1 Samuel Chapter 14

Victory Over the Philistines
A. Jonathan’s Adventure in Faith

1. (1 Samuel 14:1–3) Jonathan’s Proposal

Scripture:
“Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines’ garrison, that is on the other side. But he told not his father. And Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree which is in Migron: and the people that were with him were about six hundred men; And Ahiah, the son of Ahitub, Ichabod’s brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the Lord’s priest in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people knew not that Jonathan was gone.”

Jonathan’s act of faith began on what seemed to be an ordinary day. Nothing outwardly significant marked this morning, yet it would become a defining moment in Israel’s history because one man dared to trust God. Divine opportunities often appear in the ordinary; God delights to reveal His power through those who will simply believe Him. As F. B. Meyer said, “God is ever on the lookout for believing souls, who will receive His power and grace on the one hand, and transmit them on the other. He chooses them that by them He should make His mighty power known.” Jonathan was one such vessel of faith.

Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armor, “Come, and let us go over.” Every officer in ancient Israel had an armor-bearer—an assistant responsible for carrying weapons and supporting his commander in battle. These men had to be loyal, courageous, and trustworthy, as the life of the officer depended upon them. The armor-bearer was more than a servant; he was a companion-in-arms, often sharing the same dangers and victories.

Jonathan’s proposal was simple yet daring: to cross over to the Philistine garrison, the fortified outpost of Israel’s enemy. From a human standpoint, the plan was reckless. The Philistines possessed superior numbers, iron weapons, and an organized military structure, while Israel was fragmented and poorly armed. Yet Jonathan’s courage came not from military calculation but from faith. He believed that the Lord was not limited by numbers or weapons.

Jonathan may have remembered how Shamgar in Judges 3:31 “slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad, and he also delivered Israel.” If God could use an ordinary farmer with a sharpened stick to defeat the enemy, surely He could use Jonathan with a sword and an armor-bearer. He may also have strengthened himself in the promise found in Leviticus 26:8, “And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.” Jonathan’s confidence rested not in human strategy but in divine faithfulness.

The text tells us that Jonathan did not tell his father, Saul. This omission was likely intentional. Saul’s hesitation and spiritual decline made him the kind of leader who would discourage bold faith. Jonathan, discerning this, chose to act quietly rather than be hindered by his father’s unbelief. Many of God’s greatest works begin in such quiet resolve, unnoticed by men but empowered by Heaven.

Meanwhile, Saul sat beneath a pomegranate tree in Migron. The contrast between Saul’s passivity and Jonathan’s courage is striking. The king of Israel, chosen to lead, is idle while his son acts. This image captures Saul’s declining spiritual state—his leadership paralyzed by fear and indecision. Accompanying Saul was Ahiah, a priest descended from Eli’s line, and the mention of Ichabod’s brother serves as a symbolic reminder. The name Ichabod means “the glory has departed” (1 Samuel 4:21), and his mention here foreshadows the spiritual emptiness of Saul’s reign. The presence of the ephod, once a symbol of divine guidance, now rests with a king out of touch with God’s will.

Finally, “the people knew not that Jonathan was gone.” His faith was not motivated by vanity or desire for recognition. Jonathan did not seek applause; he sought the Lord’s honor. True faith acts for God’s glory alone, content to be unseen if only God is exalted.

2. (1 Samuel 14:4–5) Jonathan Finds a Strategic Position

Scripture:
“And between the passages, by which Jonathan sought to go over unto the Philistines’ garrison, there was a sharp rock on the one side, and a sharp rock on the other side: and the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh. The forefront of the one was situate northward over against Michmash, and the other southward over against Gibeah.”

As Jonathan advanced toward the Philistine position, he encountered a narrow passage between two sharp rocks—Bozez and Seneh. This was a natural stronghold, defensible by a few against many. God providentially guided Jonathan to this strategic location. It became a perfect choke point where the numerical superiority of the Philistines would be nullified. This terrain was not found by chance; it was discovered through faith in motion.

Jonathan’s decision to move forward—“Come, let us go over”—set in motion a divine sequence of events. God often reveals His purposes to those who step forward in obedience rather than sit back in comfort. Faith is not passive; it advances, even when the outcome is uncertain. Jonathan’s courage placed him exactly where God could use him.

Bozez, meaning “shining” or “glittering,” and Seneh, meaning “thorny,” reflect both the danger and illumination of faith. The path of faith may be sharp and perilous like these rocks, yet it also shines with the light of divine guidance. Between the shining rock and the thorny rock, Jonathan’s faith would be tested and rewarded.

