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Commentary on 1 Samuel 14 verses 1–15
We must here take notice,
I. Of the goodness of God in restraining the Philistines, who had a vast army of valiant men in the field, from falling upon that little handful of timorous trembling people that Saul had with him, whom they would easily have swallowed up at once. It is an invisible power that sets bounds to the malice of the church's enemies, and suffers them not to do that which we should think there is nothing to hinder them from.
II. Of the weakness of Saul, who seems here to have been quite at a loss, and unable to help himself. 1. He pitched his tent under a tree, and had but 600 men with him, Sa1 14:2. Where were now the 3000 men he had chosen, and put such a confidence in? Sa1 13:2. Those whom he trusted too much to failed him when he most needed them. He durst not stay in Gibeah, but got into some obscure place, in the uttermost part of the city, under a pomegranate-tree, under Rimmon (so the word is), Ha-Rimmon, that Rimmon near Gibeah, in the caves of which those 600 Benjamites that escaped his themselves, Jdg 20:47. Some think that there Saul took shelter, so mean and abject was his spirit, now that he had fallen under God's displeasure, every hour expecting the Philistines upon him, and thereby the accomplishment of Samuel's threatening, Sa1 13:14. Those can never think themselves safe that see themselves cast out of God's protection. 2. Now he sent for a priest, and the ark, a priest from Shiloh, and the ark from Kirjath-jearim, Sa1 14:3, Sa1 14:18. Saul had once offended by offering sacrifice himself, Sa1 13:9. Now he resolves never to fall into that error again, and therefore sends for a priest, and hopes to compromise the matter with God Almighty by a particular reformation, as many do whose hearts are unhumbled and unchanged. Samuel, the Lord's prophet, had forsaken him, but he thinks he can make up that loss by commanding Ahiah, the Lord's priest, to attend him, and he will not make him stay for him nor reprove him, as Samuel had done, but will do just as he bids him, Sa1 14:18, Sa1 14:19. Many love to have such ministers as will be what they would have them to be, and prophesy smooth things to them; and their caressing them because they are priests, they hope, will atone for their enmity to those ministers that deal faithfully and plainly with them. He will also have the ark brought, perhaps to upbraid Samuel, who in the days of his government, for aught that appears, had not made any public use of it; or in hopes that this would make up the deficiency of his forces; one would have supposed that they would never bring the ark into the camp again, since, the last time, it not only did not save them, but did itself fall into the Philistines' hands. But it is common for those that have lost the substance of religion to be most fond of the shadows of it, as here is a deserted prince courting a deserted priest.
III. Of the bravery and piety of Jonathan, the son of Saul, who was much fitter than the father to wear the crown. "A sweet imp (says bishop Hall) out of a crab-stock."
1.He resolved to go incognito - unknown to any one, into the camp of the Philistines; he did not acquaint his father with his design, for he knew he would forbid him; nor the people, for he knew they would all discourage him, and, because he resolved not to heed their objections, he resolved not to hear them, nor ask their advice, Sa1 14:1, Sa1 14:3. Nor had he so great an opinion of the priest as to consult him, but, being conscious of a divine impulse putting him upon it, he threw himself into the mouth of danger, in hope of doing service to his country. The way of access to the enemies' camp is described (Sa1 14:4, Sa1 14:5) as being peculiarly difficult, and their natural entrenchments impregnable, yet this does not discourage him; the strength and sharpness of the rocks do but harden and whet his resolutions. Great and generous souls are animated by opposition and take a pleasure in breaking through it.
