1 Samuel 14
David Guzik · Citado em PreceptAustin
1 Samuel 14
Guzik has an interesting comment on why mention the name Ichabod? - Probably, God wants us to associate the meaning of Ichabod’s name with where Saul is at spiritually. Saul’s royal glory is almost gone, and it is appropriate that he associates with a relative of the man named “The Glory Has Departed.” (cf 1Sa 13:13,14+, 1Sa 15:26-29+) And the people did not know that Jonathan had gone - Jonathan had kept his mission secret from all the Hebrews in the camp. Guzik points out that the people not knowing about Jonathan's excursion "indicates that Jonathan did not go over to the Philistine garrison out of a desire for personal glory. If that were his motive he would have told at least a few people that he went. Ephod (0646) epod (see also EPHOD, URIM AND THUMMIM) is a masculine noun referring to the sacred vestment worn by the high priest. "A garment worn around the high priest’s upper body that featured twelve semiprecious and precious stones on the front, each one bearing the name of one of the tribes of Israel (Ex. 28:4, 6, 12, 15, 25–28). The breastplate bearing the stones was on the front of the ephod itself. The ephod was made by a skilled workman and had two shoulder pieces which were fastened together to hold it securely. It also bore two stones, one on each of its shoulders that represented the tribes of Israel. Each stone had six of the tribes of Israel engraved on it." (Baker) The Hebrew word ephod also described a vestment worn by David (2Sa 6:14, 1Ch 15:27) and the boy Samuel (1Sa 2:18). Gideon made an ephod which was an idolatrous cultic object (Jdg 8:27) In Hos 3:4 it is one of the sacred items the sons of Israel will lose access to for a period of time (because of disobedience). R K Harrison - The term ephod was also used occasionally to describe an ‘idol’ (cf. Jdg. 8:27; 17:5) which was employed in family worship, but precisely why such an image was described by a name used for a well-attested object in Israelite tabernacle worship is unknown. (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries - Leviticus) Epod - 39v - Exod. 25:7; Exod. 28:4; Exod. 28:6; Exod. 28:12; Exod. 28:15; Exod. 28:25; Exod. 28:26; Exod. 28:27; Exod. 28:28; Exod. 28:31; Exod. 29:5; Exod. 35:9; Exod. 35:27; Exod. 39:2; Exod. 39:7; Exod. 39:8; Exod. 39:18; Exod. 39:19; Exod. 39:20; Exod. 39:21; Exod. 39:22; Lev. 8:7; Jdg. 8:27; Jdg. 17:5; Jdg. 18:14; Jdg. 18:17; Jdg. 18:18; Jdg. 18:20; 1 Sam. 2:18; 1 Sam. 2:28; 1 Sam. 14:3; 1 Sam. 21:9; 1 Sam. 22:18; 1 Sam. 23:6; 1 Sam. 23:9; 1 Sam. 30:7; 2 Sam. 6:14; 1 Chr. 15:27; Hos. 3:4 1 Samuel 14:4 Between the passes by which Jonathan sought to cross over to the Philistines' garrison, there was a sharp crag on the one side and a sharp crag on the other side, and the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh. the passes: 1Sa 13:23 1 Samuel 14 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: 1 Samuel 13:23 And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the pass of Michmash. The Pass of Michmash JONATHAN'S TASK CLIMB SLIPPERY ROCK AND THORNY CRAG! Between the passes by which Jonathan sought to cross over to the Philistines' garrison, there was a sharp crag (shen) on the one side and a sharp (shen) crag (sela' - rock) on the other side, and the name of the one was Bozez (possible meanings - slippery, shining, surpassing white, glistening), and the name of the other Seneh ("thorny") - As noted in 1 Samuel 13:23 "the garrison of the Philistines went out to the pass of Michmash." Clearly the Philistines held the strategic high ground, another seeming disadvantage to Jonathan's daring endeavor (but one that would prove an advantage in another sense - see note by Davis below). Why would the writer give us the names of two sharp (tooth-like) crags? If Bozez does mean slippery and Seneh means thorny, it gives us a picture of another difficulty Jonathan would face in achieving his goal. Doing God's work is not alway (usually) easy but often involves significant obstacles. Faith sees past those obstacles which is what Jonathan's faith did! Dale Ralph Davis comments that "the writer insists that a little topography is good for the understanding. Hence he describes the location of Jonathan’s venture...He adds that the one is on the north in front of Michmash, the other to the south in front of Geba (v. 5). Their names, roughly equivalent to Slippery (Bozez) and Thorny (Seneh), hardly invite hikers. And between these rock outcroppings the Wadi Suwenit cuts its deep trough toward the Jordan with steep banks on either side. One might infer from 1Sa 14:12, 13 that most sane folks considered the point impassable. (See Driver's Diagram of Michmash below) That fact could prove an advantage. So much for the setting. Our writer has been rather brisk: Here is the plan (which is secret); here are the leaders (who are rejected); here is the place (which is impossible) (Looking on the Heart - Volume 1 - 1 Samuel 1-14 or listen to his entertaining Mp3 A Swell and Lousy Day). Rod Mattoon - In order for Jonathan to spy on the Philistines, he would need to take a passage between two rocks.… Bozez and Seneh. These two cliffs remind us of the conflict we face everyday as Christians. Bozez means “shining” (ED: OR SLIPPERY) and Seneh means “thorn.” We are either a shining light for the Lord or a thorn in the flesh to others. Which one are you? (1 Samuel Commentary - Go to page for list of multiple illustrations on page 596) David Thompson - In order for Jonathan to get to the Philistine side, he had to climb down a steep mountain into a valley and then climb back up a steep mountain on the other side. There were two main large sharp rocks or crags located on each side of this spot of crossing. The name of the rock on the north side was “Bozez” and the name on the south side was “Seneh.” Bozez means shining and Seneh refers to a rock that stands above. Now the canyon that Jonathan must climb down into and out of runs east. So the sun shines on the north and lights up the one rock named Bozez, shining. Jonathan is coming down from the north and then back up to the south. Josephus himself visited this place in his research and said we got down Seneh, but we did not attempt to climb up Bozez. He said getting down and up this area would require tremendous effort. Getting something big done for God is never easy. There is much stress and strain and effort. Most of the time, the warfare that leads to victory is a very steep and tough climb. That is exactly what Jonathan discovered. Sharp (crag)(08127)(shen from shanan = to whet, sharpen) means tooth (of humans - (Gen. 49:12; Ex. 21:24; Lev. 24:20; of animals - Dt. 32:24; Job 41:14; Joel 1:6), ivory ((1Ki. 10:18; Ezek. 27:15) a fang, a sharp projecting rock. The famous lēx talionis law, eye for eye, tooth for tooth in Ex 21:24+ limits the penalty in a case at law. Gilbrant - Occurring over fifty-five times, shfin means "tooth," "prong," "ivory" or "crag." Once, with the definite article, shfin refers to a "place" (1 Sam. 7:12). Some consider shfin to be a primary noun, but many derive the noun from the verb shānan (HED #8532), "to whet," "to sharpen." This Hebrew verb is attested in both Aramaic and Syriac. In ordinary usage, shfin denotes teeth of both men and animals. It was employed by Jacob in his blessing of Judah (Gen. 49:12). Here and in Amos 4:6, shfin has the dual ending, indicating the double row of teeth. The invader would be formidable, having "the teeth of a lion" (Joel 1:6). Eliphaz maintained that the wicked ultimately get their due in the same way that the teeth of "strong [or young] lions" are of little effect as they become old (Job 4:10). On one occasion, shfin occurs with the number "three" and refers to a three-pronged fork (1 Sam. 2:13). Eli's sons selected only the preferred portions of meat from the pot. Coupled with the high priest's failure to discipline his sons, their behavior brought the entire family into disfavor with God. Ten times shfin is translated "ivory." The widespread trade in elephant tusks (i.e., "teeth") led to its becoming synonymous with the product. Solomon's great throne was inlaid with ivory (1 Ki. 10:18; cf. 2 Chr. 9:17). Ivory was used in the construction of his palace (1 Ki. 22:39). Samaria's opulence was described in terms of its "houses of ivory" (Amos 3:15). Shfin is applied poetically also. At his wedding, the king emerged adorned out of "the ivory palaces" (Ps. 45:8). The Shulamite's neck was described as lovely as a "tower of ivory" (SS 7:4). Pointed rocks, resembling teeth, are also labeled. Answering out of the whirlwind, God directed questions to Job. How knowledgeable was Job about the particular eagle which nested upon the "crag of the rock" (Job 39:28)? Jonathan and his armor bearer surprised the Philistines, crossing over and attacking from a passage bounded by two "sharp crags" (1 Sam. 14:4). In metaphorical usage, the psalmist's adversaries were like lions "whose teeth are spears and arrows" (Ps. 57:4). In the proverbial expression, "The children's teeth are set on edge" (Jer. 31:29f; cf. Ezek. 18:2), those who will not take responsibility for their sins, but blame their ancestors, will themselves be made accountable. "I take my flesh in my teeth" (Job 13:14) indicates that Job's situation was precarious; he held his life in his teeth, able to easily lose it. Following Israel's victory over the Philistines, Samuel erected a memorial stone named Ebenezer, honoring the Lord for his help. It was located between Mizpah, a location in Benjamin and Shen (1 Sam. 7:12). With the definite article, the latter is a place-name probably characterized by its peculiar craggy rock formations (i.e., "the tooth"). Shen - 48v - crag(2), ivory(10), sharp(2), teeth(30), three-pronged*(1), tooth(9). Gen. 49:12; Exod. 21:24; Exod. 21:27; Lev. 24:20; Num. 11:33; Deut. 19:21; Deut. 32:24; 1 Sam. 2:13; 1 Sam. 14:4; 1 Sam. 14:5; 1 Ki. 10:18; 1 Ki. 22:39; 2 Chr. 9:17; Job 4:10; Job 13:14; Job 16:9; Job 19:20; Job 29:17; Job 39:28; Job 41:14; Ps. 3:7; Ps. 35:16; Ps. 37:12; Ps. 45:8; Ps. 57:4; Ps. 58:6; Ps. 112:10; Ps. 124:6; Prov. 10:26; Prov. 25:19; Prov. 30:14; Cant. 4:2; Cant. 5:14; Cant. 6:6; Cant. 7:4; Jer. 31:29; Jer. 31:30; Lam. 2:16; Lam. 3:16; Ezek. 18:2; Ezek. 27:6; Ezek. 27:15; Joel 1:6; Amos 3:15; Amos 4:6; Amos 6:4; Mic. 3:5; Zech. 9:7 1 Samuel 14:5 The one crag rose on the north opposite Michmash, and the other on the south opposite Geba. BGT 1 Samuel 14:5 ἡ ὁδὸς ἡ μία ἀπὸ βορρᾶ ἐρχομένῳ Μαχμας καὶ ἡ ὁδὸς ἡ ἄλλη ἀπὸ νότου ἐρχομένῳ Γαβεε LXE 1 Samuel 14:5 The one way was northward to one coming to Machmas, and the other way was southward to one coming to Gabae. KJV 1 Samuel 14:5 The forefront of the one was situate northward over against Michmash, and the other southward over against Gibeah. NET 1 Samuel 14:5 The cliff to the north was closer to Micmash, the one to the south closer to Geba. CSB 1 Samuel 14:5 one stood to the north in front of Michmash and the other to the south in front of Geba. ESV 1 Samuel 14:5 The one crag rose on the north in front of Michmash, and the other on the south in front of Geba. NIV 1 Samuel 14:5 One cliff stood to the north toward Micmash, the other to the south toward Geba. NLT 1 Samuel 14:5 The cliff on the north was in front of Micmash, and the one on the south was in front of Geba. NRS 1 Samuel 14:5 One crag rose on the north in front of Michmash, and the other on the south in front of Geba. NJB 1 Samuel 14:5 The first spur stands to the north facing Michmash, the other to the south facing Geba. NAB 1 Samuel 14:5 One crag was to the north, toward Michmash, the other to the south, toward Geba. YLT 1 Samuel 14:5 The one edge is fixed on the north over-against Michmash, and the one on the south over-against Gibeah. RSV 1 Samuel 14:5 The one crag rose on the north in front of Michmash, and the other on the south in front of Geba. NKJ 1 Samuel 14:5 The front of one faced northward opposite Michmash, and the other southward opposite Gibeah. 1 Samuel 14 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Source: Driver's Notes on Topography of the books of Samuel The one crag (shen) rose on the north opposite (in front of, toward) Michmash, and the other on the south opposite (in front of) Geba - The Hebrew word for crag (sen) means tooth, fang and then a sharp projecting rock. So these two sharp rocks were a strategic place for Jonathan to cross over. The pass was presumably narrow and thus would not allow many enemy forces to attack them. Wikipedia - Michmash - Michmas (/ˈmɪkmæʃ/; Hebrew: מִכְמָשׂ or מִכְמָס, romanized: Mīḵmās, lit. 'laid up (concealed) place') was an Israelite and Jewish town located in the highlands north of Jerusalem. According to the Hebrew Bible, it belonged to the Tribe of Benjamin.[1] It was the setting of the biblical Battle of Michmash, recounted in 1 Samuel 14. Michmas was inhabited during the Second Temple period, when, according to the Mishnah, its fine wheat was brought to the Temple.[2] Michmas is identified with the Palestinian village of Mukhmas in the West Bank, which preserves its ancient name.[3][4] The nearby Israeli settlement Ma'ale Mikhmas, founded in 1981, is also named after the biblical town.....(AND THIS NEXT STATEMENT IS ALSO IN WIKIPEDIA) A divinely sent earthquake (ED: GOD GETS THE CREDIT!!!), the effects of which were noted by Saul’s watchmen, threw the Philistine camp into turmoil. By the time Saul and his men came on the scene, many of the Philistines had slaughtered one another in confusion and the rest had taken to flight.....During World War I, British forces under the command of General Allenby were to face the Turks at the same location.