This passage reveals an enduring principle: God’s guidance is often progressive. Jonathan did not see the full plan from the start. He acted upon what he knew—God’s ability to save—and as he moved forward, God revealed the next step. This is the life of faith, walking not by sight but by trust in the character of the Lord.

3. (1 Samuel 14:6–7) Jonathan’s Bold Proposal

Scripture:
“And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the Lord will work for us: for there is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few. And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart.”

Jonathan’s faith now moved beyond simple courage to bold initiative. He looked upon the Philistine garrison not with fear but with holy confidence. His phrase, “these uncircumcised,” reveals a spiritual perspective. Jonathan did not merely see a superior enemy force; he saw men outside the covenant of God. Israel might be outnumbered, but the Philistines were out of fellowship with the Almighty. Jonathan’s view of God’s covenant shaped his faith—he measured the enemy not by strength, but by their distance from God’s promises.

He said, “It may be that the Lord will work for us.” This was not hesitation or doubt, but humility. Jonathan did not presume upon God, yet he fully trusted that God could act powerfully if it pleased Him. Faith never presumes upon divine sovereignty, but neither does it retreat from divine possibility. Jonathan believed that the Lord might be ready to use two faithful men to accomplish His will.

Jonathan recognized three truths that shaped his courage.
First, the need was great. Israel’s army was in shambles, scattered and disarmed, facing overwhelming odds. Second, someone had to act. His father, Saul, sat idle under the pomegranate tree, paralyzed by indecision, and Jonathan discerned that God needed a willing vessel. Third, God works through people of action. Jonathan could have prayed for a miraculous intervention from heaven, but instead he offered himself as an instrument for God’s power. As Blaikie observed, “It was not Jonathan that was to work with some help from God; it was the Lord that was to work by Jonathan.”

Jonathan’s next declaration is one of the most timeless statements of faith in Scripture: “For there is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few.” The power of God is not limited by numbers, weapons, or human strength. Israel’s army may have been reduced to six hundred frightened men, yet Jonathan knew that divine victory depends not on man’s capacity but on God’s will. The Lord is not restrained by circumstance; the only hindrance to His work is the unbelief of His people. As it is written in Matthew 13:58, “And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.” Faith releases God’s power; unbelief restrains His work.

Jonathan’s heart mirrored the confidence later expressed in Romans 8:31, “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” He trusted that even two men, standing in faith, could be enough if God was with them. Jonathan’s faith was not prideful; he did not think, “I can do this with God’s help,” but rather, “God can do this through me.” The emphasis was entirely upon the Lord’s ability, not his own.

The armor-bearer’s response, “Do all that is in thine heart; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart,” demonstrates remarkable loyalty and faith. This young man did not question the danger, nor did he shrink from the mission. His faith echoed Jonathan’s, and his words surely strengthened the prince’s resolve. God rarely works through isolated individuals; He raises up companions in faith. Jonathan may have initiated the plan, but his armor-bearer shared in the courage and would share in the reward. When God calls a man to do great things, He often provides faithful supporters who say, “I am with thee according to thy heart.”

4. (1 Samuel 14:8–10) Jonathan Proposes a Test

Scripture:
“Then said Jonathan, Behold, we will pass over unto these men, and we will discover ourselves unto them. If they say thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up unto them. But if they say thus, Come up unto us; then we will go up: for the Lord hath delivered them into our hand: and this shall be a sign unto us.”

Jonathan’s next step demonstrates a balance between faith and prudence. He did not rush blindly into battle, but sought confirmation of God’s will through a test. His statement, “Very well,” shows that he took his armor-bearer’s encouragement as divine assurance to proceed. Jonathan would reveal himself openly to the Philistines, trusting that their response would indicate God’s direction. If they called out, “Wait until we come to you,” he would take it as a warning to remain still. But if they challenged, “Come up to us,” Jonathan would recognize it as the Lord’s signal to advance.

This was not unbelief but discernment. Jonathan was not questioning God’s power; he was seeking God’s timing. Unlike Gideon, who doubted God’s word and demanded proof through a fleece (Judges 6:36–40), Jonathan had received no direct command. He acted upon faith’s impulse but desired divine confirmation before acting further. His heart was not skeptical, but cautious and humble.

Jonathan’s test also reveals the nature of true faith: it moves forward one step at a time. He did not demand that God reveal the full plan in advance. He simply asked for the next step and was content to obey that much. Genuine faith does not require full understanding, only full trust. As the psalmist wrote in Psalm 37:23, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.”

Jonathan’s willingness to seek confirmation shows his humility before God. Though courageous, he did not mistake courage for arrogance. He would act boldly, but only when assured of God’s presence. This is faith at its finest—active, discerning, and submissive.

