1 Samuel 14:1 Commentary and Bible Study

Again in these next two chapter we have a strong contrast set up by Samuel between Jonathan and Saul, and we might see this as a lesson in how to tell a true convert from a false. ‘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.’ Jonathan is going to jump the gun again, but by faith. We have already noted King Saul's lack of spiritual graces and concern, and we have already seen his first rejection by the Lord, when he did not wait for Samuel, according to instructions, but proceeded – either himself, or through some priest who was at hand – to offer sacrifice before Samuel came to him at a very crucial time. He was more concerned, rather like any secular general, about the course of the battle and the threat of a Philistine strike, than he was about following the instructions of God. That disobedience led to his first statement of rejection from God given through Samuel.Now in chapter 14 we see an indication of Jonathan's faith. He knew that his father was appointed not just as king of the Lord's people but their captain, and that his special commission was to combat and relieve them from the yoke of the Philistines. The Philistine garrison is poised for another assault. Jonathan’s father is lingering; he is making no move, but he hesitates, apparently unable to decide what to do. Jonathan however – a young man who is no doubt already one of the chief captains or generals – is very forward in going to the field, and he will begin some kind of exercise against the Philistines: if necessary, on his own. We see Jonathan's faith throughout the record of his life. He believed with his young armour bearer – who was equally a man of faith, a lad of faith with him – that with God and through prayer they could go up, and they could do a tremendous work against this Philistine garrison.‘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.’ The divine power of faith! It makes a man more than a man, doesn't it, because, as Bishop Hall said, it rests on what God can do, not what man does. ‘But he told not his father.’ He knew his father, and he knew he would not be permitted to go ahead with this act of faith if his father knew.