1 Samuel 14:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

If they say {H559} thus unto us, Tarry {H1826} until we come {H5060} to you; then we will stand still {H5975} in our place, and will not go up {H5927} unto them.

Complete Jewish Bible

If they say, 'Wait till we come to you,' we'll stand still where we are and not go up to them.

Berean Standard Bible

If they say, ‘Wait until we come to you,’ then we will stay where we are and will not go up to them.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 14:9 presents the first part of a two-pronged test proposed by Jonathan, son of King Saul, to his armor-bearer. Facing overwhelming Philistine military superiority, Jonathan seeks a definitive sign from God to determine whether they should advance against a Philistine garrison. This verse outlines the condition for *not* advancing: if the Philistines arrogantly command them to "Tarry until we come to you," it would signal that God was not leading them to attack at that moment, and they would remain in their position. This demonstrates Jonathan's blend of audacious faith and prudent discernment in seeking divine guidance for a high-stakes military endeavor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a critical period for Israel under King Saul's reign, marked by severe Philistine oppression and military disadvantage. Jonathan's audacious plan is introduced in [1 Samuel 14:1-5](/1_samuel/14-1 "1 Samuel 14:1-5 - Jonathan's Secret Plan and Israel's Dire Situation"), where he secretly departs with only his armor-bearer. His profound declaration of faith, "there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few," is found in [1 Samuel 14:6](/1_samuel/14-6 "1 Samuel 14:6 - Jonathan's Declaration of Faith"). The immediate preceding verses detail their approach to the Philistine garrison, setting the stage for the proposed signs. This verse (1 Samuel 14:9) presents the first, negative, condition, which is then contrasted with the positive condition in [1 Samuel 14:10](/1_samuel/14-10 "1 Samuel 14:10 - The Second Sign and Its Meaning"), leading directly into the miraculous victory that follows. The narrative emphasizes Jonathan's initiative and faith in contrast to Saul's indecision and reliance on traditional religious rituals without true spiritual discernment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges and early Monarchy was characterized by ongoing conflict with surrounding peoples, particularly the Philistines, who were technologically superior, possessing iron weaponry while the Israelites were largely disarmed (see [1 Samuel 13:19-22](/1_samuel/13-19 "1 Samuel 13:19-22 - Philistine Control of Ironworking")). King Saul's army was demoralized and scattered. In this desperate situation, Jonathan's action reflects a profound trust in God's ability to save despite overwhelming odds. The practice of seeking a "sign" or "token" from God for confirmation of divine will was a recognized, though not universally commanded, method in ancient Israel, often employed by individuals like Gideon (as seen in [Judges 6:36-40](/judges/6-36 "Judges 6:36-40 - Gideon's Fleece")). Jonathan's specific test, involving the Philistines' verbal response, was a practical way to discern God's leading in a high-stakes military maneuver, relying on divine providence to orchestrate the enemy's words.

