Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

Jonathan's Life Is Saved
Saul could not claim the honor of the victory, but he hoped to
be honored for his zeal in enforcing the sacredness of his oath. The
people refused to allow the sentence to be carried out. Braving the
anger of the king, they declared, "Shall Jonathan die, who has
accomplished this great deliverance in Israel? Certainly not! As the
Lord lives, not one hair of his head shall fall to the ground, for he
has worked with God this day."
Jonathan's deliverance was a severe reproof to the king's
rashness. Saul felt a premonition that his curses would return on his
own head. He went back to his home, moody and dissatisfied.
Those who are most ready to excuse themselves in sin are often
the most severe in condemning others. Many, like Saul, when
convinced that the Lord is not with them, refuse to see the cause of
their trouble in themselves. They indulge in cruel judgment of others
who are better than they are.
Often those who are seeking to exalt themselves are brought
into situations where their true character is revealed. This is how it
was in the case of Saul. Kingly honors were more important to him
than justice, mercy, or kindness. Thus the people were led to see
their error. They had exchanged the godly prophet, whose prayers
had brought down blessings, for a king who had prayed for a curse
upon them. If the men of Israel had not intervened, Jonathan, their
deliverer, would have died by the king's decree. Afterward, as the
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