1 Samuel 14 The Death of Samuel

1 14 One day Jonathan son of Saul said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let’s go over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.” But he did not tell his father.

2 Saul was staying on the outskirts of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree in Migron. With him were about six hundred men,

3 among whom was Ahijah, who was wearing an ephod. He was a son of Ichabod’s brother Ahitub son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the Lord’s priest in Shiloh. No one was aware that Jonathan had left.

4 On each side of the pass that Jonathan intended to cross to reach the Philistine outpost was a cliff; one was called Bozez, and the other Seneh.

5 One cliff stood to the north toward Micmash, the other to the south toward Geba.

6 Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.”

7 “Do all that you have in mind,” his armor-bearer said. “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.”

8 Jonathan said, “Come, then; we will cross over toward the men and let them see us.

9 If they say to us, ‘Wait there until we come to you,’ we will stay where we are and not go up to them.

10 But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ we will climb up, because that will be our sign that the Lord has given them into our hands.”

11 So both of them showed themselves to the Philistine outpost. “Look!” said the Philistines. “The Hebrews are crawling out of the holes they were hiding in.”

12 The men of the outpost shouted to Jonathan and his armor-bearer, “Come up to us and we’ll teach you a lesson.”
So Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, “Climb up after me; the Lord has given them into the hand of Israel.”

13 Jonathan climbed up, using his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer right behind him. The Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer followed and killed behind him.

14 In that first attack Jonathan and his armor-bearer killed some twenty men in an area of about half an acre.

15 Israel Routs the Philistines
Then panic struck the whole army—those in the camp and field, and those in the outposts and raiding parties—and the ground shook. It was a panic sent by God.

16 Saul’s lookouts at Gibeah in Benjamin saw the army melting away in all directions.

17 Then Saul said to the men who were with him, “Muster the forces and see who has left us.” When they did, it was Jonathan and his armor-bearer who were not there.

18 Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God.” (At that time it was with the Israelites.)

19 While Saul was talking to the priest, the tumult in the Philistine camp increased more and more. So Saul said to the priest, “Withdraw your hand.”

20 Then Saul and all his men assembled and went to the battle. They found the Philistines in total confusion, striking each other with their swords.

21 Those Hebrews who had previously been with the Philistines and had gone up with them to their camp went over to the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.

22 When all the Israelites who had hidden in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were on the run, they joined the battle in hot pursuit.

23 So the Lord rescued Israel that day, and the battle moved on beyond Beth Aven.

24 Jonathan Eats Honey
Now the men of Israel were in distress that day, because Saul had bound the people under an oath, saying, “Cursed be any man who eats food before evening comes, before I have avenged myself on my enemies!” So none of the troops tasted food.

25 The entire army entered the woods, and there was honey on the ground.

26 When they went into the woods, they saw the honey oozing out, yet no one put his hand to his mouth, because they feared the oath.

27 But Jonathan had not heard that his father had bound the people with the oath, so he reached out the end of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it into the honeycomb. He raised his hand to his mouth, and his eyes brightened.

28 Then one of the soldiers told him, “Your father bound the army under a strict oath, saying, ‘Cursed be any man who eats food today!’ That is why the men are faint.”

29 Jonathan said, “My father has made trouble for the country. See how my eyes brightened when I tasted a little of this honey.

30 How much better it would have been if the men had eaten today some of the plunder they took from their enemies. Would not the slaughter of the Philistines have been even greater?”

31 That day, after the Israelites had struck down the Philistines from Micmash to Aijalon, they were exhausted.

32 They pounced on the plunder and, taking sheep, cattle and calves, they butchered them on the ground and ate them, together with the blood.

33 Then someone said to Saul, “Look, the men are sinning against the Lord by eating meat that has blood in it.”
“You have broken faith,” he said. “Roll a large stone over here at once.”

34 Then he said, “Go out among the men and tell them, ‘Each of you bring me your cattle and sheep, and slaughter them here and eat them. Do not sin against the Lord by eating meat with blood still in it.’”
So everyone brought his ox that night and slaughtered it there.

35 Then Saul built an altar to the Lord; it was the first time he had done this.

36 Saul said, “Let us go down after the Philistines by night and plunder them till dawn, and let us not leave one of them alive.”
“Do whatever seems best to you,” they replied.
But the priest said, “Let us inquire of God here.”

37 So Saul asked God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will you give them into Israel’s hand?” But God did not answer him that day.

38 Saul therefore said, “Come here, all you who are leaders of the army, and let us find out what sin has been committed today.

39 As surely as the Lord who rescues Israel lives, even if it lies with my son Jonathan, he must die.” But not one of the men said a word.

40 Saul then said to all the Israelites, “You stand over there; I and Jonathan my son will stand over here.”
“Do what seems best to you,” the men replied.

41 Then Saul prayed to the Lord, the God of Israel, “Give me the right answer.” And Jonathan and Saul were taken by lot, and the men were cleared.

42 Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and Jonathan my son.” And Jonathan was taken.

43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.”
So Jonathan told him, “I merely tasted a little honey with the end of my staff. And now must I die?”

