Had the fulfilling of the oath required a sinful deed, it would not have been binding, for we cannot be bound to commit a sin (see Judges 11:29-40). Though the princes were at fault in engaging so rashly in this matter, they were not to violate the oath, even though it was to their own hurt (Ps. 15:4). It is evident that God approved their conduct in this, and was displeased with Saul when, long after, he infringed it (2 Sam. 21:1-3).