5. (1 Samuel 14:11–14) Jonathan and His Armourbearer Attack the Philistines

Scripture:
“And both of them discovered themselves unto the garrison of the Philistines: and the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves. And the men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armourbearer, and said, Come up to us, and we will shew you a thing. And Jonathan said unto his armourbearer, Come up after me: for the Lord hath delivered them into the hand of Israel. And Jonathan climbed up upon his hands and upon his feet, and his armourbearer after him: and they fell before Jonathan; and his armourbearer slew after him. And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armourbearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were an half acre of land, which a yoke of oxen might plow.”

When Jonathan and his armor-bearer revealed themselves to the Philistine garrison, the enemy mocked them, saying, “Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves.” This statement exposes the contempt the Philistines had for Israel, and how completely they underestimated Jonathan’s faith and resolve. The Israelites had indeed been hiding, as 1 Samuel 13:6 records: “When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait, (for the people were distressed,) then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits.” To the Philistines, Jonathan and his armor-bearer looked like two more desperate deserters coming to surrender. But what the enemy mistook for cowardice was the beginning of a divine assault.

The Philistines called out, “Come up to us, and we will shew you a thing.” This was precisely the sign Jonathan had sought from God in verses 8–10. The moment those words reached his ears, Jonathan knew the Lord had confirmed His will. With full confidence, he declared to his armor-bearer, “Come up after me: for the Lord hath delivered them into the hand of Israel.” His boldness was rooted not in self-confidence, but in the certainty of God’s promise.

The climb itself was steep and treacherous, forcing Jonathan to ascend on his hands and knees, with his armor-bearer following close behind. Faith does not wait for easy circumstances. Jonathan’s courage was not hindered by the difficulty of the climb or the number of his enemies. Many today say, “I will serve God when it is convenient,” but those who wait for perfect conditions rarely see divine victories. Jonathan understood that obedience sometimes means climbing uphill under fire, trusting that God will strengthen our hands for the battle.

As soon as they reached the top, the Philistines fell before Jonathan. This phrase indicates that the Lord’s hand was upon the battle, striking the enemy with confusion and fear. Jonathan swung his sword with the assurance that God was fighting through him. His armor-bearer followed, finishing off the fallen and ensuring the victory was complete. God honored their faith by granting success beyond human explanation—twenty men fell within an area no larger than half an acre, a space that a pair of oxen might plow in a day.

This small but decisive victory demonstrates that divine power is not measured by size or strength. Jonathan’s faith turned an impossible situation into a victory that would soon set the whole Philistine army into chaos. As Zechariah 4:6 declares, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Jonathan’s courage ignited what Saul’s army lacked—faith in the living God.

6. (1 Samuel 14:15) God Attacks the Philistines

Scripture:
“And there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people: the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth quaked: so it was a very great trembling.”

The victory begun by Jonathan was completed by the hand of God. The text says there was “trembling in the host,” meaning panic spread throughout the entire Philistine camp and beyond. God Himself intervened, turning confusion into terror. What began as the courage of two men became the downfall of an entire army. The Philistines awoke to chaos, striking one another in confusion, thinking their own comrades were the enemy.

This divine panic fulfilled the same principle seen in Judges 7:22, where Gideon’s small band of three hundred men caused the Midianite army to destroy itself: “And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the Lord set every man’s sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host.” Numbers and strength are meaningless when God fights against His enemies.

The text adds, “and the earth quaked,” marking this moment as a supernatural event. The trembling of the earth symbolized the trembling of the Philistines’ hearts. Jonathan had done what he could—he climbed, he fought, and he trusted—but now God did what only He could do. The earth shook to magnify His power and strike terror into Israel’s enemies.

Often believers wait for God to act when He has already called them to take the first step of obedience. Jonathan’s example shows that God performs miracles for those who are willing to act in faith. Human responsibility and divine sovereignty worked together here perfectly: Jonathan fought with courage, and God shook the ground beneath his enemies. As Psalm 44:3 proclaims, “For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.”

Jonathan’s faith was the spark, but God’s power was the fire that consumed the enemy. Together, they displayed the timeless truth that when God’s people act boldly in faith, the Almighty fights beside them.

7. (1 Samuel 14:16–19) Saul Learns of the Battle

Scripture:
“And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down one another. Then said Saul unto the people that were with him, Number now, and see who is gone from us. And when they had numbered, behold, Jonathan and his armourbearer were not there. And Saul said unto Ahiah, Bring hither the ark of God. For the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel. And it came to pass, while Saul talked unto the priest, that the noise that was in the host of the Philistines went on and increased: and Saul said unto the priest, Withdraw thine hand.”

