1 Samuel 14:10

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But if they say {H559} thus, Come up {H5927} unto us; then we will go up {H5927}: for the LORD {H3068} hath delivered {H5414} them into our hand {H3027}: and this shall be a sign {H226} unto us.

Complete Jewish Bible

But if they say,'Come up to us,' we'll go on up; and that will be the sign that ADONAI has given us victory over them."

Berean Standard Bible

But if they say, ‘Come on up,’ then we will go up, because this will be our sign that the LORD has delivered them into our hands.”

American Standard Version

But if they say thus, Come up unto us; then we will go up; for Jehovah hath delivered them into our hand: and this shall be the sign unto us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 14:10 records a pivotal moment in Jonathan's audacious plan to confront the Philistine garrison. This verse details the second, positive sign Jonathan sought from God to confirm divine approval for his daring attack. It encapsulates his profound faith and strategic reliance on the Lord's intervention, asserting that if the Philistines invited them to "Come up unto us," it would be a clear indication that God had already delivered the enemy into their hands, serving as a definitive signal for their advance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is nestled within a narrative of profound national crisis for Israel. King Saul's reign is marked by Philistine oppression, particularly their monopoly on ironworking which left Israel disarmed and demoralized ([1 Samuel 13:19-22](/1-samuel/13-19 "1 Samuel 13:19-22 - Philistine Oppression and Disarmament")). The Israelite army is small, fearful, and scattered. Against this backdrop of despair, Jonathan, accompanied only by his armor-bearer, takes extraordinary initiative. He proposes a two-part test to discern God's will: if the Philistines tell them to "tarry" (wait), they would stay put ([1 Samuel 14:9](/1-samuel/14-9 "1 Samuel 14:9 - Jonathan's First Sign Condition")); but if they confidently invite Jonathan and his armor-bearer to "Come up unto us" ([1 Samuel 14:10](/1-samuel/14-10 "1 Samuel 14:10 - Jonathan's Second Sign Condition")), it would be the divine signal for attack, confirming God's pre-emptive delivery of the enemy. This verse, therefore, represents the decisive condition for their advance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges and early monarchy in Israel was characterized by ongoing conflict with surrounding peoples, especially the Philistines. The Philistines, a technologically superior maritime people, had established a strong presence along the coastal plain and were expanding inland, posing a significant threat to Israelite sovereignty. Their control over iron technology (as mentioned in [1 Samuel 13:19](/1-samuel/13-19 "1 Samuel 13:19 - Philistine Iron Monopoly")) gave them a distinct military advantage, making Israel's situation precarious. The practice of seeking divine signs was not uncommon in the ancient Near East, and within Israel, it was a way to confirm God's will, especially before major undertakings like battle, provided it was done with genuine faith and not as a means to test God. Jonathan's approach to the Philistine outpost at Michmash, a strategic pass, reflects the guerrilla tactics often employed by a weaker force against a stronger, entrenched enemy.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Samuel 14:10](/1-samuel/14-10 "1 Samuel 14:10 - Jonathan's Faith in Action") powerfully illustrates several core themes. Foremost is **Faith and Divine Guidance**, as Jonathan's entire endeavor hinges on his profound trust in God's ability to intervene and provide clear direction, even in seemingly impossible circumstances. His willingness to seek a specific sign demonstrates a deep conviction that God actively guides His people. This theme resonates with the broader biblical emphasis on [trusting God's leading](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart"). Connected to this is **Boldness and Initiative**, as Jonathan acts decisively where King Saul and the rest of the army are paralyzed by fear and indecision. He doesn't wait for perfect conditions but steps out in obedience to what he believes God will reveal. Finally, the verse underscores **God's Sovereignty in Battle**. Jonathan's declaration, "for the LORD hath delivered them into our hand," is a theological statement affirming that ultimate victory does not depend on human strength or numbers but on God's power and decision ([Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trusting in the Lord's Name")). This conviction fuels his confidence and provides the spiritual foundation for his audacious plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sign (Hebrew, _'oth'_):** The Hebrew word אוֹת (_'oth'_) signifies a mark, token, or wonder. In biblical usage, it often refers to a miraculous or divinely appointed indicator that confirms God's presence, approval, or future action. It is not merely a coincidence but a pre-arranged, divinely orchestrated signal. Jonathan was seeking an undeniable, supernatural confirmation of God's active involvement and blessing on his daring mission, distinguishing it from a mere human gamble.
