SCRIPTURE: 1 SAMUEL 14
JONATHAN ATTACKS THE PHILISTINES (vs. 1-14)
Jonathan, son of Saul with his young armor bearer went to Philistine outpost without the knowledge of his father. When they heard the Philistines said: “Come up to us and we will teach you a lesson” (v. 12). So they climbed up and fought with the Philistines. Jonathan and his armor bearer killed 20 men in that area.
ISRALE ROUTS THE PHILISTINES (vs. 15-23)
God sent panic to the Philistines by shocking the ground. Saul and all his men were assembled and went to join the battle with hot pursuit.
JONATHAN EATS HONEY (vs. 24-48)
None of the troops tasted food because Saul had banned the people under oath saying “Cursed by any man who eats food before evening comes, before I have avenged myself on my enemies!” (v. 24). But Jonathan had not heard that oath, so he reached out to eat some honey.
After the Israelites had struck down the Philistines from Micmash to Aijalon, they were exhausted. They poured on plunder and butchered the sheep and cattle and ate them together with the blood. When Saul knew about it, he told the men to slaughter the cattle and sheep and ate them. Then Saul built an altar to the Lord.
Saul wanted to fight the Philistines by night but the priest said: “Let us inquire of God here” (v. 36). When Saul asked God, he did not answer. Then Jonathan revealed to his father that he tasted a little honey. Saul was angry and wanted to kill Jonathan but the men rescued him. Saul stopped pursuing the Philistines and withdrew to the own land.
In his rule, Saul had fought against their enemies on every side – Moab, Ammonites, Edom, the kings of Zobah , the Philistines and the Amalekites.
SAUL’S FAMILY (vs. 49-52)
Saul had three sons -Jonathan, Ishvi and Malki Shua and two daughters – Merab and Michal. His wife was Ahinoam, daughter of Ahimaaz. His army commander was Abner, son of Ner, who was Saul’s uncle. Saul’s father Kish and Abner’s father Ner were sons of Abiel. All the days of Saul were bitter war with the Philistines.
THOUGHTS:
CONTRAST BETWEEN JONATHAN AND SAUL
- Jonathan was a true leader who attacked the enemy while Saul was sitting.
- Jonathan trusted God while Saul trusted his growing army.
- Jonathan made things happen while Saul watched things happen.
- Jonathan fought the battle while Saul imprisoned people with an oath.
- Jonathan strengthened the army and challenged them to new wictories while Saul weakened the army.
- Jonathan was great on deeds while Saul was great on words.
Jonathan and his armor bearer trusted God when they attacked the huge size of the enemy’s army. God honored their faith and gave action with a tremendous victory. When we feel surrounded by the enemy or face overwhelming odds, bravely commit what resource your have to God and rely upon Him to lead you to victory. God is never intimidated by any complexity of a problem or pressures. He has enought resources to win the battle.
Saul made an oath without thinking through the implications. What are the results?
- His men were too tired to fight.
- Their hunger made them ate meat contaminated with blood.
- He almost killed his own son.
Saul’s impulsive oath sounded heroic but it had disastrous side effects. Guard against impulsive statement that you will be forced to honor when you are in the middle of a conflict.