44 Saul said, “May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if you do not die, Jonathan.”

45 But the men said to Saul, “Should Jonathan die—he who has brought about this great deliverance in Israel? Never! As surely as the Lord lives, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground, for he did this today with God’s help.” So the men rescued Jonathan, and he was not put to death.

46 Then Saul stopped pursuing the Philistines, and they withdrew to their own land.

47 After Saul had assumed rule over Israel, he fought against their enemies on every side: Moab, the Ammonites, Edom, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines. Wherever he turned, he inflicted punishment on them.

48 He fought valiantly and defeated the Amalekites, delivering Israel from the hands of those who had plundered them.

49 Saul’s Family
Saul’s sons were Jonathan, Ishvi and Malki-Shua. The name of his older daughter was Merab, and that of the younger was Michal.

50 His wife’s name was Ahinoam daughter of Ahimaaz. The name of the commander of Saul’s army was Abner son of Ner, and Ner was Saul’s uncle.

51 Saul’s father Kish and Abner’s father Ner were sons of Abiel.

52 All the days of Saul there was bitter war with the Philistines, and whenever Saul saw a mighty or brave man, he took him into his service.

Previous Chapter 1 Samuel 13 Next Chapter 1 Samuel 15

Analysis of 1 Samuel Chapter 14

1 Samuel Chapter 14 is a remarkable chapter in the narrative of the early monarchy in Israel. It highlights the boldness and faith of Jonathan, the son of King Saul, contrasting with Saul’s hesitancy and flawed leadership. The chapter is a blend of divine intervention, human courage, and the complexities of leadership. This analysis will delve deeply into the various themes and events of the chapter, providing a comprehensive understanding of its significance in the broader biblical narrative.

The Bold Initiative of Jonathan (Verses 1-14)

The chapter commences with Jonathan taking a bold initiative without his father’s knowledge. In verse 1, Jonathan decides to approach the Philistine garrison, accompanied only by his young armor-bearer. This decision underscores Jonathan’s bravery and faith. Unlike his father, who is depicted as hesitant and indecisive, Jonathan embodies a proactive and faithful spirit.

“Come, let us go over to the Philistine garrison that is on the other side.” – 1 Samuel 14:1

Jonathan’s faith is apparent in his belief that the Lord can save “by many or by few” (verse 6). His confidence in God’s power to deliver is a stark contrast to Saul’s uncertainty. Jonathan’s words are a powerful testament to the faith in divine capability over human odds. This moment sets the stage for divine intervention, showing that faith coupled with action invites God’s miraculous assistance.

The subsequent verses (7-14) detail the audacious venture into the Philistine camp. The armor-bearer’s loyalty and confidence in Jonathan mirrors Jonathan’s faith in God. The strategic significance of Jonathan’s plan is noteworthy. By revealing themselves to the Philistines, they gauge the enemy’s reaction to determine the Lord’s will. The Philistines’ invitation to “come up to us” (verse 12) is taken as a divine signal of victory.

Jonathan and his armor-bearer successfully strike down approximately twenty men (verse 14). This small yet significant victory sparks a broader panic among the Philistines, which is pivotal in the ensuing conflict. Jonathan’s initiative demonstrates that significant victories often begin with small, faith-driven actions.

Saul’s Leadership and the Symbolic Significance (Verses 15-23)

Verses 15-23 shift the focus to Saul and the broader consequences of Jonathan’s initial victory. A “trembling in the camp” (verse 15) signifies a divinely induced panic among the Philistines, leading to widespread confusion and chaos. This points to the idea of divine intervention complementing human effort—the combination of Jonathan’s faith-fueled actions and God’s supernatural influence creates a tipping point in the battle.

Saul’s actions during this period are marked by hesitation and uncertainty. In verse 18, Saul calls for the ark of God. This gesture indicates Saul’s recognition of the need for divine guidance. However, the ensuing events suggest that Saul’s piety is superficial and ritualistic rather than heartfelt. The sudden withdrawal of the priest’s consultation due to the increasing chaos (verse 19) reflects Saul’s reactive rather than proactive leadership style.

Saul’s decision to muster his troops (verse 20) is reactive to the unfolding events rather than a preemptive strike. The confusion and infighting among the Philistines emphasize that the battle’s outcome is more a result of divine orchestration than Saul’s leadership.

“So the Lord saved Israel that day.” – 1 Samuel 14:23

This verse (23) succinctly credits the victory to divine intervention, reinforcing the narrative theme that God’s favor and intervention are crucial in determining the outcomes in Israel’s history.

The Rash Vow and Its Consequences (Verses 24-30)

Saul’s character is further scrutinized through his rash vow in verse 24. He commands his men not to eat until evening, under the threat of a curse. Saul’s vow, intended to hasten the defeat of the Philistines, instead jeopardizes his troops’ strength and morale.

Jonathan, unaware of his father’s vow, eats honey from a honeycomb he finds (verse 27). His actions, followed by the people’s revelation of Saul’s curse (verse 28), highlight the imprudence of Saul’s command. Jonathan rightly critiques his father’s decision, noting that the troops would have been more effective had they been allowed to eat (verse 29-30).

