1 Samuel 14:39

Though it be in Jonathan. Why did Saul not say, “though it be in the king”? Had someone told Saul that Jonathan had tasted food? The silence of the Lord meant divine disapproval, and Saul decided that there was sin in the camp. The people had demonstrated their loyalty again and again during the day, and Saul’s conscience doubtless pointed an accusing finger at his own heart. But perhaps to cover up his own sense of guilt he virtually accused his son, who under God had wrought a great victory. Even as he had strongly implied at Gilgal that the fault was not his but God’s, so now he implied that he, as king, was free from fault. He probably sensed that the people were not guilty; therefore, the only one who could possibly be in error would be his son. Even so, the leaders in Christ’s day felt themselves above reproach, and voted for the great Hero of our salvation to bear the curse for the entire nation. Stunned beyond measure at the rash violence of Saul, the men of Israel answered him not a word. When God was silent, and the people were silent, what could Saul do but cast lots?