1 Samuel 14:7

And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that [is] in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I [am] with thee according to thy heart.

And his armourbearer {H5375}{H3627} said {H559} unto him, Do {H6213} all that is in thine heart {H3824}: turn {H5186} thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart {H3824}.

His armor-bearer replied, "Do everything you think you should; I'm with you, whatever you decide."

His armor-bearer replied, “Do all that is in your heart. Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.”

And his armorbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thy heart: turn thee, behold, I am with thee according to thy heart.

Commentary

1 Samuel 14:7 captures a pivotal moment of unwavering loyalty and courage, as Jonathan's armourbearer pledges his full support for Jonathan's daring plan to attack a Philistine outpost. This verse highlights the profound trust and solidarity between the two men, setting the stage for a miraculous victory.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is set during a tense period in Israel's history, under the early reign of King Saul, when the Philistines heavily oppressed the Israelites. The Israelite army was poorly equipped and demoralized, facing a superior Philistine force. Jonathan, Saul's son, driven by faith and a bold spirit, decides to take matters into his own hands without consulting his father or the priests. His plan, outlined in 1 Samuel 14:6, was to approach the Philistine garrison, trusting that the Lord would grant them victory, regardless of the odds.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Unwavering Loyalty: The armourbearer's response, "Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart," is a powerful declaration of absolute commitment. He doesn't question the wisdom or danger of Jonathan's highly risky proposition but instead offers complete solidarity. This speaks to the strength of their bond and the armourbearer's deep respect for Jonathan.
  • Courage and Initiative: Both Jonathan and his armourbearer display remarkable courage. Jonathan's initiative to challenge the Philistine dominance, despite being outnumbered, is met with an equally courageous resolve from his companion. This partnership exemplifies how courage can inspire courage.
  • Trust in Divine Providence: While not explicitly stated by the armourbearer, his willingness to follow Jonathan, who was acting on a conviction that "the Lord will work for us" (as per 1 Samuel 14:6), reflects a shared or at least an understanding of Jonathan's faith that God could deliver victory through a few, just as He could through many.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "according to thy heart" (Hebrew: k'libbecha) emphasizes a profound personal alignment. It means "just as you desire," or "in full agreement with your purpose." It's not just a statement of presence but of complete endorsement and willingness to participate fully in Jonathan's inner conviction and strategy. The armourbearer's words convey a deep understanding and acceptance of Jonathan's intent, signaling a true partnership.

Practical Application

1 Samuel 14:7 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • The Power of Support: It underscores the immense value of a loyal companion or partner who believes in your vision and stands with you, especially when pursuing a challenging or faith-driven endeavor. Such support can be crucial in times of uncertainty.
  • Stepping Out in Faith: Like Jonathan, we are sometimes called to act on convictions that seem improbable or risky by human standards. The armourbearer's response encourages us to be willing to follow or support those who step out in faith, trusting in God's ability to work through unexpected means, much like God's promise to be with us in Isaiah 41:10.
  • Leadership and Followership: Jonathan demonstrates bold leadership, while his armourbearer exemplifies exemplary followership – not blind obedience, but an informed and committed partnership rooted in shared purpose and trust.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 7:3 (3 votes)

    And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that [is] in thine heart; for the LORD [is] with thee.

  • Psalms 46:7 (2 votes)

    The LORD of hosts [is] with us; the God of Jacob [is] our refuge. Selah.

  • 1 Samuel 10:7 (2 votes)

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

  • Zechariah 8:23 (2 votes)

    Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days [it shall come to pass], that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard [that] God [is] with you.