* **Key Themes:** Jonathan's proposed test highlights several crucial themes within [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "1 Samuel - The Book of Samuel"). First, it underscores the theme of **seeking divine guidance** and **dependence on God's will** in all endeavors, especially those of great consequence. Jonathan does not presume upon God's will but actively seeks a clear indication, demonstrating that true faith is not reckless but discerning. Second, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **faith in action** against overwhelming odds, a motif prevalent throughout the book as God often works through the weak and few to demonstrate His power (e.g., David and Goliath in [1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath")). Jonathan's conviction, articulated in [1 Samuel 14:6](/1_samuel/14-6 "1 Samuel 14:6 - Jonathan's Declaration of Faith"), that "there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few," is the bedrock of his plan. Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **prudence and caution** alongside boldness. Jonathan's willingness to "stand still" if the sign is negative shows a mature understanding that courage also involves knowing when *not* to act, recognizing that God's leading might sometimes mean restraint rather than immediate advance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tarry (Hebrew, _'amad'_):** This verb means "to stand, to remain, to wait." In this context, it carries a dismissive and challenging tone from the Philistines, implying "Stay put, don't move, we will come to you and deal with you on our terms." It signifies a command for Jonathan and his armor-bearer to halt their approach and await the Philistines' initiative, which would be a sign of their confidence and contempt.
* **Go up (Hebrew, _'alah'_):** This verb means "to ascend, to go up." It specifically refers to the act of climbing the steep, rocky ascent to the Philistine garrison. Jonathan's statement "will not go up unto them" indicates that if the first sign is given, they will not initiate the attack by ascending to the enemy's position, thus obeying the negative divine signal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If they say thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you;":** This clause sets the first, negative, condition for Jonathan's test. The Philistines' response is envisioned as a contemptuous challenge, born of their superior position and numbers. Their command to "Tarry" (wait) implies they view Jonathan and his armor-bearer as insignificant and easily conquerable, intending to descend and engage them at their leisure. For Jonathan, this specific verbal response would serve as a clear, divinely orchestrated sign that God was not sanctioning their immediate offensive.
* **"then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up unto them.":** This clause outlines Jonathan's intended response if the first condition is met. "Stand still in our place" signifies holding their ground without advancing, accepting the Philistines' challenge to wait, but crucially, not initiating the attack. The phrase "will not go up unto them" explicitly states their obedience to the negative sign, indicating a willingness to abandon the assault if God's signal is to restrain. This demonstrates Jonathan's commitment to follow God's direction, even if it means holding back from an action he had intended.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs a **Conditional Clause** structure ("If... then...") to articulate Jonathan's proposed test. This structure clearly defines the cause-and-effect relationship between the Philistines' response and Jonathan's subsequent action, emphasizing the precise nature of the divine sign he seeks. There is also an element of **Antithesis** or **Contrast** at play, as this negative condition (not advancing) is implicitly set against the positive condition presented in the very next verse ([1 Samuel 14:10](/1_samuel/14-10 "1 Samuel 14:10 - The Second Sign and Its Meaning")), where a different Philistine response would signal divine approval for attack. This creates a sense of **Suspense** for the reader, as the outcome of Jonathan's daring plan hinges entirely on the Philistines' unprompted words. The Philistines' words themselves are imbued with **Irony**, as their arrogant challenge, intended to assert their dominance, is unwittingly used by God as a means of communication to His servant, turning their contempt into a divine oracle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jonathan's method of seeking a specific "sign" from God, while not a prescriptive model for all believers in every age, powerfully illustrates the timeless principle of discerning and submitting to divine will. His willingness to act only upon clear divine indication, even when it meant potentially holding back from a bold plan, underscores the importance of humility and dependence on God rather than presumptuous action. This approach contrasts sharply with the often impulsive and self-reliant actions of King Saul later in the narrative. Jonathan's test highlights that true courage is not recklessness but a Spirit-led obedience that waits for God's timing and direction. It reminds us that God can use even the words and actions of our adversaries to communicate His will, demonstrating His sovereign control over all circumstances.

