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1 Samuel 14:10

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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.

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.

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."

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.”

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

1 Samuel 14:10 captures a pivotal moment of faith and strategic thinking by Jonathan, King Saul's son, as he prepares to confront a Philistine garrison. This verse details the second of two potential signs Jonathan proposed to determine God's will concerning their attack on the Philistines.

Context

The Israelites under King Saul were in a precarious position, outnumbered and poorly equipped against the Philistines, who had disarmed them of smiths and weapons (1 Samuel 13:19-22). Fear gripped the Israelite camp, with many hiding in caves and thickets. Against this backdrop, Jonathan, accompanied only by his armor-bearer, decided to launch a daring, faith-filled assault on a Philistine outpost. His plan was to approach the Philistines and interpret their reaction as a sign from the Lord. If the Philistines told them to "tarry" (wait), they would stay put; but if they invited them to "come up unto us," as stated in this verse, it would be a clear indication that the Lord had delivered the enemy into their hands.

Key Themes

  • Faith and Divine Guidance: Jonathan's actions demonstrate profound trust in God's ability to deliver, even against overwhelming odds. He sought a specific sign, believing God would provide clear direction for their mission. This is a powerful example of faith in action.
  • Boldness and Initiative: While Saul and the rest of the army were hesitant, Jonathan displayed remarkable courage and initiative. He wasn't waiting for perfect circumstances but was willing to step out in obedience to what he believed God would show him.
  • God's Sovereignty in Battle: The phrase "the LORD hath delivered them into our hand" underscores the Israelite belief that victory in battle ultimately belongs to God (Psalm 20:7). Jonathan's confidence stemmed from this conviction, not from his own strength or military prowess.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "sign" here is 'oth (אוֹת). It signifies a mark, token, or wonder, often implying a miraculous or supernatural indicator of God's presence or will. Jonathan wasn't looking for a mere coincidence but a divinely ordained signal that would confirm God's active involvement and blessing on their audacious plan.

Practical Application

Jonathan's story in 1 Samuel 14:10 offers timeless lessons for believers today. While we don't typically seek literal signs in the same way, the principle of seeking God's guidance through prayer, scripture, and wise counsel remains vital. It encourages us to:

  • Trust God's Leading: Even when circumstances seem impossible, we are called to trust that God can make a way.
  • Act in Faith: Sometimes, God calls us to step out boldly, relying on His promises rather than our own limited resources.
  • Discern God's Will: The importance of waiting for clarity from God before acting, and recognizing His hand when He provides it.

This verse reminds us that true victory comes not from superior strength or numbers, but from the Lord's hand, as Jonathan confidently declared.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 24:14 (4 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.

  • 1 Samuel 10:7 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 7:11 (2 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 7:14 (2 votes)

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