You. Guide me in dealing with my sin and selfishness, so I can remain faithful even in the quiet moments. Amen.

Play This:

Lord, I Need You.