1 Samuel 13-14 Saul's Rash Command

This section begins with Jonathan destroying a Philistine garrison in the Saddle of Benjamin. That action caused the Philistines to send a large punitive expedition into central Israel. All Israel was clearly intimidated. In a second move Jonathan again destroyed a Philistine garrison which sowed confusion among the Philistines. Saul took advantage of that confusion to attack. In his zeal, he ordered that none of his army should eat until the battle was over. This was both rash and foolish because his men became exhausted and were unable to fully exploit their victory.