2.He encouraged his armour-bearer, a young man that attended him, to go along with him in the daring enterprise, (Sa1 14:6): "Come, and let us put our lives in our hands, and go over to the enemies' garrison, and try what we can do to put them into confusion." See whence he draws his encouragements. (1.) "They are uncircumcised, and have not the seal of the covenant in their flesh, as we have. Fear not, we shall do well enough with them, for they are not under the protection of God's covenant as we are, cannot call him theirs as we can, by the sign of circumcision." If such as are enemies to us are also strangers to God, we need not fear them. (2.) "God is able to make us two victorious over their unnumbered regiments. There is no restraint in the Lord, no limitation to the holy One of Israel, but it is all one to him to save by many or by few." This is a true easily granted in general, that it is all alike to Omnipotence what the instruments are by which it works; and yet it is not so easy to apply it to a particular case; when we are but few and feeble then to believe that God can not only save us, but save by us, this is an instance of faith, which, wherever it is, shall obtain a good report. Let this strengthen the weak and encourage the timid: let it be pleaded with God for the enforcing of our petitions and with ourselves for the silencing of our fears: It is nothing with God to help, whether with many or with those that have no power, Ch2 14:11. (3.) "Who knows but he that can use us for his glory will do it? It may be the Lord will work for us, work with us, work a sign or miracle for us." So the Chaldee. We may encourage ourselves with hope that God will appear for us, though we have not ground on which to build an assurance. An active faith will venture far in God's cause upon an it may be. Jonathan's armour-bearer, or esquire, as if he had learned to carry, not his arms only, but his heart, promised to stand by him and to follow him withersoever he went, Sa1 14:7. We have reason to think that Jonathan felt a divine impulse and impression putting him upon this bold adventure, in which he was encouraged by his servant's concurrence, otherwise the danger was so great which he ran upon that he would have tempted God rather than trusted him. And perhaps he had an actual regard to that word of Joshua (Jos 23:10), One man of you shall chase a thousand, borrowed from Moses, Deu 32:30.
3.How bold soever his resolution was, he resolved to follow Providence in the execution of it, which, he believed, would guide him with its eye (Psa 32:8), and which therefore he would carefully attend and take hints of direction from. See how he put himself upon Providence, and resolved to be determined by it. "Come" (says he to his confidant), "we will discover ourselves to the enemy, as those that are not afraid to look them in the face (Sa1 14:8), and then, if they be so cautious as to bid us stand, we will advance no further, taking it for an intimation of Providence that God would have us act defensively, and we will prepare as well as we can to give them a warm reception (Sa1 14:9); but if they be so presumptuous as to challenge us, and the first sentinel we meet with bid us march on, we will push forward, and make as brisk an onset, assuredly gathering thence that it is the will of God we should act offensively, and then not doubting but he will stand by us," Sa1 14:10. And upon this issue he puts it, firmly believing, as we all should, (1.) That God has the governing of the hearts and tongues of all men, even of those that know him not, nor have any regard to him, and serves his own purposes by them, though they mean not so, neither do their hearts think so. Jonathan knew God could discover his mind to him if he pleased, and would do it, since he depended upon him, as surely by the mouth of a Philistine as by the mouth of a priest. (2.) That God will, some way or other, direct the steps of those that acknowledge him in all their ways, and seek unto him for direction, with full purpose of heart to follow it. Sometimes we find most comfort in that which is least our own doing, and into which we have been led by the unexpected, but well observed, turns of Providence.
4.Providence gave him the sign he expected, and he answered the signal. He and his armour-bearer did not surprise the Philistines when they were asleep, but discovered themselves to them by day-light, Sa1 14:11. The guards of the Philistines, (1.) Disdained them, upbraided them with the cowardice of many of their people, and looked upon them to be of the regiment of sneakers: Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of their holes. If some of Christ's soldiers play the coward, others that play the man may perhaps be upbraided with it. (2.) They defied them (Sa1 14:12): Come, and we will show you a thing, as if they came like children to gaze about them; but meaning, as Goliath (Sa1 17:44), that they would give them as meat to the fowls of the air. They bantered them, not doubting but to make a prey of them. This greatly emboldened Jonathan. With it he encouraged his servant; he had spoken with uncertainty (Sa1 14:6): It may be the Lord will work for us; but now he speaks with assurance (Sa1 14:12): The Lord has delivered them, not into our hands (he sought not his own glory), but into the hand of Israel, for he aimed at nothing but the advantage of the public. His faith being thus strengthened, no difficulty can stand before him; he climbs up the rock upon all four (Sa1 14:13), though he has nothing to cover him, nor any but his own servant to second him, nor any human probability of any thing but death before him.
