Had not the men of Israel interposed to save the life of Jonathan, their deliverer would have perished by the king's decree. With what misgivings must that people afterward have followed Saul's guidance! How bitter the thought that he had been placed upon the throne by their own act! The Lord bears long with the waywardness of men, and to all He grants opportunity to see and forsake their sins; but while He may seem to prosper those who disregard His will and despise His warnings, He will, in His own time, surely make manifest their folly.

Hvis israelitterne ikke havde grebet ind for at redde Jonatans liv, ville deres befrier være blevet dræbt på kongens befaling. Det må have været med blandede følelser, at folket fulgte Saul fra den dag! Det var en bitter tanke, at de selv havde bidraget til, at han kom på tronen. Herren finder sig i menneskenes selvrådighed længe og giver dem alle sammen anledning til at indse deres synder og afstå fra dem, men selv om det ser ud, som om han er med dem, der viser foragt for hans vilje og lader hånt om hans advarsler, vil han til sin tid afsløre deres dårskab.