“And the men of Israel were distressed that day, for Saul had placed the people under oath, saying, “Cursed is the man who eats any food until evening, before I have taken vengeance on my enemies.” So none of the people tasted food.” I Sam. 14:24

In the previous chapter we learned that Saul’s kingdom would not continue because he did a foolish thing. Many times it happens when ministers lose their anointing from God, they gravitate toward extreme religious rules. At the least appropriate time, Saul did that and called for a fast. Fasting is important, no doubt, when it is led of the Lord. It is apparent that he was not led of the Lord to do this. He attempted to compensate for losing God’s favor by impressing others with a false spiritual fervor. He did what the religious do, he “placed the people under oath.” All that this did was put the people in distress. Let it be that your commitment to God will promote in others a liberty with a greater desire for God, not a commitment to your rules that cause distress in others.