Jonathan wins with God's help

1 Samuel Chapter 14

One day Jonathan (Saul's son) told his armor-bearer that they were going to spy on the Philistines outpost. He didn't tell his father where he was going. Meanwhile Saul and six hundred men were camped near Gibeah. Among Saul's men was Ahijah, the priest, grandson of Eli the priest who served the Lord at Shiloh.

No one knew Jonathan had left the Israelite camp and to reach the Philistines he had climb between two rocky cliffs. His armor bearer was supportive of him and Jonathan devised a plan that they would let the enemy see them but would not go up to them if they were ordered to halt. But if the enemy said to fight, then we will go up and let it be the Lord's sign that will help us defeat them.

The Philistines saw them and taunted, "Look, the Hebrews are crawling out of their holes!" And they shouted to Jonathan to come and they would teach him a lesson. Jonathan told his armor bearer to stay close behind him and climbed up and killed many Philistines. Suddenly panic broke out in the Philistine's army, both in the camp, the field and even the outposts and raiding parties. And an earthquake struck.

Saul's lookouts saw a strange sight-the vast army of the Philistines began to melt away in every direction. Saul ordered his men to check their own ranks and discovered Jonathan was missing. The Saul shouted to Ahijah to bring him the ephod, but as he spoke the confusion of the Philistines grew louder and he said, "never mind" to the ephod. Then he and his men rushed into battle and found the Philistines killing each other. Even some Hebrews who had gone over to the Philistine army were joining Saul and Jonathan. So the Lord saved Israel again that day and the battle raged out beyond Beth-aven.

Now the men of Israel were worn out because Saul had made them take an oath not to eat before evening. So no one ate all day, even though they found honeycomb on the ground in the forest - they did not touch it. But Jonathan had not heard his father's order and he dipped a stick into the honeycomb and ate the honey. Then his men told him about the oath and he said it was troublesome and could only hurt the men. He said he felt better having eaten a little honey. He told the men that if they had been allowed to eat, they could have killed more of the enemy. But hungry or not, they continued to kill Philistines until evening and were faint from hunger and butchered livestock and ate before the blood had run out.

Saul knew his men were sinning by eating meat that still had blood and he ordered livestock killed and drained. That night he built his first altar to the Lord. He wanted to continue to chase and kill Philistines, but decided to ask the Lord. But the Lord did not reply. So Saul called his leaders and asked what sin was committed. He prayed to the Lord to show him who was guilty and who innocent. And he and Jonathan were chosen as guilty. Then the people chose Jonathan as the guilty one even though his only sin was to taste a bit of honey. Saul told Jonathan he must die. But the people said that he saved Israel and should not die. So they rescued Jonathan.

Later when Saul secured his grasp on the throne, he fought enemies in all directions and was always victorious. He did great deeds and conquered the Amalekites. He had other sons, Isbosheth and Malkishua and two daughters. The Israelites fought battles constantly through Saul's reign and many young men were drafted into his army.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: At the beginning of this chapter, Saul did a miserable job as leader. He had no communication skills,made a foolish curse (troops eating) and he ignored the well being of his soldiers. Jonathan on the other hand, trusted the Lord to give him victory and his bravery in the face of overwhelming odds is legendary. He did not wait to start taking control in small steps. Saul on the other hand, did not wait for God's answer and as a result his men were so hungry that they ate meat before it was drained of blood, which was against God's law.Saul even waited as an afterthought to build an altar and ask God; how much better if he had asked God first.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? When we are faced with a difficult situation, ask yourself what steps we can take to work it out. A few small steps like Jonathan's might lead to a victory.
If you have ever felt overwhelmed by the odds, do what Jonathan did, and ask God for help. God is never intimidated. Commit yourself to what resources he gives you.

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH: Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents, Arlene’s nephew David, Lori (who suffered a terrible accident)and her family and my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, is now able to speak and is working on rehab for paralysis. Pray for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues. Update on Stella: She is 10 weeks old and has her own room at the hospital. The doctors continue to experiment with respirators, but her parents can see progress in her lung activity. Pray also for healing of Mark after brain surgery and my friend Elaine who underwent surgery. Pray also for Craig who is undergoing heart tests. These folks need your prayers so badly. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, those who need jobs, those who are about to lose or have lost their homes. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.