As Saul’s watchmen stood upon the heights of Gibeah, they looked toward the Philistine camp and saw what no one had expected: the mighty army of the Philistines was melting away in confusion. Men were scattering in all directions, striking at one another in blind panic. The chaos that Jonathan’s faith had begun was now a full-scale rout under the direct hand of God. The phrase “melting away” captures the image of an army dissolving, unable to stand before the unseen power of the Lord.

Instead of seizing the opportunity to strike immediately, Saul hesitated. He said, “Number now, and see who is gone from us.” This was not the time to take roll. His concern for protocol and control delayed what God was already doing. It seems Saul’s interest lay more in identifying who initiated the battle than in joining it. This reflects his growing insecurity and jealousy—he feared that someone else might gain the glory he desired for himself. His focus was on recognition, not redemption.

Then Saul said to Ahijah the priest, “Bring hither the ark of God.” On the surface, this may appear as a spiritual gesture, but it was misplaced. There was no need to seek divine guidance when God’s power was already evident in the field. This was Saul’s pattern—to substitute empty religious formality for true obedience and discernment. There is a time for prayer, and there is a time for action. Saul failed to discern that this was a moment to rise and fight, not to stall and perform ritual.

While Saul talked to the priest, “the noise that was in the host of the Philistines went on and increased.” The roar of panic, clashing weapons, and collapsing order made it clear that the Lord was fighting for Israel. Saul, hearing this, finally said, “Withdraw thine hand.” This phrase meant to stop using the Urim and Thummim, the sacred objects within the priest’s ephod used to seek divine answers. Saul’s command implied, “We no longer need to inquire; God has already answered.” But tragically, Saul’s delay revealed how spiritually out of touch he had become. The Lord did not wait for Saul’s consultation—the battle was already His. Jonathan’s faith had moved Heaven while Saul’s ritual moved nothing.

8. (1 Samuel 14:20–23) Saul Fights in the Battle and a Great Victory Is Won

Scripture:
“And Saul and all the people that were with him assembled themselves, and they came to the battle: and, behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was a very great discomfiture. Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp from the country round about, even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan. Likewise all the men of Israel which had hid themselves in mount Ephraim, when they heard that the Philistines fled, even they also followed hard after them in the battle. So the Lord saved Israel that day: and the battle passed over unto Bethaven.”

At last, Saul and his men gathered and joined the fight. But notice the order of events: the victory was already well underway before Saul arrived. The Lord and Jonathan had already broken the strength of the Philistines. Saul, though king, was late to the battlefield. His leadership followed God’s initiative rather than leading under His direction. Still, God’s mercy allowed Saul and the people to share in the deliverance.

As Saul’s men entered the fray, they discovered that the Philistines were slaughtering one another in confusion. This was divine judgment and divine strategy in one act. The enemy’s swords turned against themselves, just as in the days of Gideon (Judges 7:22): “And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the Lord set every man’s sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host.” When God fights for His people, the enemy becomes its own executioner.

Then Scripture notes, “Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time... turned to be with the Israelites.” Some Israelites, perhaps captives or conscripts, had been serving in the Philistine ranks. When they saw the tide turn, they switched allegiance. These men reflect the same wavering spirit that plagued much of Israel during Saul’s reign—fearful when danger loomed, loyal only when safety was assured. Their courage rose only when victory seemed certain.

Likewise, “all the men of Israel which had hid themselves in mount Ephraim” came out of hiding to pursue the enemy. The faith of one man, Jonathan, had inspired the nation to rise again. What began with two faithful warriors became a sweeping national triumph. When faith takes the first step, it often emboldens others to follow.

Finally, the text concludes with the summary statement: “So the Lord saved Israel that day.” This underscores the true source of victory. It was not Jonathan’s sword, Saul’s army, or Israel’s courage that won the battle—it was the Lord. Jonathan had faith enough to act, and God honored it. As Psalm 44:6–7 declares, “For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me. But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us.”

The battle passed over to Beth-aven, marking the complete reversal of fortune. The same army that once terrorized Israel now fled in confusion. When God intervenes, defeat turns to victory, fear to faith, and hiding to pursuit. Israel’s salvation that day was not the triumph of men, but of the Lord who delights to show His strength on behalf of those who trust Him.

B. Saul’s Foolish Oath and Its Consequences

1. (1 Samuel 14:24) Saul Compels the Army of Israel Under an Oath

Scripture:
“And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food.”

