(1) Starting in chapter 14, the Scriptures recorded the battle led by Jonathan. The point is this is not under the leadership of Saul. "But he did not let his father know v.1," "The army was unaware that Jonathan had left v.3." Saul disobeyed God and Samuel said God would find another leader for Israel. Therefore, the success of Israel was not due to Saul now. Because of Jonathan God blessed them.
Note, at the end of chapter 13, v.17, raiding bands went out from the camp of the Philistines in 3 groups. If no one could lead Israel they were going to lose. God was faithful to His covenant. He provided a new leader for Israel to lead them.
(2) About Jonathan
a. He was brave-When no one dared to fight he was willing to go v.1 and v.4. Scriptures described in details the geographical location between the 2 camps.
14:4 Now there was a steep cliff on each side of the pass through which Jonathan intended to go to reach the Philistine garrison. One cliff was named Bozez, the other Seneh. 14:5 The cliff to the north was closer to Micmash, the one to the south closer to Geba.
The names of the steep crags imply the difficulty in scaling them. “Seneh” means “the Thorny One,” and “Bozez” means “the Gleaming One” or “the Miry One.” See http://www.waynestiles.com/michmash-overwhelming-odds-and-your-powerful-god/
The names of the steep crags imply the difficulty in scaling them. “Seneh” means “the Thorny One,” and “Bozez” means “the Gleaming One” or “the Miry One.” See http://www.waynestiles.com/michmash-overwhelming-odds-and-your-powerful-god/
b. The reason why he was so brave was because of his faith, the kind of faith that his father lacked-
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.”
Note, he called the Philistines uncircumcised men-which means, they were not the people of God, but we were. Therefore, he believed that God would help them. Saul was afraid and disobeyed God when he saw that his army were leaving. Jonathan thought that with the help of God it did not matter whether they had many people of a few.
c. He watched for the opportunities given by God-
14:10 But if they say, ‘Come up against us,’ we will go up. For in that case the LORD has given them into our hand—it will be a sign to us.”
14:12 Then the men of the garrison said to Jonathan and his armor bearer, “Come on up to us so we can teach you a thing or two!” Then Jonathan said to his armor bearer, “Come up behind me, for the LORD has given them into the hand of Israel!”
14:12 Then the men of the garrison said to Jonathan and his armor bearer, “Come on up to us so we can teach you a thing or two!” Then Jonathan said to his armor bearer, “Come up behind me, for the LORD has given them into the hand of Israel!”
(NET) [has given]The perfect verbal form is used rhetorically here to express Jonathan’s certitude. As far as he is concerned, the victory is as good as won and can be described as such.
When the criteria he set did happen Jonathan knew that the LORD had given the Philistines into their hands. He was careful and needed to know whether God had given him the chance.
When the criteria he set did happen Jonathan knew that the LORD had given the Philistines into their hands. He was careful and needed to know whether God had given him the chance.
Reflection:
How was God faithful to you when you failed Him? God provided Jonathan to Israel. What did God provide to you?
Jonathan was brave, full of faith and careful to watch for the sign from God. What can we learn from him? How often were we caught up in the fear? When the doctor told us that they found something in the test result? When they find that we have cancer? Or other diseases? Jonathan went through the 2 cliffs called "the thorny one" and the "gleaming one." How about you?
Jonathan went up to his enemies with only his armor bearer because he believed that God was his help. His trust in God was great because he risked his life on this move. Will you?
Finally, are we careful to search for the will of God? Jonathan did not risk his life and his armor bearer's life without careful searching of God's will. When you are making a decision, whether big or small, do you search for God's will carefully?
2024
bring spots
1. Jonathan knew that his father would not agree with him and therefore he left without any one know v.1,3.
2. A steep cliff geography means they would probably be seen by the enemies if they climbed up there v.4. When they crawled up on his hands and feet they were in a disadvantage position v.13. His plan includes being seen by his enemies v.8 (BDAG, CUV, NIV, ESV) and v.11. Finally, they were obviously less in number than their enemies no matter with 600 or just 2. Jonathan was brave and he knew that his father would not agree with him. Why? Because he knew his father did not have the faith that he has v.6.
3. Even though Jonathan had faith in God v.6, but he was still not sure if God would do what he thought. "If they say... it will be a sign to us" v.10. Then Jonathan said..."Come up behind me, FOR the LORD has given them into the hand of Israel." Only at this time he was really sure about what the LORD would do to them. As long as the LORD would do this the victory was a done deal.
(NET) The perfect verbal form is used rhetorically here to express Jonathan’s certitude. As far as he is concerned, the victory is as good as won and can be described as such.
Reflections:
Even though Saul was his father, Jonathan saw him from a new angle starting in this chapter. He did not have faith in God. Jonathan's action was based on his faith and he did not want people without faith to interfere with him. Can I see people not from my relationship with them, but with their faith level? What choice I will make differently if I use this angle?
Audrey
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