1 Samuel 14:1-23
Jonathan's Daring Plan
1 Samuel 14:1-4
1 One day, Jonathan son of Saul said to his armor-bearer, "Come, let us go over to the Philistine outpost that is on the other side." But he did not tell his father.
2 Saul was staying in 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 the son of Ichabod's brother Ahitub, son of Eli, the Lord's priest in Shiloh. No one was aware of Jonathan's departure.
4 On each side of the ravine, there was a cliff, one on the north facing Micmash, and one on the south facing Geba.
Jonathan and His Armor-Bearer
5 Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, "Come, let's go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Maybe the Lord will act on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few."
6 His armor-bearer responded, "Go ahead! I'm with you, my lord."
7 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 him, killing them.
8 That day, Jonathan and his armor-bearer struck down about twenty men within a half-acre area.
The Philistines in Panic
9 When the troops in the outpost saw the Philistines running, they said, "Look! The Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they were hiding!"
10 Then the men of Israel who had been hiding in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were on the run.
11 So the men of Israel emerged from their hiding places and chased the Philistines, shouting as they went.
12 The Philistines were in a panic, and those who were running away were slaughtered.
13 The Lord rescued Israel that day, and the battle spread from Micmash to Aijalon.
Saul's Oath
14 When Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, "The people are sinning against the Lord by eating the meat with the blood still in it."
15 Saul said, "You have acted treacherously. Roll a large stone before me now."
16 Saul then said, "Cursed be anyone who eats food today before evening, before I have avenged myself on my enemies!"
17 So none of the troops tasted food that day.
18 Saul asked, "Bring the Ark of God, for it was with the Israelites at that time."
19 While Saul was speaking to the priest, the commotion in the Philistine camp grew louder and louder.
20 Saul said to the priest, "Withdraw your hand."
21 Then the Israelites and the Philistines clashed, and the battle was fierce.
22 When the Israelites who had been hiding in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were on the run, they also joined in the pursuit.
23 The Lord rescued Israel that day, and the battle spread from Micmash to Aijalon.
In this passage, we see Jonathan's bravery and trust in God, as he takes a bold step of faith, believing that God will act on their behalf.