The day that began in faith with Jonathan now descended into folly through Saul’s impulsive command. As Israel pursued the Philistines in what should have been a moment of triumph, Saul imposed an unnecessary burden upon the people. Declaring an oath, he said, “Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening.” To the undiscerning ear, it sounded like a call to religious zeal—a fast in the midst of victory, as though the army were consecrating the day to God. Yet the true motive of Saul’s decree was revealed in his words, “that I may be avenged on mine enemies.” This was not about devotion to God but about personal vengeance and pride.

The timing of Saul’s order showed his lack of wisdom. The troops, already exhausted from relentless battle, desperately needed nourishment to continue the pursuit. Instead of strengthening his army, Saul weakened it with an oath that sapped both their morale and their physical endurance. The result was that “the men of Israel were distressed that day.” Hunger and fatigue spread through the ranks, and the forward momentum of Israel’s victory slowed to a crawl.

Saul’s command might have sounded pious—“a fast before the Lord”—but true spirituality always aligns with God’s purposes, not human vanity. Had Saul truly desired a fast, he could have led by example, humbling himself personally rather than forcing an oath upon his men. Fasting, in the right spirit and season, is a powerful act of devotion. But in this case, Saul’s decree was a distortion of faith, born out of self-importance rather than godliness.

The phrase “Cursed be the man” reveals the rashness and severity of Saul’s leadership. He spoke as though his word carried divine authority, but he had no right to place a curse upon God’s people. The right to declare such an oath lay with the prophet Samuel, not the king. Saul had already shown a dangerous tendency to overstep his God-given boundaries—offering sacrifices unlawfully in 1 Samuel 13:8–14—and here again he acted presumptuously. Spiritual authority misused becomes tyranny.

What Saul thought would unite and consecrate the army instead discouraged and divided them. When the army’s strength should have been at its peak, it was drained. A man who walks in pride may command obedience, but he cannot inspire faith. The army’s distress mirrored the moral and spiritual weakness of their leader. The victory that should have been complete was now imperiled by one man’s foolishness.

As Ecclesiastes 5:2 warns, “Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.” Saul’s careless oath became a curse upon his own people.

2. (1 Samuel 14:25–30) Jonathan Unknowingly Breaks the Oath and Is Told of His Offense

Scripture:
“And all they of the land came to a wood; and there was honey upon the ground. And when the people were come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped; but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath. But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened. Then answered one of the people, and said, Thy father straitly charged the people with an oath, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food this day. And the people were faint. Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey. How much more, if haply the people had eaten freely to day of the spoil of their enemies which they found? for had there not been now a much greater slaughter among the Philistines?”

As the weary army advanced through a forest, they came upon a providential blessing—“honey upon the ground.” This was God’s natural provision for His soldiers, energy and refreshment in the midst of battle. The honey was “dripping,” freely available and abundant. But because of Saul’s reckless oath, “no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath.” The very sustenance that God had supplied for victory became forbidden by a man’s prideful decree.

Jonathan, who had not heard his father’s command, innocently dipped the tip of his rod into the honeycomb and ate. Immediately “his eyes were enlightened,” meaning his strength and vitality returned. The nourishment revived him, and he became a living testimony to the foolishness of his father’s oath. When the people informed him of the king’s order, Jonathan spoke plainly: “My father hath troubled the land.” His statement was honest and accurate, though perhaps ill-timed before the troops. Still, his words echoed the truth once spoken of another king who troubled Israel—Ahab—when Elijah declared, “I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father’s house” (1 Kings 18:18).

Jonathan’s reasoning was sound. The purpose of battle is victory, not vanity. If the soldiers had been permitted to eat freely of the spoil, their strength would have been renewed, and the Philistine defeat would have been complete. Instead, they were faint and weary, their progress slowed, and their morale weakened. Saul’s misguided oath—designed to glorify himself—had directly diminished Israel’s victory.

The honey that God provided symbolizes the strength and sweetness of His grace. It was freely available, yet Saul’s legalistic command kept the people from enjoying it. Likewise, man-made religion always hinders God’s blessing. Saul’s curse represents the bondage of law without life, while Jonathan’s act of eating reflects the liberty of faith. The Lord often places before His people divine refreshment, but prideful or fearful hearts refuse it.

Jonathan’s statement, “My father hath troubled the land,” recalls the words of Joshua to Achan in Joshua 7:25, “Why hast thou troubled us? the Lord shall trouble thee this day.” Saul’s self-imposed curse was already beginning to bear fruit, bringing trouble and weariness upon Israel. The king’s foolish vow—made to exalt himself—was robbing the nation of strength, joy, and victory.

