1Samuel 13-14
Overview of chapter 13
After Saul was confirmed as king at the age of 30 he choose for himself 3000 men as soldiers, and sent 1000 of them with his son Jonathan. Jonathan and his 1000 soldiers defeated some of the Philistines, and Saul then called all of Israel’ soldiers to meet him at Gilgal. The Philistines then gathered together a large army of men and chariots, which scared the Israelites and many of them went into hiding in caves.
As Saul prepared to do battle with the Philistines he offered burnt and peace offerings to the Lord (a major no-no for a someone who is not a priest). When Samuel the priest heard this he rebuked Saul and let him know that his kingdom would not endure and trouble was in the future.
Meanwhile, the Philistines had divided into three groups and were preparing to attack the Israelites. It should be an easy victory since the Israelites were not allowed to play with sharp things (they even have to ask the Philistines to sharpen their axes, plows, and hoes).
Overview of chapter 14
Jonathan decides to enter the Philistines camp, because he believes in faith that the Lord will give the Israelites victory regardless of the numbers. He takes his faithful armor bearer with him. As they approach the camp they decide to make themselves known from a distance and if the Philistines call them to camp then they will know that God will grant them the victory. The Philistines did invite them to camp and Jonathan and his armor bearer slaughtered 20 Philistines, and that scared the rest of the Philistines so they started to flee.
Saul was able to see the Philistines fleeing so he asked around to find out who was chasing them and he found out it was his son Jonathan. Confusion spread amongst the Philistines and Saul and his men began to pursue them. This sight gave courage to those who were hiding and they joined the fight as well as the Israelites who were the Philistines slaves.
Saul foolishly instructed his people to chase them until they were all caught and instructed them not to stop and eat along the way. Because they had no food the Israelites were worn out. Jonathan had not heard the order and he ate, which gave him strength. The Israelites were so hungry that after they defeated the Philistines they did not wait to cook their meal, they ate it raw, including the blood (major no-no in the law). When Saul heard this he set up a kitchen for them to cook it first.
Saul desired to continue to chase the Philistines until every last one was destroyed and he inquired of God as to whether this was a good idea. Unfortunately for Saul God was not answering him anymore. Saul decided to see whose sin had led to God departing so he separated himself and his son out by lot and it was determined that Jonathan eating the honey against Saul’s vow was the cause of God not answering. Jonathan should have been put to death, but the people refused to kill him.
The rest of Saul’s reign would be marked by war.
Reflection
How careful are you to worship God only in ways that are acceptable to Him? Do you believe that Jonathan was an example of faith or foolishness as he entered the camp? How often do your fleshly appetites (not just for food) cause you to sin? Is it often after a time of foolish decision making?
For Further Study
Confusion, God’s tool: Genesis 11:6-10, Exodus 14:24, Exodus 23:27, Deuteronomy 28:15-20, Psalm 144:6
After Saul was confirmed as king at the age of 30 he choose for himself 3000 men as soldiers, and sent 1000 of them with his son Jonathan. Jonathan and his 1000 soldiers defeated some of the Philistines, and Saul then called all of Israel’ soldiers to meet him at Gilgal. The Philistines then gathered together a large army of men and chariots, which scared the Israelites and many of them went into hiding in caves.
As Saul prepared to do battle with the Philistines he offered burnt and peace offerings to the Lord (a major no-no for a someone who is not a priest). When Samuel the priest heard this he rebuked Saul and let him know that his kingdom would not endure and trouble was in the future.
Meanwhile, the Philistines had divided into three groups and were preparing to attack the Israelites. It should be an easy victory since the Israelites were not allowed to play with sharp things (they even have to ask the Philistines to sharpen their axes, plows, and hoes).
Overview of chapter 14
Jonathan decides to enter the Philistines camp, because he believes in faith that the Lord will give the Israelites victory regardless of the numbers. He takes his faithful armor bearer with him. As they approach the camp they decide to make themselves known from a distance and if the Philistines call them to camp then they will know that God will grant them the victory. The Philistines did invite them to camp and Jonathan and his armor bearer slaughtered 20 Philistines, and that scared the rest of the Philistines so they started to flee.
Saul was able to see the Philistines fleeing so he asked around to find out who was chasing them and he found out it was his son Jonathan. Confusion spread amongst the Philistines and Saul and his men began to pursue them. This sight gave courage to those who were hiding and they joined the fight as well as the Israelites who were the Philistines slaves.
Saul foolishly instructed his people to chase them until they were all caught and instructed them not to stop and eat along the way. Because they had no food the Israelites were worn out. Jonathan had not heard the order and he ate, which gave him strength. The Israelites were so hungry that after they defeated the Philistines they did not wait to cook their meal, they ate it raw, including the blood (major no-no in the law). When Saul heard this he set up a kitchen for them to cook it first.
Saul desired to continue to chase the Philistines until every last one was destroyed and he inquired of God as to whether this was a good idea. Unfortunately for Saul God was not answering him anymore. Saul decided to see whose sin had led to God departing so he separated himself and his son out by lot and it was determined that Jonathan eating the honey against Saul’s vow was the cause of God not answering. Jonathan should have been put to death, but the people refused to kill him.
The rest of Saul’s reign would be marked by war.
Reflection
How careful are you to worship God only in ways that are acceptable to Him? Do you believe that Jonathan was an example of faith or foolishness as he entered the camp? How often do your fleshly appetites (not just for food) cause you to sin? Is it often after a time of foolish decision making?
For Further Study
Confusion, God’s tool: Genesis 11:6-10, Exodus 14:24, Exodus 23:27, Deuteronomy 28:15-20, Psalm 144:6
posted by Shaun Sells | 9:25 AM
3 Comments:
Pastor, seemingly Jonathan had faith towards God but lacked wisdom (the application). In my desire to learn to balance both what is your advice?
Actually, it would seem that Jonathan was both faithful and wise. Saul is the one who made a foolish choice. Jonathan was not present when Saul made his vow and had no way of knowing that an act as simple as eating would endanger his life.
As far as balancing wisdom and faith I don't have a great answer, but read 1Corinthians 2:3-10. The idea there seems to be that wisdom comes with maturity of faith and is revealed through the Holy Spirit. This type of wisdom may not always match up with conventional wisdom.
Thank you for clearing up my misunderstanding of Jonathan. Also, thank you for the scripture reference in 1 Cor 2 - I will read it often and continue to pray.
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