[10] Major Vivian Gilbert of the British army relates the story of an unnamed brigade major who was reading his Bible while contemplating the situation against the Ottoman forces. The brigade major remembered a town by the name of Michmash mentioned somewhere in the Bible. He found the verses, and discovered that there was a secret path around the town. He woke the brigadier general, and they found that the path still existed and was very lightly guarded. The British forces used this path to outmaneuver the Ottomans, and so took the town.[11] 1 Samuel 14:6 Then Jonathan said to the young man who was carrying his armor, "Come and let us cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; perhaps the LORD will work for us, for the LORD is not restrained to save by many or by few." BGT 1 Samuel 14:6 καὶ εἶπεν Ιωναθαν πρὸς τὸ παιδάριον τὸ αἶρον τὰ σκεύη αὐτοῦ δεῦρο διαβῶμεν εἰς μεσσαβ τῶν ἀπεριτμήτων τούτων εἴ τι ποιήσαι ἡμῖν κύριος ὅτι οὐκ ἔστιν τῷ κυρίῳ συνεχόμενον σῴζειν ἐν πολλοῖς ἢ ἐν ὀλίγοις LXE 1 Samuel 14:6 And Jonathan said to the young man that bore his armour, Come, let us go over to Messab of these uncircumcised, if peradventure the Lord may do something for us; for the Lord is not straitened to save by many or by few. KJV 1 Samuel 14:6 And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few. NET 1 Samuel 14:6 Jonathan said to his armor bearer, "Come on, let's go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will intervene for us. Nothing can prevent the LORD from delivering, whether by many or by a few." CSB 1 Samuel 14:6 Jonathan said to the attendant who carried his weapons, "Come on, let's cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will help us. Nothing can keep the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few." ESV 1 Samuel 14:6 Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, "Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the LORD will work for us, for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few." NIV 1 Samuel 14:6 Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, "Come, let's go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. Perhaps the LORD will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few." NLT 1 Samuel 14:6 "Let's go across to the outpost of 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!" NRS 1 Samuel 14:6 Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, "Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; it may be that the LORD will act for us; for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few." NJB 1 Samuel 14:6 Jonathan said to his armour-bearer, 'Come on, let us go across to these uncircumcised people's outpost; perhaps Yahweh will do something for us, for Yahweh is free to grant deliverance through a few men, just as much as through many.' NAB 1 Samuel 14:6 Jonathan said to his armor-bearer: "Come let us go over to that outpost of the uncircumcised. Perhaps the LORD will help us, because it is no more difficult for the LORD to grant victory through a few than through many." YLT 1 Samuel 14:6 And Jonathan saith unto the young man bearing his weapons, 'Come, and we pass over unto the station of these uncircumcised; it may be Jehovah doth work for us, for there is no restraint to Jehovah to save by many or by few.' RSV 1 Samuel 14:6 And Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armor, "Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; it may be that the LORD will work for us; for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few." NKJ 1 Samuel 14:6 Then Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armor, "Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; it may be that the LORD will work for us. For nothing restrains the LORD from saving by many or by few." ASV 1 Samuel 14:6 And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armor, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that Jehovah will work for us; for there is no restraint to Jehovah to save by many or by few. DBY 1 Samuel 14:6 And Jonathan said to the young man that bore his armour, Come, and let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised: perhaps Jehovah will work for us; for there is no restraint to Jehovah to save by many or by few. GWN 1 Samuel 14:6 Jonathan said to his armorbearer, "Let's go to the military post of these uncircumcised people. Maybe the LORD will act on our behalf. The LORD can win a victory with a few men as well as with many." BBE 1 Samuel 14:6 And Jonathan said to his young servant who had his arms, Come, let us go over to the armies of these men who have no circumcision: it may be that the Lord will give us help, for there is no limit to his power; the Lord is able to give salvation by a great army or by a small band. uncircumcised: 1Sa 17:26,36 Ge 17:7-11 Jdg 15:18 2Sa 1:20 Jer 9:23,26 Eph 2:11,12 Php 3:3 perhaps: 2Sa 16:12 2Ki 19:4 Am 5:15 Zep 2:3 not restrained: Where there is a promise of defense and support, the weakest, in the face of the strongest enemy, may rely upon it with the utmost confidence. De 32:30 Jdg 7:4-7 2Ch 14:11 Ps 115:1-3 Zec 4:6 Mt 19:26 Ro 8:31 1 Samuel 14 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Deuteronomy 32:30 “How could one chase a thousand, And two put ten thousand to flight, Unless their Rock had sold them, And the LORD had given them up? Judges 7:4-7+ Then the LORD said to Gideon, “The people are still too many; bring them down to the water and I will test them for you there. Therefore it shall be that he of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall go with you,’ he shall go with you; but everyone of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ he shall not go.” 5 So he brought the people down to the water. And the LORD said to Gideon, “You shall separate everyone who laps the water with his tongue as a dog laps, as well as everyone who kneels to drink.” 6 Now the number of those who lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, was 300 men; but all the rest of the people kneeled to drink water. 7 The LORD said to Gideon, “I will deliver you with the 300 men who lapped and will give the Midianites into your hands; so let all the other people go, each man to his home.” 2 Chronicles 14:11 Then Asa called to the LORD his God and said, “LORD, there is no one besides You to help in the battle between the powerful and those who have no strength; so help us, O LORD our God, for we trust in You, and in Your name have come against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God; let not man prevail against You.” JONATHAN'S BOLDNESS FOUNDED ON FAITH IN GOD Davis quips "Jonathan’s statement in verse 6 deserves billboard status!" Then Jonathan said to the young man who was carrying his armor, "Come and let us cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised - Jonathan issues another command (first "come" in 1Sa 14:1). These uncircumcised is a denigrating, derogatory designation for the uncircumcised Philistines), a similar designation used by David ("uncircumcised Philistine" - 1Sa 17:26, 36+). Little wonder that Jonathan and David's heart would later be knit together (1Sa 18:1+), for they were kindred souls both open to the work of the LORD in and through their lives.
