1 Samuel 14 Commentary
In Chapter 13, we noticed how Saul shook with fear because the Philistines assembled against him. It is actually Jonathan, his son, who had initiated this trouble by attacking a Philistine outpost. In Chapter 14, Jonathan’s faith is on display again.
He attacks another Philistine outpost, killing 20 men, all by himself. The consequence is that the LORD delivers Israel again. It is amazing what little faith and little effort can do! “Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.”
This timelessly important injunction is credited to Jonathan’s faith, which is preserved here for the encouragement of the saint with little faith.
We can also admire Jonathan’s humility in checking whether his mission had the approval of the LORD. He interacts with the God of Abraham by faith; he doesn’t rely on cold and lifeless rituals like his father in Chapter 13.
Look at King Saul. While his son’s faith achieves wonders, Saul’s cold religion fidgets with rituals. Like Jonathan, we are also shocked by Saul’s decision-making. Indeed, he has brought trouble to Israel. It should be strange that this assessment should be coming from his own son!
We know Saul isn’t alone. Today’s love for objects such as rosary, holy water, or anointing oil takes you back to Saul’s cold and lifeless religious pursuits.
On the other hand, Jonathan simply believes the LORD can save by many or by few. He is so consumed by this faith that he fears less for his personal safety. Yet, he is humble enough to state, ‘let your will be done.’
It is easily observable that some very intelligent minds are known for their very foolish and shocking decisions. The absence of the Spirit of God guarantees it!
The chapter closes with the statement that ‘all the days of Saul, there was bitter war with the Philistines’. Firstly, this scenario wasn’t part of the script. The LORD had promised to eliminate these enemies completely. The mention of bitter battles means Saul failed in his mission.
The scripture seems to bring out the point that Jonathan’s simple faith could have achieved victory easily, and the statement on Saul’s bitter wars with the Philistines was never going to be part of the scripture!
Secondly, the chapter seems to point out Saul’s sinful and poor decision-making as the reason for failure. It was never meant to end this way. A religious activity here and there; a first-timer altar builder; a wrongly taken religious oath; and a church talk here and there, all without a real relationship with the LORD – It is this kind of Christianity which causes a lot of pain and suffering.
Yes, this chapter should be about Jonathan’s faith. But looking at it from a different angle, the chapter highlights Saul’s failings. How simple faith – amply exemplified by Jonathan could have saved Saul’s career!
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