5.The wonderful success of this daring enterprise. The Philistines, instead of falling upon Jonathan, to slay him, or take him prisoner, fell before him (Sa1 14:13) unaccountably, upon the first blows he gave. They fell, that is, (1.) They were many of them slain by him and his armour-bearer, Sa1 14:14. Twenty Philistines fell presently. It was not so much the name of Jonathan that made them yield so tamely (though some think that this had become terrible to them, since he smote one of their garrisons, Sa1 13:3), but it was God's right hand and his arm that got him this victory. (2.) The rest were put to flight, and fell foul upon one another (Sa1 14:15): There was trembling in the host. There was no visible cause for fear; they were so numerous, bold, and advantageously posted; the Israelites had fled before them; not an enemy made head against them, but one gentleman and his man; and yet they shook like an aspen-leaf. The consternation was general: they all trembled; even the spoilers, those that had been most bold and forward, shared in the common fright, the joints of their loins were loosed, and their knees smote one against another, and yet none of them could tell why or wherefore. It is called a trembling of God (so the original phrase is), signifying not only, as we render it, a very great trembling, which they could not resist nor reason themselves clear of, but that it was supernatural, and came immediately from the hand of God. He that made the heart knows how to make it tremble. To complete the confusion, even the earth quaked, and made them ready to fear that it would sink under them. Those that will not fear the eternal God, he can make afraid of a shadow. See Pro 21:1; Isa 33:14.
The one perfectly divine thing, the one glimpse of God's paradise given on earth, is to fight a losing battle - and not lose it.
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SUMMARY
1 Samuel 14:8 presents Jonathan's decisive and faith-empowered command to his armor-bearer, initiating their audacious plan against the Philistine garrison. Following his declaration of trust in God's unrestricted power to deliver, Jonathan articulates the practical, strategic step of openly revealing their presence to the enemy. This act of "discovering themselves" was not a reckless charge but a calculated, faith-filled maneuver designed to elicit a specific response from the Philistines, which would then serve as a divine sign for their subsequent actions, demonstrating Jonathan's profound reliance on God's explicit guidance.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse serves as the immediate practical outworking of Jonathan's profound declaration of faith in 1 Samuel 14:6—"there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few." His loyal armor-bearer, sharing a similar spirit of courage and devotion, affirms his commitment in 1 Samuel 14:7. Verse 8 then outlines the audacious first step of their two-man assault. The subsequent verses, 1 Samuel 14:9-10, reveal the strategic genius and spiritual depth behind this "discovery"—it was a divinely orchestrated test for a clear sign, underscoring Jonathan's dependence on God's explicit guidance rather than mere human bravery. This entire episode stands in stark contrast to King Saul's increasingly hesitant, fearful, and disobedient leadership, highlighting Jonathan's proactive and unwavering faith amidst national despair and military stagnation.
Historical & Cultural Context: The period depicted in 1 Samuel 13 and 1 Samuel 14 is one of severe Philistine domination over Israel. The Philistines had strategically disarmed the Israelites, ensuring no smiths were available to sharpen weapons, thereby maintaining a technological and military advantage (1 Samuel 13:19-22). A formidable Philistine garrison was entrenched at Michmash, effectively controlling key strategic passes and instilling widespread fear among the demoralized Israelite forces. King Saul's army was meager, poorly equipped, and suffering from low morale. The rugged terrain around Michmash, characterized by steep ravines and rocky outcrops, provided natural defensive strongholds for the Philistines, making any direct assault appear suicidal. Jonathan's initiative, therefore, unfolds against a backdrop of overwhelming odds, national despondency, and military impotence, rendering his faith-filled action remarkably courageous and counter-cultural.