3. (1 Samuel 14:31–35) The Soldiers of Israel Sin Because of Saul’s Foolish Command

Scripture:
“And they smote the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon: and the people were very faint. And the people flew upon the spoil, and took sheep, and oxen, and calves, and slew them on the ground: and the people did eat them with the blood. Then they told Saul, saying, Behold, the people sin against the Lord, in that they eat with the blood. And he said, Ye have transgressed: roll a great stone unto me this day. And Saul said, Disperse yourselves among the people, and say unto them, Bring me hither every man his ox, and every man his sheep, and slay them here, and eat; and sin not against the Lord in eating with the blood. And all the people brought every man his ox with him that night, and slew them there. And Saul built an altar unto the Lord: the same was the first altar that he built unto the Lord.”

Israel’s army, having driven the Philistines from Michmash to Aijalon—a distance of nearly fifteen miles over difficult terrain—was utterly exhausted and faint with hunger. The victory that should have been joyous was marred by the people’s physical weakness, brought on by Saul’s rash command that no one should eat until evening. In their desperation, the soldiers “flew upon the spoil,” slaughtering livestock on the ground and eating the meat with the blood still in it. This was a direct violation of God’s command in Deuteronomy 12:23–25, where He said, “Only be sure that thou eat not the blood: for the blood is the life; and thou mayest not eat the life with the flesh. Thou shalt not eat it; thou shalt pour it upon the earth as water. Thou shalt not eat it; that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, when thou shalt do that which is right in the sight of the Lord.”

By forbidding nourishment at the height of battle, Saul created the very condition that led the people to sin. His man-made rule—designed to promote spiritual zeal—produced disobedience to the clear word of God. This is the inevitable fruit of legalism. When men substitute their own commands for God’s, they end up driving others into sin or rebellion. Legalism never produces holiness; it either provokes disobedience or inflates pride.

When Saul heard of the people’s sin, he exclaimed, “Ye have transgressed.” Yet instead of acknowledging that his own foolish decree caused the problem, he blamed the soldiers. Like many insecure leaders, Saul could not admit fault. His command had placed the people in an impossible situation, and their failure was the result of his poor judgment.

To his credit, Saul attempted to correct the situation. He ordered a large stone to be rolled forth as a place where the animals could be properly slaughtered and their blood drained, ensuring obedience to God’s law. He then commanded that all the animals be brought and killed there. This act, though right, was merely a partial remedy to a deeper problem—his disobedient heart.

The passage closes by noting, “Saul built an altar unto the Lord: the same was the first altar that he built unto the Lord.” This is a tragic statement. Saul had been king for years, and yet this is the first mention of him building an altar. His altar was not born from gratitude or devotion, but from damage control after his own folly. Saul’s spiritual life was reactive, not genuine. He built altars after trouble arose, not out of daily worship or obedience. True faith builds the altar first; false religion builds it last.

4. (1 Samuel 14:36–39) In Response to God’s Silence, Saul Makes Another Foolish Oath

Scripture:
“And Saul said, Let us go down after the Philistines by night, and spoil them until the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them. And they said, Do whatsoever seemeth good unto thee. Then said the priest, Let us draw near hither unto God. And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day. And Saul said, Draw ye near hither, all the chief of the people: and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day. For, as the Lord liveth, which saveth Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die. But there was not a man among all the people that answered him.”

After the chaotic victory, Saul planned to continue the pursuit through the night, declaring, “Let us not leave a man of them.” His intention might have seemed bold, but it was driven more by pride and vengeance than by discernment. To the weary soldiers, he said, “Do whatsoever seemeth good unto thee,” and they, still loyal but drained, agreed. However, the priest wisely intervened, saying, “Let us draw near hither unto God.” It was a reminder that even in battle, God’s counsel must come first.

Saul then inquired of the Lord, asking, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel?” This was commendable in form—he sought divine direction—but the Lord gave no answer. God’s silence was significant. Saul’s earlier disobedience had erected a barrier between him and God. The man who once enjoyed divine favor was now met with heaven’s silence. This likely occurred through the Urim and Thummim, the priestly tools of discernment, which may have indicated a continual “no” response, showing that God would not speak to Saul.

In frustration, Saul assumed the silence was due to hidden sin in the camp. Rather than humbling himself, he projected guilt onto others. He called together the chiefs of the people and swore another rash oath: “For, as the Lord liveth, which saveth Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die.” Once again, Saul’s words outpaced his wisdom. He invoked the name of the Lord over his own presumption, blind to the possibility that Jonathan—his own son and Israel’s hero—was the one who had unknowingly violated his earlier command.

Saul’s zeal for righteousness was misguided because it lacked humility. He was more concerned with being seen as right than with actually being right before God. This is a warning against the dangerous mixture of pride and religion. Saul could spare the wicked Amalekite king Agag in the next chapter (1 Samuel 15:9), yet he was ready to condemn his own son for an innocent act of ignorance. As Matthew Henry noted, “None are more cruel than those who, having forsaken the Spirit of the Lord, pretend to act for His honor.”