1 Samuel 14
Guzik - Jonathan had little faith in himself but great faith in God. It wasn’t “I can win a great victory with God’s help.” It was “God can win a great victory through even me.” Brian Bell - How was it that Jonathan was so courageous? Key in vs.6 “The Lord will work for us.” 1. See similar words by King Asa in 2 Chron.14:11. David Thompson - As he was talking to his armor carrier, he said in verse 6, “perhaps” the Lord will give us victory. He doesn’t even know for sure. This is a pure faith move. He does not know whether or not God will give victory but he goes for it. Jonathan is certainly not trusting in himself or in the numbers, but he is trusting totally and completely in God because Jonathan knew the theological truth that God is not restrained by numbers (v. 6). A church does not have to be a mega church to reach the world and do big things for God. What a church must be is a place that totally and completely depends on God. Save (deliver, help) (03467) yasha' (See also yeshua from which we get our word "Jesus") is an important Hebrew verb which means to help, to save, to deliver. The root in Arabic is "make wide" which underscores the main thought of yasha' as to bring to a place of safety or broad pasture in contrast to a narrow strait which symbolizes distress or danger. Thus yasha' connotes protection that produces freedom from a present danger (2Sa 22:3, Job 5:4), salvation or deliverance in a religious sense (Ps 51:12), a title of God (Savior - 2Sa 22:47; 1Chr 16:35; Ps 18:46; Ps 24:5; Ps 25:5; Ps 27:9; Ps 65:5; Ps 79:9; Ps 85:4; Isa 17:10; 62:11; Mic 7:7 Hab 3:18), victory as an act or a result of conquering (2Sa 22:36; Ps 18:35) It is notable that almost 20% of the uses of yasha' are found during the dark days of Judges (dominated by the heart attitude of Jdg 21:25), which surely speaks of the undeserved lovingkindness of God! Today in the Word - Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving. - 1 Samuel 14:6 A diptych is a traditional Christian art form in which two scenes are portrayed on separate wood panels, connected by a hinge in the middle. Sometimes these two scenes depict contrasting scenarios, one positive and one negative. Each can be instructive, one as an encouragement and the other as a warning. Saul and Jonathan work like such a diptych in today's reading: two contrasting portraits of faith—one positive, one negative. First, Saul is a portrait of empty faith. After God used Jonathan to unsettle the Philistines, Saul prepared for battle, calling a priest to inquire of God. But halfway through the conversation, things got rowdy and Saul cut it short. The divine inquiry was only a show. Saul proceeded on his own course (vv. 16-23). Then when victory seemed imminent, Saul made a vow, not of faithful sacrifice and praise to God, but a foolish one that jeopardized his son and distressed his army (vv. 24-30). Finally, because of Saul's vow, the starving army began unlawfully eating meat with blood in it (cf. Lev. 17:10-13). Saul seemed piously horrified that they have “broken faith” (v. 33), but a short time later, he was prepared to shed the innocent blood of his own son for the sake of his rash vow. He had a clear appearance of faith, but not much substance. Jonathan, on the other hand, offers a positive portrait of faith. He knew what God can do and acted in faith upon that knowledge: “Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving” (v. 6). He did not dictate to God what should be done (note his use of “perhaps”), but neither did he sit back in cowardice. He took on a daring and risky venture, trusting that God can save. He allowed his faith to broaden his view to see beyond the visible. While things might have looked impossible, Jonathan knew that with God all things are possible. Without fanfare or presumption Jonathan quietly and confidently acted upon a faith rooted in a sure knowledge of God's power. TODAY ALONG THE WAY Reminding ourselves (sometimes visibly) what true faith looks like, especially in contrast to its opposite, is an important lesson from today's text. Try creating your own artistic “diptych of faith” using paint, colored pencils, pens, or even images from the Internet. Perhaps scenes from the Bible, or even certain people you know, inspire you with a portrait of true faith. Depict those scenes in a visible way and display them in a place you can return to in order to remind yourself of the kind of faith God calls us to. 1 Samuel 14:7 His armor bearer said to him, "Do all that is in your heart; turn yourself, and here I am with you according to your desire." BGT 1 Samuel 14:7 καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ ὁ αἴρων τὰ σκεύη αὐτοῦ ποίει πᾶν ὃ ἐὰν ἡ καρδία σου ἐκκλίνῃ ἰδοὺ ἐγὼ μετὰ σοῦ ὡς ἡ καρδία σοῦ καρδία μοῦ LXE 1 Samuel 14:7 And his armour-bearer said to him, Do all that thine heart inclines toward: behold, I am with thee, my heart is as thy heart. KJV 1 Samuel 14:7 And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart. NET 1 Samuel 14:7 His armor bearer said to him, "Do everything that is on your mind. Do as you're inclined. I'm with you all the way!" CSB 1 Samuel 14:7 His armor-bearer responded, "Do what is in your heart. You choose. I'm right here with you whatever you decide." ESV 1 Samuel 14:7 And his armor-bearer said to him, "Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish. Behold, I am with you heart and soul." NIV 1 Samuel 14:7 "Do all that you have in mind," his armor-bearer said. "Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul." NLT 1 Samuel 14:7 "Do what you think is best," the armor bearer replied. "I'm with you completely, whatever you decide." NRS 1 Samuel 14:7 His armor-bearer said to him, "Do all that your mind inclines to. I am with you; as your mind is, so is mine." NJB 1 Samuel 14:7 His armour-bearer replied, 'Do exactly as you think. I am with you; our hearts are as one.' NAB 1 Samuel 14:7 His armor-bearer replied, "Do whatever you are inclined to do; I will match your resolve." YLT 1 Samuel 14:7 And the bearer of his weapons saith to him, 'Do all that is in thy heart; turn for thee; lo, I am with thee, as thine own heart.' Do all: 1Sa 10:7 2Sa 7:3 Ps 46:7 Zec 8:23 1 Samuel 14 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries