Confusion reigns
1 Samuel Chapter 13 – 14:48
The numbers in 13:1 are confusing, and different translations settle on different ones for both Saul’s age and the length of his reign. The confusion continues in verse 2, as the text seems to place these events shortly after Saul’s ascension to the throne, but that doesn’t seem to correspond to his being 30 when he becomes king. It would be unlikely that Jonathan, his son, would be old enough to command troops.
Ancient manuscripts, like modern translations, differ, so there is no way to know for sure.
More significant than the confusion over dates, though, is the confusion that comes in as the people adjust to rule by a single king. Even his own son is unaware of the command to fast and violates it.
While the presence of a son who is an accomplished fighter in his own right suggests that this may be the start of a family dynasty, we see a fracture between Saul and Jonathan early as Jonathan publicly disapproves of Saul’s fasting command. Then, when Saul orders his death for disobeying it, the men rescue him.
While this rescue may seem reasonable and even just, it suggests a weakness in loyalty that is already undermining royal authority.