Key Themes: Jonathan's command in 1 Samuel 14:8 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Samuel. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of bold faith and divine initiative, starkly contrasting Jonathan's proactive trust in God with Saul's increasing passivity, fear, and reliance on human strength or ritualistic acts rather than genuine dependence on the Lord. Secondly, it highlights the critical theme of dependence on divine providence and guidance, as Jonathan's "discovery" is not a reckless charge but a carefully considered move designed to elicit a clear, unambiguous sign from God, demonstrating that true courage is rooted in seeking and obeying God's specific will. Thirdly, it underscores the theme of confronting the enemy through faith, not through stealth or superior numbers, but through a direct, faith-empowered challenge, illustrating how God frequently uses the seemingly weak and foolish to overcome the mighty and confound the wise. This episode serves as a powerful microcosm of the larger narrative of God's sovereign work through chosen individuals to deliver His people, often in unexpected and miraculous ways, as seen throughout the broader story of Israel's deliverance from oppression.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The narrative of 1 Samuel 14:8 employs several potent literary devices that enrich its meaning and impact. There is a profound Contrast established between Jonathan's bold, faith-driven initiative and King Saul's hesitant, fearful, and passive leadership, which is evident throughout 1 Samuel 13 and 1 Samuel 14. While Saul remains under the pomegranate tree, paralyzed by fear, Jonathan takes decisive action, highlighting a stark difference in their spiritual posture and trust in God. The verse also functions as powerful Foreshadowing, setting the stage for the crucial divine sign Jonathan seeks in the following verses. His act of "discovering themselves" is not an end in itself but a deliberate means to an end, a test that will reveal God's specific will for their engagement. Furthermore, there is an element of Irony inherent in Jonathan's plan: two men deliberately exposing themselves to a large, well-armed enemy garrison, a seemingly suicidal move by conventional military standards, which ultimately becomes the catalyst for a miraculous and overwhelming victory for Israel. This highlights the profound biblical theme of God working through the weak, the few, and the seemingly foolish to confound the strong and demonstrate His absolute power.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jonathan's bold declaration and subsequent action in 1 Samuel 14:8 embody a profound theological truth: God is not limited by human numbers, strength, or strategic advantage. His willingness to "discover" himself to the enemy, in a move that appears reckless by human standards, underscores his radical dependence on divine intervention rather than conventional military tactics. This act of faith demonstrates that God often calls His people to step out in vulnerability, trusting that His power is made perfect in weakness. It is a powerful reminder that while human planning has its place, ultimate victory belongs to the Lord, who can deliver "by many or by few." Jonathan's initiative serves as a model for courageous faith that dares to act on God's promises, even when the circumstances seem insurmountable, demonstrating that true security lies in God's presence and direction, not in human might.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jonathan's example in 1 Samuel 14:8 offers a compelling and enduring challenge to believers today. In a world often dominated by fear, caution, and an over-reliance on human strength and resources, Jonathan's bold initiative reminds us that true faith often requires stepping out into seemingly impossible or vulnerable situations. He didn't wait for ideal circumstances, a large army, or overwhelming odds in his favor; he acted on his profound conviction that God could save, regardless of the numbers. This calls us to critically examine areas in our own lives where God might be prompting us to take a courageous step of faith—whether it's in sharing the Gospel, pursuing a difficult calling, confronting injustice, forgiving an offense, or trusting God with our finances, relationships, or future. It teaches us to combine audacious action with a humble, active dependence on God's specific guidance, recognizing that our vulnerability, when surrendered to God, can be the very conduit through which His extraordinary power is displayed. Like Jonathan, we are called to be proactive in our faith, trusting that God is able to accomplish His purposes through us, regardless of the perceived odds or our own limitations.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Jonathan choose to "discover himself" rather than attempt a surprise attack?
Answer: Jonathan's decision to "discover himself" to the Philistines was a deliberate and profoundly strategic act, not a reckless one. It was an integral part of a divinely-inspired test designed to discern God's will and secure a clear sign for their next move. As detailed in 1 Samuel 14:9-10, Jonathan proposed two distinct scenarios based on the Philistines' verbal response: if they told Jonathan and his armor-bearer to "wait until we come to you," it would be a clear sign that the Lord had not given them victory. However, if the Philistines said, "Come up to us," it would be an unambiguous indication that the Lord had indeed delivered the enemy into their hands. By openly revealing themselves, Jonathan was intentionally forcing the Philistines to respond, thereby allowing God to provide the specific, undeniable guidance he sought. This demonstrates his profound dependence on God's explicit direction rather than relying solely on conventional human military strategy, stealth, or numerical advantage.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jonathan's bold act of "discovering himself" to the enemy, risking his life for the deliverance of Israel, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate, perfect self-revelation and redemptive sacrifice of Jesus Christ. While Jonathan's act was a strategic test for a divine sign, Christ's coming into the world was the definitive and ultimate "uncovering" of God's eternal redemptive plan. The Son of God, who was in very nature God, profoundly "discovered" Himself to humanity by taking on human flesh (Philippians 2:6-8), thereby making Himself vulnerable to the powers of sin and death. He did not come stealthily, but openly declared His identity and mission, ultimately allowing Himself to be "discovered" and apprehended by His enemies, leading to His crucifixion. Just as Jonathan's act, born of faith, led to Israel's miraculous deliverance, Christ's willing exposure and sacrifice on the cross secured eternal deliverance for all who believe, fulfilling the ultimate purpose of God's salvation. He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, fully revealing God's immeasurable love and omnipotent power through His ultimate act of self-giving and obedience (Hebrews 10:5-7).