* **Delivered (Hebrew, _natan_):** The Hebrew verb נָתַן (_natan_) means "to give," "to place," or "to deliver." In this context, "hath delivered" emphasizes God's active, sovereign hand in pre-determining the outcome of the battle. It implies that the victory is not earned by human strength or cunning, but is a gift from God, already accomplished in His divine plan. Jonathan's confidence is rooted in this theological conviction that God has already "given" the enemy into their control.
* **Come up (Hebrew, _'alah_):** The Hebrew verb עָלָה (_'alah'_) means "to go up," "to ascend." In military contexts, it often refers to advancing against an enemy or attacking a fortified position, which is typically on higher ground. The Philistines' command to "Come up unto us" would be an arrogant challenge, inviting Jonathan and his armor-bearer to their elevated position, seemingly unaware that this very invitation would be the sign of their impending defeat.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if they say thus, Come up unto us;"**: This clause presents the specific, positive condition that Jonathan set for the divine sign. The Philistines, from their fortified position, would confidently and perhaps mockingly invite Jonathan and his armor-bearer to ascend to them. This verbal cue, signifying their overconfidence and perceived superiority, was to be the precise signal Jonathan awaited.
* **"then we will go up:"**: This indicates Jonathan's immediate and resolute response upon receiving the specified sign. There would be no hesitation or further deliberation; the divine confirmation would trigger their immediate advance, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to act on God's revealed will.
* **"for the LORD hath delivered them into our hand:"**: This is the theological conviction that undergirds Jonathan's entire plan and his confidence in the sign. It is not a statement of human presumption but a declaration of faith that God has already, in His sovereign power, granted victory. This conviction provides the ultimate reason for their bold action, shifting the focus from human capability to divine enablement.
* **"and this [shall be] a sign unto us."**: This concluding phrase explicitly states the purpose of the Philistines' response. It confirms that the scenario described would serve as the definitive, divinely ordained indicator that Jonathan sought. It validates his method of seeking God's will and confirms that God would indeed provide clear direction for their mission.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is the **Conditional Clause** ("But if they say... then we will go up"), which structures Jonathan's test of God's will, setting up a clear, observable criterion for action. This creates narrative tension and highlights the reliance on a specific divine response. There is also a strong element of **Dramatic Irony**: the Philistines' confident, perhaps disdainful, invitation to "Come up unto us" is intended to draw Jonathan into a disadvantageous position, yet, unknown to them, it becomes the very sign of their impending defeat, orchestrated by God. This irony underscores God's ability to use the arrogance of His enemies for His own purposes. Furthermore, the entire episode functions as a **Divine Test or Oracle**, where human action is contingent upon a specific divine communication, emphasizing God's active **Providence** and control over the unfolding events, even in battle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jonathan's seeking of a sign in [1 Samuel 14:10](/1-samuel/14-10 "1 Samuel 14:10 - Jonathan's Faith and the Sign") is a profound illustration of seeking divine guidance in a high-stakes situation. While God's primary mode of revelation for believers today is through His written Word and the Holy Spirit, Jonathan's action reflects a deep faith that God is actively involved in human affairs and can provide specific direction. His confidence that "the LORD hath delivered them into our hand" before the battle even began underscores the biblical truth of God's sovereignty over all outcomes. It teaches that true victory comes not from human might or strategic brilliance alone, but from God's pre-emptive work and empowering presence. This radical dependence on God, rather than on circumstances or military strength, is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, challenging believers to trust in God's power even when faced with overwhelming odds.