ARMOR BEARER ON BOARD FOR "MISSION IMPOSSIBLE!" His armor bearer said to him, "Do all that is in your heart; turn yourself, and here I am with you according to your desire - The armor bearer was "on board" for "mission impossible" which surely encouraged Jonathan. Clearly he trusted his leader's leading. Did Jonathan tell him he had received a divine impulse? We cannot say but clearly the armor bearer was loyal enough to undertake a mission with high risk (in men's eyes) of not returning alive. Guzik on the armor bearer's encouraging reply - When we step out in faith, encouragement can make all the difference for good and discouragement can make all the difference for evil. 1 Samuel 14:8 Then Jonathan said, "Behold, we will cross over to the men and reveal ourselves to them. BGT 1 Samuel 14:8 καὶ εἶπεν Ιωναθαν ἰδοὺ ἡμεῖς διαβαίνομεν πρὸς τοὺς ἄνδρας καὶ κατακυλισθησόμεθα πρὸς αὐτούς LXE 1 Samuel 14:8 And Jonathan said, Behold, we will go over to the men, and will come down suddenly upon them. KJV 1 Samuel 14:8 Then said Jonathan, Behold, we will pass over unto these men, and we will discover ourselves unto them. NET 1 Samuel 14:8 Jonathan replied, "All right! We'll go over to these men and fight them. CSB 1 Samuel 14:8 "All right," Jonathan replied, "we'll cross over to the men and then let them see us. ESV 1 Samuel 14:8 Then Jonathan said, "Behold, we will cross over to the men, and we will show ourselves to them. NIV 1 Samuel 14:8 Jonathan said, "Come, then; we will cross over toward the men and let them see us. NLT 1 Samuel 14:8 "All right then," Jonathan told him. "We will cross over and let them see us. NRS 1 Samuel 14:8 Then Jonathan said, "Now we will cross over to those men and will show ourselves to them. NJB 1 Samuel 14:8 Jonathan then said, 'Look, we will go across to these people and let ourselves be seen. NAB 1 Samuel 14:8 Jonathan continued: "We shall go over to those men and show ourselves to them. YLT 1 Samuel 14:8 And Jonathan saith, 'Lo, we are passing over unto the men, and are revealed unto them; we will cross: Jdg 7:9-14 1 Samuel 14 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries JONATHAN'S STRANGE PLAN UNFOLDS Then Jonathan said, "Behold, (hinneh = attention getter!) we will cross over to the men and reveal (galah) ourselves to them - The armor bearer was surely loyal, for had he not been, he surely would have reacted (even fled) on hearing what at first glance sounds like a foolish maneuver. Reveal (uncover)(01540) galah means to reveal or make (previously unknown) known to others, to expose, to uncover (sadly the first use = Noah uncovering himself after becoming drunk! - Ge 9:21, cp Lev 18:6 prohibiting "uncover nakedness" ~ sexual relations), to reveal (God revealed Himself to Jacob at Bethel, and thus the name El-Bethel - Ge 35:7. 2Sa 2:27), expose (Ex 20:26), open (God opened the eyes of Balaam to see the Angel of the LORD - Nu 22:31), reveal (Dt 29:29). Galah is used of not yet revealing the Word of the LORD to Samuel (1Sa 3:7) and of revealing Himself to Samuel (1Sa 3:21). 1 Samuel 14:9 "If they say to us, 'Wait until we come to you'; then we will stand in our place and not go up to them. they: Ge 24:13,14 Jdg 6:36-40 1 Samuel 14 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries JONATHAN'S CONDITIONAL CONDITION If they say to us, 'Wait until we come to you'; then we will stand in our place and not go up (ascend; Lxx - anabaino - literally upward movement) to them - Jonathan gives the first of two scenarios, here to stand fast if they say we are coming to meet you. Guzik - This was not the same as Gideon’s setting of a fleece (Judges 6:36–40). Gideon had a confirmed word of God to guide him, and he doubted God’s word. Jonathan did not doubt a word from God; he doubted his own heart and mind. Jonathan was prompted by faith. Significantly, he did not demand to know the whole battle plan from God in advance. He was willing to take it one step at a time, and let God plan it out. Faith is willing to let God know the whole plan, and to know our part one step at a time. 1 Samuel 14:10 "But if they say, 'Come up to us,' then we will go up, for the LORD has given them into our hands; and this shall be the sign to us." this shall be a sign: 1Sa 10:7 Ge 24:14 Jdg 7:11 Isa 7:11-14 1 Samuel 14 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries A SIGN FROM JEHOVAH But - Term of contrast marking a change of direction in their actions depending on the response of the Philistines. if they say, 'Come up (ascend) to us,' then we will go up - So if the Philistines "invite" them to come up (presumably they are on elevated ground and the v9 supports this as it says "go up to them") which would theoretically give them a strategic advantage in any subsequent combat. For - Here is the key term of explanation from Jonathan to his armor bearer. The LORD has given them into our hands; and this shall be the sign to us - This removes any advantage the Philistines might have being on higher ground, for Jonathan and the armor bearer are in a sense on "holy ground," their actions being grounded by God's trustworthy holy word. This statement of assurance clearly indicates that the Spirit had moved in Jonathan in the camp to make such an otherwise audacious, even foolish maneuver into the enemy's camp. In some way we are not told, the LORD had communicated to Jonathan the plan and the promise. Once again we see the juxtaposition of God's sovereign control and man's responsibility to follow the LORD's leading. And this shall be the sign to us - It is interesting that Jonathan clearly discerned the Lord's voice (however He communicated) in giving them this sign, but Saul was less sensitive to the supernatural signs. Recall 1Sa 10:7-8 “It shall be when these (at least 3) signs come to you, do for yourself what the occasion requires, for God is with you. And you shall go down before me to Gilgal; and behold, I will come down to you to offer burnt offerings and sacrifice peace offerings. You shall wait seven days until I come to you and show you what you should do.” Saul saw the signs but failed to wait on the timing of the Lord's prophet, in effect demonstrating his unbelief. He failed to believe Samuel's words in verse 7 "do for yourself