Finally, “there was not a man among all the people that answered him.” The soldiers knew the truth—that Jonathan had tasted the honey—and they knew Saul was wrong. Yet fear kept them silent. The people’s silence was both an act of loyalty to Jonathan and a quiet protest against Saul’s folly. When leadership becomes rash and prideful, even loyal followers begin to lose confidence.

5. (1 Samuel 14:40–44) Jonathan Is Implicated by the Casting of Lots

Scripture:
“Then said he unto all Israel, Be ye on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side. And the people said unto Saul, Do what seemeth good unto thee. Therefore Saul said unto the Lord God of Israel, Give a perfect lot. And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people escaped. And Saul said, Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken. Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in mine hand, and, lo, I must die. And Saul answered, God do so and more also: for thou shalt surely die, Jonathan.”

In his determination to maintain his own image of righteousness, Saul called for a public casting of lots to discover who had violated his oath. The entire nation stood divided as Saul declared, “Be ye on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side.” His intent was to prove himself innocent before the people, assuming that the sin must be among the troops. Yet, in a striking display of divine irony, God used the casting of lots to expose Saul’s own folly. The text says, “Saul and Jonathan were taken, but the people escaped.” This revealed that the issue lay within Saul’s own household.

The phrase “Give a perfect lot” likely refers to the use of the Urim and Thummim, the sacred stones carried by the high priest for determining God’s will. The word for “perfect” (tummim) is related to the same root as Thummim meaning “perfections.” Thus, Saul sought a definitive answer from the Lord. When the lot fell upon Saul and Jonathan, the proud king stood shaken, yet instead of humbling himself, he pressed further in his blindness. He said, “Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son,” and again the lot fell upon Jonathan.

Jonathan, honest and unafraid, confessed plainly, “I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in mine hand, and, lo, I must die.” His words display both integrity and resignation. He did not attempt to justify himself or conceal the truth. Unlike his father, Jonathan was a man of conscience. Saul’s response, however, was chilling: “God do so and more also; for thou shalt surely die, Jonathan.” In this moment, Saul’s pride triumphed over reason, fatherly love, and common sense. He was prepared to execute the very son who had been God’s instrument of deliverance that day.

Saul’s unwillingness to admit fault revealed how far he had fallen from his earlier humility. When he was first chosen king, Saul had been reluctant to take the throne (1 Samuel 10:21–22). Now he stood ready to shed innocent blood rather than acknowledge his own failure. His pride turned piety into cruelty. He used the Lord’s name to validate his stubbornness, invoking another rash oath upon his son.

This account serves as a warning against spiritual arrogance masquerading as zeal. Saul believed he was upholding righteousness, but in truth he was defending his ego. The Lord had already made His displeasure with Saul evident by His silence earlier in the chapter. Yet Saul, rather than repenting, doubled down on his self-made authority. This pattern is characteristic of legalism and pride—they lead a man to enforce rules without discernment, even at the expense of mercy and truth.

Jonathan’s calm acceptance of his father’s decree stands in stark contrast to Saul’s rashness. In a sense, Jonathan here foreshadows the righteous sufferer—innocent, yet willing to accept the consequences of another’s folly. His words, “I did but taste a little honey,” echo the tragedy of how a good man’s life was endangered not by sin, but by the blindness of his leader.

6. (1 Samuel 14:45–46) The People Rescue Jonathan from Execution

Scripture:
“And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: as the Lord liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not. Then Saul went up from following the Philistines: and the Philistines went to their own place.”

At last, the people—who had remained silent earlier out of fear—found their voice. With one united cry, they rose in defense of Jonathan, saying, “Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid.” The common soldiers saw what the king could not: Jonathan had been God’s chosen instrument for victory. The people’s words are profound: “He hath wrought with God this day.” This simple phrase captures the heart of the matter. Jonathan’s actions had aligned with the will of God, while Saul’s had opposed it.

In divine irony, the king who sat under a pomegranate tree in passivity now sought to destroy the son who had acted in faith. But God’s justice prevailed through the courage of the people. “So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not.” Their reverence for Jonathan’s righteousness outweighed their fear of Saul’s authority. This was an act of moral courage—a rare moment when the nation stood for truth even against their own king.

