1 Samuel 14:9

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.

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.

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

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

Commentary

In 1 Samuel 14:9, we find Jonathan, King Saul's son, speaking to his armor-bearer about a daring plan to attack a Philistine garrison. This verse outlines the first part of a two-part test Jonathan proposes to determine God's will regarding their audacious mission.

Context

The Israelites were severely oppressed by the Philistines, who held a significant military advantage in terms of weaponry and numbers. King Saul and his army were in a desperate situation, largely disarmed and demoralized. In this dire environment, Jonathan, demonstrating remarkable faith and initiative, decides to take matters into his own hands. He and his armor-bearer, just two men against a fortified enemy position, agree on a specific sign to discern if the Lord would grant them victory. This verse describes the first potential response from the Philistines: if they mockingly tell them to "Tarry until we come to you," it would be a sign to *not* advance, implying God was not with them for this specific strategy. This highlights the precarious position of Israel and Jonathan's bold, yet cautious, approach to battle.

Key Themes

  • Seeking Divine Guidance: Jonathan's proposal highlights a desire to act according to God's will, even in a high-stakes military maneuver. He doesn't rely solely on human strategy but seeks a clear indication from the Lord. This method of seeking a "sign" or "token," similar to Gideon's fleece, was a way to confirm God's leading in that era.
  • Faith and Dependence on God: Despite the overwhelming odds (two men against a garrison), Jonathan's underlying belief, expressed earlier in 1 Samuel 14:6, is that "there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few." This verse reinforces his commitment to only move forward if God is clearly with them, demonstrating profound trust in divine power over human strength.
  • Prudence and Caution: While bold, Jonathan is also prudent. He establishes a clear condition for retreat, showing that even great faith must be coupled with wisdom and a willingness to discern when God is *not* leading in a particular direction. His plan accounts for both advancement and holding back based on the divine signal.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "Tarry until we come to you" conveys a sense of Philistine arrogance and confidence in their superior position. It is a challenge, essentially saying, "Stay where you are, we'll deal with you on our terms." Jonathan's response, "then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up unto them," shows his commitment to obey the sign, whether it means advancing or holding back. The simple, direct language emphasizes the clarity of the proposed sign, making the divine confirmation unmistakable for Jonathan and his armor-bearer.

Practical Application

Jonathan's approach reminds us of the importance of seeking God's direction in our lives, especially when facing significant decisions or daunting challenges. While we don't typically seek physical "signs" in the same way today, we are called to discern God's will through prayer, studying Scripture, seeking wise counsel, and observing divine providence. This verse teaches us that true courage isn't recklessness, but a willingness to step out in faith when God clearly leads, and also to exercise patience and restraint when He does not. It underscores the principle that our success ultimately depends on God's power, not our own strength or numbers, as seen in the subsequent verses of this chapter where the second sign is given and followed, leading to a great victory for Israel.

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Cross-References

  • Judges 6:36 (2 votes)

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

  • Judges 6:40 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.