what the occasion requires, for God is with you!" What the occasion required was obedience, which is the evidence of genuine belief. Saul failed the test. Jonathan as we shall see acts in faith upon the single sign and passes the test! David Thompson - Now Jonathan and his armor bearer stepped out by faith and took on the Philistines. They had one sword, but they also had God. I want to point out something that Jonathan did. He came up with a plan that he would climb up and hide in a cave and then shout out to the Philistines. If they said, “Come up to us,” then he would know the Lord had given them victory for that would be a sign (14:10). Now what is the difference between this “sign” and Gideon’s fleece? Gideon was given a direct order from God to go and deliver Israel and he kept putting out fleeces after God had told him to do it (Judges 6:14+). Jonathan has not been given a direct order from God and he doesn’t know for sure what the outcome is going to be. He simply laid out what they would look for to determine the will of God. WHEN A BELIEVER IS SURROUNDED BY IMPOSSIBLE ODDS AND INSURMOUNTABLE NUMBERS, IF HE REMAINS FAITHFUL IN THE WARFARE HE WILL SEE GOD GIVE GREAT VICTORY. God does not need impressive numbers to win and give great victory. What God looks for are a few faithful people who are willing to believe Him and trust in Him. When God sees His faithful people outnumbered and out gunned in warfare, that is the kind of setting in which He works. He loves to give great victory to His people in contexts that are just like that. 1 Samuel 14:11 When both of them revealed themselves to the garrison of the Philistines, the Philistines said, "Behold, Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they have hidden themselves." out of the holes: 1Sa 14:22 1Sa 13:6 Jdg 6:2 1 Samuel 14 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries HEBREWS ARE COMING OUT OF HIDING IN THEIR HOLES When both of them revealed themselves to the garrison of the Philistines, the Philistines said, "Behold, Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they have hidden themselves - The Philistines offer this mocking, denigrating statement for they were aware of the terror their presence had produced in the Hebrews, as recorded in 1Sa 13:6+ "When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait (for the people were hard-pressed), then the people hid themselves in caves, in thickets, in cliffs, in cellars, and in pits." 1 Samuel 14:12 So the men of the garrison hailed Jonathan and his armor bearer and said, "Come up to us and we will tell you something." And Jonathan said to his armor bearer, "Come up after me, for the LORD has given them into the hands of Israel." Come up 1Sa 14:10 17:43,44 2Sa 2:14-17 2Ki 14:8 Come up after me: Ge 24:26,27,42,48 Jdg 4:14 7:15 2Sa 5:24 1 Samuel 14 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE SIGN OF GOD'S FAVOR FOR ISRAEL So the men of the garrison hailed Jonathan and his armor bearer and said, "Come up to us and we will tell you something - The arrogant, confident Philistines said in essence "We'll teach you a lesson!" This is an arrogant confidence that occurs just before destruction. This affirmation by the Philistines was the sign God had given to Jonathan. Faith is not a feeling. Faith is acting on God's promises. And Jonathan said to his armor bearer, "Come up after me, for the LORD has given them into the hands of Israel - Jonathan acted on faith in God's promise, fully confident that Yahweh had given the seemingly invincible enemy into the hands of Israel. Into the hands of Israel was an idiom for victory and it is notable that while Jonathan was clearly the "catalyst," he does not say into my (or our) hands, but into the hands of the nation of Israel. What Jonathan is saying is that God had clearly told him this affirmative sign was not just assurance for him, but was assurance of victory for the entire nation! 1 Samuel 14:13 Then Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet, with his armor bearer behind him; and they fell before Jonathan, and his armor bearer put some to death after him. BGT 1 Samuel 14:13 καὶ ἀνέβη Ιωναθαν ἐπὶ τὰς χεῖρας αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐπὶ τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ καὶ ὁ αἴρων τὰ σκεύη αὐτοῦ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐπέβλεψαν κατὰ πρόσωπον Ιωναθαν καὶ ἐπάταξεν αὐτούς καὶ ὁ αἴρων τὰ σκεύη αὐτοῦ ἐπεδίδου ὀπίσω αὐτοῦ LXE 1 Samuel 14:13 And Jonathan went up on his hands and feet, and his armour-bearer with him; and they looked on the face of Jonathan, and he smote them, and his armour-bearer did smite them after him. KJV 1 Samuel 14:13 And Jonathan climbed up upon his hands and upon his feet, and his armourbearer after him: and they fell before Jonathan; and his armourbearer slew after him. NET 1 Samuel 14:13 Jonathan crawled up on his hands and feet, with his armor bearer following behind him. Jonathan struck down the Philistines, while his armor bearer came along behind him and killed them. CSB 1 Samuel 14:13 Jonathan climbed up using his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer behind him. Jonathan cut them down, and his armor-bearer followed and finished them off. ESV 1 Samuel 14:13 Then Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet, and his armor-bearer after him. And they fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer killed them after him. NIV 1 Samuel 14:13 Jonathan climbed up, using his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer right behind him. The Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer followed and killed behind him. NLT 1 Samuel 14:13 So they climbed up using both hands and feet, and the Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor bearer killed those who came behind them. NRS 1 Samuel 14:13 Then Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer following after him. The Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer, coming after him, killed them. NJB 1 Samuel 14:13 Jonathan clambered up on hands and feet, with his armour-bearer behind him; the Philistines fell at Jonathan's onslaught, and his armour-bearer, coming behind, finished them off. NAB 1 Samuel 14:13 Jonathan clambered up with his