1 Samuel 14:27

27 But Jonathan had not heard his father charge the troops with the oath; so he extended the staff that was in his hand, and dipped the tip of it in the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes brightened.

1 Samuel 14:27 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 14:27

But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with
the oath
Which charge was given, either before he came from Gibeah, before he came to Jonathan, or while pursuing, when Jonathan was with another party either fighting or pursuing:

wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand:
the staff with which he walked, or rather the spear which he carried in his hand, and fought his enemies with:

and dipped it in an honeycomb;
or sugar cane, as Jarchi; or in wood honey, as the margin of our Bibles; but best, in the honeycomb, as the word is rendered, ( Song of Solomon 5:1 ) and so the Targum, into the nest of honey ^F24:

and he put his hand to his mouth;
first he took the honey off of the top of his rod, and then put it to his mouth and ate it;

and his eyes were enlightened:
which before were dim and dull through want of food, which is a common case; but became brisk and lively on eating the honey, nourishment being presently communicated, and he refreshed with it, and his spirits revived; and which quickly appeared in the briskness and sparkling of his eyes: honey being of a subtle nature, gives immediate refreshment and rigour; hence this phrase is frequently used by Jewish writers ^F25 for refreshment, after hunger, fatigue, and weariness; and which virtue is ascribed by them to fine bread, wine, oil, and particularly to honey.

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FOOTNOTES:

F24 "Progeniem nidosque fovent----", Virgil. Georgic. l. 4. ver. 56.
F25 T. Bab. Pesachim, fol. 42. 1, 2. Yoma, fol. 18, 2. & 83. 1. Maimon. Hilch. Maacolot Asurot, c. 14. sect. 16.

1 Samuel 14:27 In-Context

25 All the troops came upon a honeycomb; and there was honey on the ground.

26 When the troops came upon the honeycomb, the honey was dripping out; but they did not put their hands to their mouths, for they feared the oath.

27 But Jonathan had not heard his father charge the troops with the oath; so he extended the staff that was in his hand, and dipped the tip of it in the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes brightened.

28 Then one of the soldiers said, "Your father strictly charged the troops with an oath, saying, "Cursed be anyone who eats food this day.' And so the troops are faint."

29 Then Jonathan said, "My father has troubled the land; see how my eyes have brightened because I tasted a little of this honey.