1 Samuel 14:1-48
Observations and Interpretation:
Just like the beginning of 1 Samuel describing the rise of Samuel and the fall of Eli, here in ch 14, we see the rise of Jonathan and the fall of Saul.
(1) v.1-23 Saul was no match to Jonathan
A. Jonathan was brave
v.1, 6, 8 With just himself and his armor-bearer, Jonathan decided to go over to the enemies' garrison. On the other hand, Saul was with 600 men v.2 and the priest (who was the descendent of Eli), but he was just sitting under the tree. He was not involved when God made the people win v.19-20. (Other Israelites were hiding in holes v.11 and were ridiculed by the Philistines v.11).
B. Not only Jonathan was brave, but also his armor-bearer
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!”
same phrase as in 14 for David 現在你的王位必不長久。耶和華已經尋著一個合他心意的人
(EBC) Armor-bearers in ancient times had to be unusually brave and loyal, since the lives of their masters often depended on them. David would later serve Saul in that capacity (16:21); and Saul’s final valiant stand against the Philistines at Mount Gilboa would take place alongside his faithful armor-bearer, who would die with him (31:4–6)
C. Jonathan had faith in God
v.6b ...Nothing can prevent the LORD from delivering, whether by many or by a few.
v.10b ...For in that case the LORD has given them into our hand—it will be a sign to us
Jonathan was brave because he knew that God was able. The only thing he was not sure was if God would use him.
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!”
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 sign he asked for happened Jonathan seen the victory of the battle as a done deal.
D. God was with Jonathan
The word fear/tremble/panic was repeated v.15 (x3), 19, and the soldiers were described as seemingly to melt away v.16, to the point that they kill one another v.20.
Reflection: The key to the brevity of Jonathan was his faith. He saw what other people did not. How about us? Are we following other people or dare to make a difference?
Another key of the brevity of Jonathan was his armor-bearer. Do we have such a person in our life? Who is your armor-bearer? Are you an armor-bearer to another person?
Jonathan's faith was a faith in action, and such action would have caused his life. Are we able to withstand any set-back in our life? Or do we easily give up upon set-back?
(2) v.24-48 Saul made foolish decision that no one would agree
A. Jonathan disagreed with Saul with the oath he made the army agree to v.24
29 Then Jonathan said, “My father has caused trouble for the land. See how my eyes gleamed when I tasted just a little of this honey. 30 Certainly if the army had eaten some of the enemies’ provisions that they came across today, would not the slaughter of the Philistines have been even greater?”
Jonathan was right because when the army became so tired and hungry they ate meat with blood, which was a sin against God v.31-33. (Lev 17:10–14; 19:26; Deut 12:16, 23–24; Ezek 33:25; Acts 15:20).
B. People stands on the side of Jonathan over Saul
(NAC) Respectful even in the face of Saul’s shocking announcement, knowing that Jonathan had (however innocently) violated his father’s imposed oath, aware that the brave Jonathan would likely die though no fault of his own, doubtless sympathizing with Jonathan’s position as over against Saul’s folly—none of his men “said a word”
Lastly, the army disagreed with Saul when he tried to kill Jonathan for breaking his oath v.44-46.
v.45b ...As surely as the LORD lives, not a single hair of his head will fall to the ground, for it is with the help of God that he has acted today.” So the army rescued Jonathan from death.
Reflection: A leader like Jonathan was clearly recognized by his own people. Do we recognize our leader by seeing the help of God is upon that person?
With the right leaders they made the good decision for us, and vice versa. Are we a good leader to those we lead and making good decisions for them?
2024
2024
v.36-45
Bright spots
1. What kind of leader was Saul
a. the people knows better than him
his people was very obedient to him even to very unreasonable requested v.24-35. The phrase, "do whatever you thinks is beast is repeated here in v.36, 40. However, when Saul tried to kill Jonathan the army said, "May it never be." people knows better how to see the will of God. Not just by Urim and Thummim v.39-42, but by seeing whom God had used to rescued them ("for it is with the help of God that he has acted today") v.45.
2. Why did God not answering Saul v.37? Saul's assumption about sin and die was correct. And the lot fell on Jonathan. Was the reason why God not answering Saul was the sin of Jonathan? Did Jonathan sin?
Scripture did not tell us whether God would answer Saul afterwards. Did Jonathan need to put to death then God would answer him? We have no answer from Scripture because they went home afterwards.
Is it possible to assume this: Jonathan sinned in violating Saul's order as a king. But there may be other reason for God's silence.
(EBC) When he received no answer, he sensed that something was amiss in the army (v.38). Much later, after his rejection by God, Saul would understand that no approach or technique, however authorized in other contexts, would bring a divine response, however desperate his need (28:6, 15).
Reflection
The lot did give the answer of Saul, but that was not the most important question in the eyes of the people. On one hand, Saul was a failure as a leader who only cares about what he deems best. On the other hand, God's will sometimes are more obvious than what the lot can tell. Who was the leader or the instrument used by God was obvious to the people.
Why did God want me to read this passage today? I pray that I will be humble. Not that I can lead the ministry. The ministry is good is because of God. He brought the right people among us (Joseph and Aaron), but by my effort, but His.
Questions
1. v.6b Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.”
effect: 23 So on that day the LORD saved Israel, and the battle moved on beyond Beth Aven.
2. When we held VBC in a small barn house and we believed that God will take care of us even we will have 40+students
3. v.24b Cursed be anyone who eats food before evening comes, before I have avenged myself on my enemies!”
In both 36, 40 the people replied Saul, "Do what seems best to you," but not in v.45, they said to Saul, "Never!"
The priest suggested to inquire of God here. v.36.
v.36-52
Bright spots
1. v.47 ESV, When Saul had taken the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side
taken=of Saul’s seizing the kingdom (הַמְּלוּכָה), i. e. acquiring it actually by force of arms (BDAG)
2. The rest of this passage is about how he fought his enemies on all side, in every direction v.47, he fought bravely v.48, there was fierce war...all the days of Saul v.52, he conscript any warrior or brave individual.
Reflections
As a king, Saul did his job. He protected his country from all sides and delivered them from the hands of their enemies.
However, he was the rejected one by God. Why does God tell me about this today? If I can take care of all the "business" and make the Children club a great "success," but without pleasing God, what good will that have?
Audrey
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