armor-bearer behind him; as the Philistines turned to flee him, he cut them down, and his armor-bearer followed him and finished them off. YLT 1 Samuel 14:13 And Jonathan goeth up on his hands, and on his feet, and the bearer of his weapons after him; and they fall before Jonathan, and the bearer of his weapons is putting to death after him. climbed up: Ps 18:29 Heb 11:34 fell: Lev 26:7-8 De 28:7 Dt 32:30 Jos 23:10 Ro 8:31 1 Samuel 14 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Leviticus 26:7-8 ‘But you (OBEDIENT ISRAEL, ACTING IN FAITH) will chase your enemies and they will fall before you by the sword; 8 five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand, and your enemies will fall before you by the sword. Deuteronomy 28:7 “The LORD shall cause your enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before you; they will come out against you one way and will flee before you seven ways. Joshua 23:10 “One of your men puts to flight a thousand, for the LORD your God is He who fights for you, just as He promised you. Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? JONATHAN ASCENDS AND KILLS THE ENEMY Then Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet, with his armor bearer behind him; and they fell before Jonathan and his armor bearer put some to death after him. - Note that Jonathan's hands were occupied with climbing upward to meet the enemy who had iron spears they could have easily hurdled down at him! God specializes in aiding his saints in impossible situations, for then only He can receive the glory! And so we read that it was not Jonathan, but the Philistines, who were slain, fulfilling prophetic promises like Leviticus 26:7-8 which said Israel's enemies "will fall before you by the sword; five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand, and your enemies will fall before you by the sword." Wiersbe feels Jonathan had God's promises in mind (such as Lev 26:7) adding that "Action without promises is presumption, not faith, but when you have God's promises, you can go forward with confidence." (Borrow Be successful) Leon Wood once said, “When man has faith to move ahead, though the odds seem impossible, God is ready to step in and finish the task.” David Thompson - God does not need big numbers to accomplish big things. He looks for people who will trust Him and obey Him. What God is looking for is a couple of faithful people who are willing to tackle things for Him. If they will step out in faith and move forward for God, God will bless them and give them victory 1 Samuel 14:14 That first slaughter which Jonathan and his armor bearer made was about twenty men within about half a furrow in an acre of land. BGT 1 Samuel 14:14 καὶ ἐγενήθη ἡ πληγὴ ἡ πρώτη ἣν ἐπάταξεν Ιωναθαν καὶ ὁ αἴρων τὰ σκεύη αὐτοῦ ὡς εἴκοσι ἄνδρες ἐν βολίσι καὶ ἐν πετροβόλοις καὶ ἐν κόχλαξιν τοῦ πεδίου LXE 1 Samuel 14:14 And the first slaughter which Jonathan and his armour-bearer effected was twenty men, with darts and slings, and pebbles of the field. KJV 1 Samuel 14:14 And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armourbearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were an half acre of land, which a yoke of oxen might plow. NET 1 Samuel 14:14 In this initial skirmish Jonathan and his armor bearer struck down about twenty men in an area that measured half an acre. CSB 1 Samuel 14:14 In that first assault Jonathan and his armor-bearer struck down about 20 men in a half-acre field. ESV 1 Samuel 14:14 And that first strike, which Jonathan and his armor-bearer made, killed about twenty men within as it were half a furrow's length in an acre of land. NIV 1 Samuel 14:14 In that first attack Jonathan and his armor-bearer killed some twenty men in an area of about half an acre. NLT 1 Samuel 14:14 They killed some twenty men in all, and their bodies were scattered over about half an acre. NRS 1 Samuel 14:14 In that first slaughter Jonathan and his armor-bearer killed about twenty men within an area about half a furrow long in an acre of land. NJB 1 Samuel 14:14 This first killing made by Jonathan and his armour-bearer accounted for about twenty men . . . NAB 1 Samuel 14:14 In this first exploit Jonathan and his armor-bearer slew about twenty men within half a furlong. YLT 1 Samuel 14:14 And the first smiting which Jonathan and the bearer of his weapons have smitten is of about twenty men, in about half a furrow of a yoke of a field, an acre of land 1Sa 14:14 1 Samuel 14 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries TWO HEBREWS SLAUGHTER TWENTY PHILISTINES That first slaughter which Jonathan and his armor bearer made was about twenty men within about half a furrow in an acre of land - This was a supernatural" slaughter, for as Moses had asked “How could one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had given them up?" (Dt 32:30+) Indeed, in this case Jonathan's Rock, Jehovah Jireh, had sold the Philistines into their hands! To God be the glory! Half a furrow in an acre of land - Literal = "half a furrow of a yoke of a field," the amount of land that could be plowed by a pair of yoked oxen in a day. 1 Samuel 14:15 And there was a trembling in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. Even the garrison and the raiders trembled, and the earth quaked so that it became a great trembling. BGT 1 Samuel 14:15 καὶ ἐγενήθη ἔκστασις ἐν τῇ παρεμβολῇ καὶ ἐν ἀγρῷ καὶ πᾶς ὁ λαὸς οἱ ἐν μεσσαβ καὶ οἱ διαφθείροντες ἐξέστησαν καὶ αὐτοὶ οὐκ ἤθελον ποιεῖν καὶ ἐθάμβησεν ἡ γῆ καὶ ἐγενήθη ἔκστασις παρὰ κυρίου LXE 1 Samuel 14:15 And there was dismay in the camp, and in the field; and all the people in Messab, and the spoilers were amazed; and they would not act, and the land was terror-struck, and there was dismay from the Lord. KJV 1 Samuel 14:15 And there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people: the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth quaked: so it was a very great trembling. NET 1 Samuel 14:15 Then fear overwhelmed those who were in the camp, those who were in the field, all the army in the garrison, and the raiding bands. They trembled and the ground shook. This fear was caused by God. CSB 1 Samuel 14:15 Terror spread through the Philistine camp and the open fields to all the troops. Even