“My father has troubled the land.” – 1 Samuel 14:29

This episode underscores the theme of flawed leadership. Saul’s vow, motivated by a desire to control the situation, ironically weakens his own forces. Jonathan’s pragmatic approach and subsequent criticism of the vow illuminate the contrast between Saul’s impulsive decisions and Jonathan’s reasoned actions.

Saul’s Flawed Decision-Making (Verses 31-46)

Verses 31-35 narrate the immediate consequences of Saul’s vow. The famished troops, in their desperation, slaughter animals improperly and eat with blood (verse 32), violating the Levitical dietary laws. Saul’s reaction is one of anger and reactionary religiosity; he builds an altar and commands proper procedures (verse 35). This again portrays Saul as concerned with ritual compliance rather than proactive spiritual leadership.

As the night falls, Saul seeks to pursue the Philistines into the night, but the priest suggests consulting God first (verse 36). However, God does not answer Saul, indicating divine disfavor. Saul’s response is to seek the cause of this silence, leading to the casting of lots (verses 37-42) to identify the transgressor.

The lot falls on Jonathan, revealing his unintentional breach of Saul’s oath. Saul’s readiness to punish Jonathan despite his heroic actions exposes a rigidity in his leadership. It takes the intervention of the people to save Jonathan, recognizing his instrumental role in the victory and ultimately rejecting Saul’s harsh imposition (verse 45).

“So the people rescued Jonathan, that he did not die.” – 1 Samuel 14:45

This moment highlights a critical shift—the people’s loyalty is swaying towards Jonathan, recognizing his valor and practical wisdom over Saul’s dogmatic and flawed judgments. Saul’s image as a flawed leader is cemented as the people collectively oppose his decision.

Summary of Saul’s Reign and Military Exploits (Verses 47-52)

The final verses (47-52) offer a broader summary of Saul’s military campaigns and leadership. Saul’s tenure is marked by continuous warfare against surrounding enemies: Moab, Ammon, Edom, Zobah, and the Philistines. These verses acknowledge Saul’s military competence and success in defending Israel, but the narrative’s portrayal focuses more on the internal weaknesses of his kingship.

These verses also provide a brief account of Saul’s family, introducing key figures who will play significant roles in subsequent chapters, such as Saul’s sons Jonathan and Ishvi, and his daughter Michal. These familial connections set the stage for the continued narrative of Saul’s dynasty and its complex interactions with David.

Key Themes and Theological Reflections

Several themes emerge from 1 Samuel 14 that offer deeper theological and moral reflections:

Faith and Initiative: Jonathan epitomizes the power of faith-driven initiative. His actions demonstrate that faith, coupled with bold action, can lead to divine intervention and victory. This theme encourages believers to trust in God’s power and take courageous steps in alignment with divine purpose.
Leadership and Wisdom: The contrasting leadership styles of Saul and Jonathan emphasize the importance of wisdom and measured decision-making in leadership. Saul’s impulsive vows and decisions lead to unnecessary hardships, while Jonathan’s pragmatic actions yield fruitful results.
Divine Favor and Intervention: The chapter underscores that ultimate success in Israel’s battles is attributed to God’s intervention. Human effort alone is insufficient without divine favor, reinforcing the dependence on God’s guidance and support in achieving victory.
Community and Judgment: The collective judgment of the people in sparing Jonathan from Saul’s rash vow highlights the power of communal discernment and justice. It also hints at the emerging support for Jonathan over Saul, foreshadowing the eventual shift in leadership to David.
Obedience and Ritual: Saul’s focus on ritual compliance, contrasted with his lack of proactive faith, serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of superficial religiosity without true spiritual insight.

Conclusion

1 Samuel Chapter 14 offers a rich tapestry of narratives that highlight the interplay between faith, leadership, divine intervention, and communal discernment. Jonathan’s courage and faith stand in stark contrast to Saul’s flawed leadership, illustrating the principle that true victory stems from faith in and alignment with divine will. The chapter serves as both an encouragement and a warning, urging believers to trust in God’s power, exercise wise and courageous leadership, and remain vigilant against the pitfalls of impulsive and superficial religiosity.

Overall, this chapter is a critical piece in the broader narrative of Samuel, setting the stage for the eventual transition from Saul’s troubled reign to the rise of David, a leader after God’s own heart. It also resonates deeply with timeless themes of faith, wisdom, and the essential role of divine providence in human affairs.

Understanding the Key Messages in 1 Samuel 14: Insights and Explanation

Chapter 14 of 1 Samuel tells the story of Jonathan's victory over the Philistines and the consequences of Saul's rash vow. Despite Saul's foolish orders, Jonathan's bravery and trust in God lead to a miraculous triumph.

Notes

This chapter highlights Jonathan's faith and courage, contrasting with Saul's impetuous decisions. It showcases the themes of divine intervention, obedience, and the importance of seeking God's guidance.