In this chapter, Jonathan restores faith in Israel’s army. The chapter begins, “One day Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come on, let’s go over to where the Philistines have their outpost.” But Jonathan did not tell his father what he was doing.” (1 Samuel 14:1)
Jonathan and his armor bearer climbed down between two cliffs to get to the Philistine's camp. “Let’s go across to see those pagans,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer. "Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!” “Do what you think is best,” the youth replied. “I’m with you completely, whatever you decide.”
“All right then,” Jonathan told him. “We will cross over and let them see us. If they say to us, “Stay where you are or we’ll kill you,” then we will stop and not go up to them. But if they say, “Come on up and fight,” then we will go up. That will be the Lord’s sign that he will help us defeat them.”
When the Philistines saw them coming, they shouted, “Look! The Hebrews are crawling out of their holes!” Then they shouted to Jonathan, “Come on up here, and we’ll teach you a lesson!” “Come on, climb right behind me,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer, “for the Lord will help us defeat them!” So they climbed up using both hands and feet, and the Philistines fell back as Jonathan and his armor bearer killed them right and left. They killed about twenty men in all, and their bodies were scattered over about half an acre. Suddenly, panic broke out in the Philistine army, both in the camp and in the field, including even the outposts and raiding parties. And just then an earthquake struck, and everyone was terrified.” (1 Samuel 14:6-15)
Isn’t God good?!?
At this time, Saul’s lookouts in Gibeah saw huge numbers of Philistine soldiers melting away in every direction. Saul wondered who was killing the Philistines, and found out that Jonathan and his armor bearer were gone. "Then Saul and his six hundred men rushed out to the battle and found the Philistines killing each other. There was terrible confusion everywhere. Even the Hebrews who had gone over to the Philistine army revolted and joined in with Saul, Jonathan, and the rest of the Israelites. Likewise, the men who were hiding in the hills joined the chase when they saw the Philistines running away. So the Lord saved Israel that day, and the battle continued to rage even out beyond Beth-aven.” (1 Samuel 14:20-23)
We serve a mighty God!
The text continues, “Now the men of Israel were worn out that day, because Saul had made them take an oath, saying, “Let a curse fall on anyone who eats before evening -- before I have full revenge on my enemies.” So no one ate a thing all day, even though they found honeycomb on the ground in the forest. They didn't even touch the honey because they all feared the oath they had taken. But Jonathan had not heard his father’s command, and he dipped a stick into a piece of honeycomb and ate the honey. After he had eaten it, he felt much better. But one of the men saw him and said, “Your father made the army take a strict oath that anyone who eats food today will be cursed. That is why everyone is weary and faint.”
My father had made trouble for us all!” Jonathan exclaimed. “A command like that only hurts us. See how much better I feel now that I have eaten this little bit of honey. If the men had been allowed to eat freely from the food they found among our enemies, think how many more we could have killed!” But hungry as they were, they chased and killed the Philistines all day from Micmash to Aijalon, growing more and more faint.” (1 Samuel 14:24-31)
After finally getting something to eat, Saul wanted to chase the Philistines all night and destroy them. “But the priest said, “Let’s ask God first.” So Saul asked God, “Should we go after the Philistines? Will you help us defeat them? But God made no reply that day. Then Saul said to the leaders, “Something’s wrong! I want all my commanders to come here. We must find out what sin was committed today. I vow by the name of the Lord who rescued Israel that the sinner will surely die, even if it is my own son Jonathan!” (1 Samuel 14:36-39)
As it turns out, it was Jonathan for eating the honey. Jonathan asked his father, Saul, if that deserved death, and Saul said, “You must die! May God strike me dead if you are not executed for this.” But the people broke in and said to Saul, “Should Jonathan, who saved Israel today, die? Far from it! As surely as the Lord lives, not one hair on his head will be touched, for he has been used of God to do a mighty miracle today.” So the people rescued Jonathan, and he was not put to death. Then Saul called back the army from chasing the Philistines, and the Philistines returned home.” (1 Samuel 14:44-46)
The chapter ends with the makeup of Saul’s family, and a summary of Saul’s military successes throughout his lifetime. He conquered many, but he fought constantly with the Philistines.
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Thank you for your presence in our lives and always showing up when we need you. Help us have confidence in you like Jonathan did. We love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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