* [Judges 6:36-40](/judges/6-36 "Judges 6:36-40 - Gideon's Fleece and Divine Confirmation")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trusting in the Lord's Name for Victory")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trusting God's Leading in All Your Ways")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jonathan's bold faith in [1 Samuel 14:10](/1-samuel/14-10 "1 Samuel 14:10 - Jonathan's Faith in Action") challenges believers to consider the nature of their own trust in God, especially when facing daunting challenges. While we do not typically seek explicit, external signs in the same way Jonathan did, the underlying principle of seeking God's clear will and then acting on it with courage remains profoundly relevant. This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep reliance on God's sovereignty, understanding that He is capable of delivering us even when circumstances seem impossible. It calls us to move beyond fear and inaction, to step out in faith when God's direction is clear, trusting that He has already "delivered" the outcome into His hand. Our confidence should not be in our own resources or strength, but in the Lord who fights for us. This requires a posture of prayerful discernment, careful study of Scripture, and willingness to obey, even when the path ahead seems risky or unconventional from a human perspective.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically seek God's guidance when facing significant decisions or overwhelming challenges in your life?**
* **What might it look like to "step out in faith," relying on God's promises rather than your own limited resources, in your current circumstances?**
* **How does the conviction that "the LORD hath delivered them into our hand" impact your approach to obstacles or perceived impossibilities?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jonathan seek a sign from God before attacking the Philistines?**

Answer: Jonathan sought a sign not out of doubt or a desire to test God, but to confirm God's specific will and active presence in a high-stakes military operation. In a situation where Israel was severely outmatched and demoralized, Jonathan needed clear divine assurance that God was indeed with them and had already ordained victory. This sign would serve as a tangible confirmation, not only for himself but also for his armor-bearer, providing the necessary conviction to proceed with such an audacious plan. It was an act of faith, demonstrating his desire to align his actions perfectly with God's sovereign intent.

**Is it appropriate for believers today to seek signs like Jonathan did?**

Answer: Generally, no. While God is sovereign and can certainly provide confirmation in various ways, the primary means of discerning God's will for believers today is through His completed Word ([2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2-timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-breathed")) and the indwelling Holy Spirit ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Will Guide You")). Unlike Jonathan, who lived before the full revelation of Christ and the complete biblical canon, we have a more direct and comprehensive source of divine guidance. Seeking specific, external "signs" can sometimes devolve into testing God or avoiding the clear principles of Scripture. However, God can still use circumstances, wise counsel, and a sense of peace to confirm His will when we are prayerfully seeking Him.

**What does Jonathan mean by "the LORD hath delivered them into our hand"?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful declaration of faith and a theological conviction. It means that Jonathan believed God had already, in His sovereign plan and power, given the Philistines over to Israel for defeat. It is not a statement of human presumption or military strategy, but an affirmation that victory ultimately belongs to God. Jonathan's confidence was rooted in God's ability to intervene and grant success, regardless of the overwhelming odds. This conviction transformed a seemingly suicidal mission into a divinely ordained triumph.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jonathan's audacious faith, his reliance on a divine sign, and his conviction that "the LORD hath delivered them into our hand" profoundly foreshadow the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jonathan, as a deliverer for Israel, points to Christ, the ultimate Deliverer and the perfect embodiment of God's will. While Jonathan sought a sign to confirm God's presence and approval, Jesus Himself is the ultimate "sign" of God's presence among humanity, the very Word made flesh who perfectly reveals the Father ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No one has seen God, but the Son has revealed Him")). God no longer speaks through specific, external signs in the same way, but has spoken definitively through His Son ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God has spoken through His Son")). All wisdom and knowledge, all of God's perfect will, are hidden in Christ ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge")). Jonathan's confidence in God's pre-emptive delivery of the enemy finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's decisive victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness on the cross. Through His sacrifice and resurrection, Jesus has definitively "delivered" humanity from the enemy's grasp, securing a victory that is already accomplished for all who believe ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - In the world you will have tribulation, but take heart; I have overcome the world"); [1 Corinthians 15:57](/1-corinthians/15-57 "1 Corinthians 15:57 - Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ")). Thus, Jonathan's faith-filled act serves as a powerful Old Testament echo of the greater, eternal victory secured by the Lamb of God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 24:14

And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: [let the same be] she [that] thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.

1 Samuel 10:7

And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, [that] thou do as occasion serve thee; for God [is] with thee.

Judges 7:11

And thou shalt hear what they say; and afterward shall thine hands be strengthened to go down unto the host. Then went he down with Phurah his servant unto the outside of the armed men that [were] in the host.

Judges 6:36

And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said,

Isaiah 7:11

Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.

Isaiah 7:14

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.