There were three compelling reasons to spare Jonathan:
First, the law itself was unjust. Saul’s oath had been rash and unreasonable; enforcing it would have multiplied his sin. Second, Jonathan’s transgression was unintentional. He had not heard the command and acted in ignorance. Third, God’s approval was evident. The victory itself was the Lord’s confirmation that Jonathan’s faith had pleased Him. As Scripture later says in Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

Jonathan’s faith had brought victory where Saul’s legalism had brought weakness. His courage inspired the nation, his wisdom exposed the king’s folly, and his innocence forced the people to choose between blind obedience and righteousness. They chose rightly, declaring, “As the Lord liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground.” This language reflects the divine protection promised by God Himself (Luke 21:18), “But there shall not an hair of your head perish.”

The chapter closes somberly: “Then Saul went up from following the Philistines: and the Philistines went to their own place.” The implication is clear—the victory was incomplete. The pursuit that began with faith and courage under Jonathan ended in confusion and frustration under Saul. The Philistines withdrew, but Israel’s triumph was diminished by the folly of its king.

Faith began the day, but pride ended it. Jonathan had “wrought with God,” but Saul had fought against Him.

7. (1 Samuel 14:47–52) Saul’s Many Wars and His Family

Scripture:
“So Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines: and whithersoever he turned himself, he vexed them. And he gathered an host, and smote the Amalekites, and delivered Israel out of the hands of them that spoiled them. Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Ishui, and Melchishua: and the names of his two daughters were these; the name of the firstborn Merab, and the name of the younger Michal: and the name of Saul’s wife was Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz: and the name of the captain of his host was Abner, the son of Ner, Saul’s uncle. And Kish was the father of Saul; and Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel. And there was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul: and when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he took him unto him.”

This final passage of the chapter summarizes the outward strength of Saul’s reign. The text opens with the statement, “So Saul took the kingdom over Israel,” or as the New King James renders it, “So Saul established his sovereignty over Israel.” This indicates that Saul had consolidated his rule, uniting the tribes under one monarchy and asserting Israel’s presence among the surrounding nations. Militarily, Saul’s reign was active and aggressive. He fought against all his enemies on every side—Moab to the east, Ammon to the northeast, Edom to the south, the kings of Zobah (a Syrian confederation) to the north, and the Philistines to the west. In every direction, Saul engaged in warfare.

The phrase, “whithersoever he turned himself, he vexed them,” speaks of continual conflict and limited peace. Saul maintained dominance through constant battle rather than through spiritual leadership or covenant faithfulness. He was an effective military tactician and organizer, but his success was superficial—born of human effort rather than divine blessing. His rule was marked by strength, but it was the kind of strength that fades because it lacked spiritual depth.

Verse 48 records one of his greatest achievements: “And he gathered an host, and smote the Amalekites, and delivered Israel out of the hands of them that spoiled them.” This anticipates the events of chapter 15, where Saul’s failure to fully obey God in the destruction of Amalek will expose his spiritual collapse. The Amalekites were long-standing enemies of Israel, dating back to the Exodus, when they attacked the Israelites from behind (Exodus 17:8–16). Saul’s victory over them here was partial and temporary—a prelude to the divine test that would soon determine his legacy.

The next verses list Saul’s immediate family, reflecting the stability and prominence of his household. His sons were Jonathan, Ishui, and Malchishua, and his daughters were Merab and Michal. His wife was Ahinoam, and the commander of his army was Abner, his cousin, the son of Ner—Saul’s uncle. These details reveal the structure of Saul’s administration and family, emphasizing that he had built a powerful royal house and established an enduring dynasty—at least outwardly.

The text concludes, “And there was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul.” The Philistines remained Israel’s persistent enemy throughout his reign. Despite his numerous battles and victories, Saul never achieved decisive or lasting peace. His wars were many, but his victories were incomplete. His reign was characterized by external might but internal weakness.

The final statement, “When Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he took him unto him,” reveals the heart of his strategy and his leadership philosophy. Saul’s method of building strength was to surround himself with capable warriors, absorbing the best men into his personal service. On the surface, this seemed wise—it increased the military’s effectiveness and ensured the king’s security. Yet spiritually, it reflected a deeper issue: Saul’s reliance on human strength rather than divine favor. He sought power by accumulation, not by faith.

While Saul’s kingdom appeared strong, it lacked the spiritual foundation necessary for endurance. He was the people’s king, chosen for his stature and image, but not a man after God’s own heart. His reign illustrates the tragic truth that a leader may be strong in appearance, yet hollow in devotion. His military success and family prominence could not compensate for his lack of obedience and humility before God.

Saul’s story is summed up in this pattern: broad strength, shallow faith. His achievements reached in every direction, but his heart never reached upward toward the Lord. The next chapter will reveal how the very strength he built by the flesh becomes the platform for his downfall, as disobedience and pride bring judgment upon his reign.