the garrison and the raiding parties were terrified. The earth shook, and terror spread from God. ESV 1 Samuel 14:15 And there was a panic in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. The garrison and even the raiders trembled, the earth quaked, and it became a very great panic. NIV 1 Samuel 14:15 Then panic struck the whole army--those in the camp and field, and those in the outposts and raiding parties--and the ground shook. It was a panic sent by God. NLT 1 Samuel 14:15 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. NRS 1 Samuel 14:15 There was a panic in the camp, in the field, and among all the people; the garrison and even the raiders trembled; the earth quaked; and it became a very great panic. NJB 1 Samuel 14:15 There was panic in the camp, in the field and throughout the army; outpost and raiding company too were panic-stricken; the earth quaked: it was a panic from Yahweh. NAB 1 Samuel 14:15 Then panic spread to the army and to the countryside, and all the soldiers, including the outpost and the raiding parties, were terror-stricken. The earth also shook, so that the panic was beyond human endurance. YLT 1 Samuel 14:15 and there is a trembling in the camp, in the field, and among all the people, the station and the destroyers have trembled -- even they, and the earth shaketh, and it becometh a trembling of God. there was a trembling: Jos 2:9 Jdg 7:21 2Ki 7:6,7 Job 18:11 Ps 14:5 the raiders: 1Sa 13:17,23 the earth quaked: Ex 19:18 Mt 24:6 27:50,51 it became a great trembling: Heb. trembling of God, Ge 35:5 Lev 26:36,37 2Sa 5:24 Da 5:6 1 Samuel 14 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Joshua 2:9+ (JOSHUA) said to the men, “I know that the LORD has given you the land, and that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land have melted away before you." Judges 7:20-21+ When the three companies blew the trumpets and broke the pitchers, they held the torches in their left hands and the trumpets in their right hands for blowing, and cried, “A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!” 21 Each stood in his place around the camp; and all the (ENEMY) army ran, crying out as they fled. WHOLE LOT OF SHAKING GOING ON! And there was a trembling in the camp, in the field, and among all the people - The people refers to the Philistines thus CSB renders it (with a slight paraphrase) "Terror spread through the Philistine camp and the open fields to all the troops." THOUGHT - Why was there trembling, earth quaking and fear from God? Because one man named Jonathan had been given a promise from God and had believed that promise and had acted upon that promise. This is always the pathway for victory over our enemies. Are the enemies seemingly invincible? Victory is still in within your reach in Christ your Rock. Trust and obey, for there is no other way, to be be happy in Jesus, than to trust and obey! Amen? Amen! Even the garrison and the raiders trembled, and the earth quaked so that it became a great trembling - The key word is trembling. The earth shook and the Philistines shook! Deuteronomy 7:23+ says “the LORD your God will deliver them before you, and will throw them into great confusion until they are destroyed." An earthquake would result in confusion! So that it became a great trembling is literally a "trembling of God" (1Sa 14:15YLT) or a "terror of God." (See NET NOTE below).
1 Samuel 14
Guzik - This shows that the result among the army of Israel was wrong. No matter what Saul’s motive was, this was foolish. When the morale and the physical energy of Israel should have been the strongest, the army was weak and discouraged. For - Term of explanation. Saul had put the people under oath - NIV = "Saul had bound the people under an oath" What a foolish leader Saul was proving to be! It is too bad Solomon had not written his warning "Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few." (Ecclesiastes 5:2) Saying, "Cursed be the man who eats food before evening, and until I have avenged myself on my enemies." - There is nothing in the Torah that would support this foolish curse. This strikes me as a very egotistical statement "until I have avenged myself on my enemies" not the enemies of Jehovah! He is in it for his glory! Saul, unlike Jonathan, did not view the battle as the LORD’s (1Sa 14:12)! Guzik on until I have avenged myself on my enemies - This shows that Saul’s focus was wrong. Saul put the army of Israel under an oath so he could take vengeance on his enemies. If he regarded it as his battle, he should simply fast himself. Saul showed that even in doing something spiritual like fasting his focus is on himself, not the Lord. i. Through this curse, Saul put the focus back on himself. That day, no one would be thinking much about Jonathan because their hunger would always remind them of Saul’s curse. Rod Mattoon - Saul now becomes an obstacle, a hindrance in this battle. This crazy command was motivated by vengeance and pride, not God’s glory. Saul’s rash command distresses and hinders the army from total victory (ED: AND SEE THE PRICE HE PAID FOR ALL THE REST OF HIS REIGN - 1Sa 14:52!). They became too weak to fight. Saul was so concerned about avenging himself that he neglected the needs of his men. Our selfishness hurts and hinders others. David Thompson - Rash decisions often cause great trouble and usually they are not of God. In fact, God’s word teaches that it is not wise to do anything rash (Acts 19:36). The town clerk of Ephesus told the emotional crowd, “You ought to keep calm and do nothing rash.” Saul never did learn this lesson. We are called to war and there will be times when we must take a stand and wise are those believers who have been well-fed the books of the Bible and doctrine, for they will be the best soldiers. So none of the people tasted food - The soldiers obeyed Saul's foolish decree. The result was undoubtedly a much lesser victory and routing of the Philistines than it could have been had Saul been wise. He was not a wise king! Baldwin - “The mopping-up operations after a rout were all-important if the maximum benefit from the victory was to be reaped, but pursuit of the enemy involved an exhausting, unremitting journey over steep hills for hours on end.” (Borrow 1 and 2 Samuel)