1 Samuel 14

1 Samuel 14

Utley on uncircumcised - The Philistines being from the Aegean Islands (i.e., Greek culture) were the only people of the region not circumcised. Other ANE cultures did it at different times but all did it. I agree with the comment by the TSK - This action of Jonathan's was totally contrary to the laws of war; no military operation should be undertaken without the knowledge and command of the general. But it is highly probable, that this gallant man was led to undertake the hazardous enterprise by an immediate divine impulse; and by the same influence was kept from informing the soldiers, and even from consulting his father, who might have opposed his design. Perhaps the LORD will work for us, for the LORD is not restrained to save (yasha; Lxx = sozo) by many or by few - This statement would appear to be a key to unlock the mystery of why Jonathan would go on such a daring mission and tell no one but his armor bearer. If this was indeed an action initiated by the Spirit's work on Jonathan's heart (which I think it was), it is very likely that neither his father nor the people would have understood or approved. THOUGHT- File this great principle away in your heart and mind! God's power is independent of human strength. "If God is for us, who is against us?" (Ro 8:31+) The crucial variable is not human strength, but God's presence and provision. What can restrain the hand of God is unbelief (see Mt 13:58+). What a striking contrast this passage presents -- not at all like father, like son. The father, Saul, feared, was faithless and failed. The son, Jonathan, was bold, faithful and successful (as the story unfolds). Jonathan was living up to his name "Jehovah has given." As an aside, it is fascinating and can only be part of the "secret things that belong to the LORD" (Dt 29:29+) that godly Samuel had ungodly sons and ungodly Saul had a godly son! "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!" (Ro 11:33+) THOUGHT - This is a good reminder to all of us who have children. We can raise them in the nurture and admonition of the LORD (Eph 6:4KJV+) and train them up in the way they should go (Pr 22:6), and generally those "formulae" yield good fruit, but clearly not always. On the other hand, when we do see good fruit in our children, we should be quick to give the credit and the glory to the LORD God Almighty for His Spirit and His Word's work in their lives! Amen? Amen! Dale Ralph Davis - We can hardly claim that Jonathan’s faith was a product of his environment. A quick look back at 1Sa 13:5–7, 8, 17–18, 19–22 should convince us that there were no grounds for optimism there. The circumstances did not stimulate optimism. But this is not optimism. It is faith. Some people are naturally optimistic—they don’t know any better. But faith can arise even when no reason for optimism exists. Reason for faith may exist. Jonathan clearly indicates the basis of his. Faith arises in such a situation because it looks not to circumstances but to God. Note again his words: Clear conviction about God (“for nothing can keep Yahweh from saving”) produces great expectation of God (“perhaps Yahweh will act for us”) and recognizes God’s “normal” manner of working (“by many or by few,” i.e., through his servants). Jonathan is not trusting his own daring scheme. He does not say, “Perhaps Yahweh will act for us, for we are rather clever.” If anything, his daring is an expression of his trust in Yahweh, a trust rooted in truth about Yahweh. Rod Mattoon - Jonathan’s attitude was “There is nothing too hard for God and nothing can restrain Him.” Jonathan truly believed that God could do anything to the point that he put his life on the line. Jonathan was resolved to be used of God to deliver his people. One man made the difference. One man can still make a difference in this day and age. Will you be that man or woman? (1 Samuel Commentary - Go to page for list of multiple illustrations on page 596)