* [Judges 6:36-40](/judges/6-36 "Judges 6:36-40 - Gideon's Fleece"): Gideon's use of a fleece as a sign to confirm God's will for battle, providing a parallel example of seeking specific divine confirmation in a military context.
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord"): "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This proverb encapsulates the spirit of Jonathan's dependence on God's direction.
* [Psalm 37:23](/psalms/37-23 "Psalm 37:23 - The Steps of a Good Man"): "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way." This verse affirms God's active guidance in the lives of those who seek Him, reflecting Jonathan's desire for divine ordering of his steps.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jonathan's willingness to seek a clear sign from God before acting, even in a moment of great urgency and personal conviction, offers a profound lesson for believers today. While we do not typically seek physical "signs" in the same way, the underlying principle of discerning God's will and exercising spiritual prudence remains vital. In our own lives, when faced with significant decisions or daunting challenges, are we quick to rush forward based on our own strength and wisdom, or do we patiently wait for God's clear leading? Jonathan's example teaches us that true faith is not blind presumption but a discerning trust that listens for God's voice, whether it calls us to advance boldly or to "stand still" in patient obedience. It reminds us that God's power is not limited by our numbers or resources, but our success is ultimately contingent on His divine approval and timing. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of humble dependence, regularly seeking God's direction through prayer, diligent study of [Scripture](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture Is God-Breathed"), and wise counsel, trusting that He will make our path clear.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically discern God's will when facing a significant decision? What are my primary sources of guidance?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be prone to rushing ahead without truly seeking God's clear direction?**
* **What does it mean to "stand still" in obedience when God's leading is to wait or refrain from action?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of dependence on God's power and timing, rather than relying on my own strength or perceived opportunities?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jonathan seek a "sign" instead of just praying for guidance?**
Answer: In the Old Testament, particularly during the period of the Judges and early monarchy, seeking specific, often physical or circumstantial, "signs" was a recognized method by which individuals sought immediate and unambiguous divine guidance for specific actions, especially in military or leadership contexts. While prayer was undoubtedly part of their spiritual life, a "sign" provided a concrete, observable confirmation of God's will. Figures like Gideon also used such methods (see [Judges 6:36-40](/judges/6-36 "Judges 6:36-40 - Gideon's Fleece")). God, in His sovereignty, often accommodated these methods to communicate with His people, even orchestrating the responses of others, as seen here with the Philistines. It was a means of confirming divine leading when direct prophetic revelation might not have been immediately available or clear for a particular tactical decision.

**Does this mean we should look for physical signs today to discern God's will?**
Answer: While God is sovereign and can use any means to communicate, the primary and normative means of discerning God's will for believers today are through the Holy Spirit, who indwells us and illuminates [Scripture](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - The Profitability of Scripture"), prayer, wise counsel from godly individuals, and observing divine providence (God's active working in circumstances). The completed revelation of God in Jesus Christ and the inspired Word of God (the Bible) provides sufficient guidance for all matters of faith and life. Seeking specific, external "signs" as a primary method can be prone to misinterpretation or even lead to superstition. Jonathan's context was unique, and his method was an accommodation of God's communication in that era, not a universal command for all believers in all times.

**What does "stand still in our place" imply about Jonathan's obedience?**
Answer: "Stand still in our place" implies a disciplined and obedient restraint. If the Philistines gave the first sign ("Tarry until we come to you"), Jonathan and his armor-bearer would not advance. This demonstrates that Jonathan was not recklessly charging into battle but was genuinely seeking God's will and was prepared to obey, even if it meant holding back from his audacious plan. It shows a mature faith that is willing to wait, to be patient, and to trust that God's timing and method are always best, even if it means abandoning a humanly conceived strategy. It underscores that true courage is not just about moving forward, but also about knowing when to remain still in obedience to God's leading.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jonathan's bold faith and his meticulous seeking of divine guidance in 1 Samuel 14:9, even to the point of being willing to "stand still" if God did not approve the advance, powerfully foreshadow the perfect obedience and discerning submission of Jesus Christ. Jonathan, a deliverer for Israel, sought to act only in accordance with God's will for a specific battle. Christ, the ultimate Deliverer, lived His entire life in perfect submission to the Father's will, always doing what pleased Him (see [John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father")). Unlike Jonathan, who needed external signs, Jesus perfectly embodied the Father's will, stating, "I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge... for I seek not my own will but the will of Him who sent me" ([John 5:30](/john/5-30 "John 5:30 - Jesus Seeks the Father's Will")). His ultimate victory over sin and death was achieved not by human strength or a conditional test, but through His perfect obedience, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Jonathan's reliance on God for victory by few or many is fully realized in Christ, who, by His single, perfect sacrifice, accomplished salvation for countless multitudes, fulfilling God's will completely (see [Hebrews 10:7-10](/hebrews/10-7 "Hebrews 10:7-10 - Christ's Obedience and Sacrifice")). Thus, Jonathan's discerning faith points forward to the One who perfectly discerned and flawlessly executed the Father's redemptive plan.

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

Judges 6:36

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

Judges 6:40

And God did so that night: for it was dry upon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground.

Genesis 24:13

Behold, I stand [here] by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water:

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.