Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Samuel 14:42

42 And Saul said, Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son: and Jonathan was taken .

God so ordered the Lot; not that he approved Saul's Execration, v. 24. or his Oath that the Transgressor should die, v. 39. nor that he would expose Ionathan to Death (for he Designed so to rule the hearts of the People, and of Saul also, that Ionathan should not die); but because he would have the whole matter brought to light; partly, that Saul's Folly might be chastised, when he saw what Danger it had brought upon his Eldest and Excellent Son; partly, that Ionathan's Innocency might be cleared; and partly, to stablish the Authority of Kings and Rulers, and the Obedience which Subjects owe to all their Lawful commands.