Bible Strands
1 Samuel 14:35
Then Saul built an altar to the LORD; it was the first time he had built an altar to the LORD.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Saul addresses his troops after battle, directing them to slaughter livestock and eat meat without blood to avoid sinning against the LORD.
The words — The Hebrew verb וַיִּבֶן (va.yi.ven) means "he built," paired with מִזְבֵּחַ (miz.be.ach) for "altar," while הֵחֵל (he.chel) "he began" marks the initiation of this action.
The thread — The text notes this as Saul’s first altar construction, paralleling Samuel’s altar building in Ramah (1 Samuel 7:17) and the Israelites’ altar erection in Judges 21:4.
Why it lands — The verse records a structural shift from temporary sacrifice to formal altar worship, indicating that ritual innovation often accompanies military or political crisis rather than spiritual renewal.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And Saul built an altar unto the Lord: the same was the first altar that he built unto the Lord.
Cross-references
- 1 Samuel 7:17 Then he would return to Ramah because his home was there, and there he judged Israel and built an altar to the LORD.
- Judges 21:4 The next day the people got up early, built an altar there, and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings.
- 1 Samuel 7:9 Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the LORD. He cried out to the LORD on behalf of Israel, and the LORD answered him.
- 1 Samuel 7:12 Afterward, Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.”
- Hosea 8:14 Israel has forgotten his Maker and built palaces; Judah has multiplied its fortified cities. But I will send fire upon their cities, and it will consume their citadels.
- 2 Timothy 3:5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these!