39 As the Lord lives, who is the Saviour of Israel, even if it were done by my son Jonathan, without retraction he shall die." In this, no one among all the people contradicted him.
40 And he said to all of Israel, "Separate yourselves on one side, and I, with my son Jonathan, will be on the other side." And the people responded to Saul, "Do what seems good in your eyes."
41 And Saul said to the Lord, the God of Israel: "O Lord, God of Israel, grant a sign: Why is it that you will not respond to your servant this day? If this iniquity is in me, or in my son Jonathan, grant an indication. Or if this iniquity is in your people, grant a sanctification." And Jonathan and Saul were discovered, but the people were released.
42 And Saul said, "Cast lots between myself and Jonathan, my son." And Jonathan was caught.
43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, "Tell me what you have done." And Jonathan revealed to him, and said: "Truly, I tasted a little honey with the top of the staff that was in my hand. And behold, I shall die."
44 And Saul said, "May God do these things to me, and may he add these other things, for you shall surely die, Jonathan!"
45 And the people said to Saul: "Why should Jonathan have to die, who has accomplished this great salvation in Israel? This is wrong. As the Lord lives, not one hair of his head should fall to the ground. For he has wrought with God this day." Therefore, the people freed Jonathan, so that he would not die.