1 Samuel 14
John MacArthur · Citado em PreceptAustin
1 Samuel 14
MacArthur remarks that "God would have intervened on Saul's behalf in such a manner had he chosen to be faithfully patient (cf. 1Sa 13:9). (Borrow MacArthur Study Bible) NET NOTE on NET rendering "This fear was caused by God." Hebrew reads "and it was by the fear of God." The translation understands this to mean that God was the Source or Cause of the fear experienced by the Philistines. This seems to be the most straightforward reading of the sentence. It is possible, however, that the word "God" functions here simply to intensify the accompanying word "fear," in which one might translate "a very great fear" (cf. NAB, NRSV). It is clear that on some occasions that the divine Name carries such a superlative nuance. David Thompson - This is amazing. The Philistines are petrified because of two men who trust God. You don’t need big numbers to win, you need (A BIG) God to win. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: 1. When we trust God and step out by faith, we don’t initially know if we will succeed or fail. 2. When we trust God and step out by faith, numbers will probably be small. 3. When we trust God and step out by faith, we will see some major victories we would have never seen. Rod Mattoon - Jonathan and his friend smite twenty men and scare the others half to death causing a panic among the enemy. It is amazing what one or two can do if they trust in the Lord. One or two Christians sold out to God can ignite an entire church. Godly Christians cause the demons of Hell to tremble. (1 Samuel Commentary - Go to page for list of multiple illustrations on page 596) How the Bible Influenced a WW1 Victory - from Patterns of Evidence The Bible has greatly influenced our world, sometimes in surprising ways, such as a WWI victory gained. On November 11th, 2018, many countries around the world celebrated the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day, which ended the long and brutal fighting between the Allies and Germany in World War. In America, it is has grown into Veterans Day, which honors the nation’s veterans from all its wars. It is a time to remember history and reflect on its lessons; including the special circumstances surrounding Major Vivian Gilbert and the British forces under General Allenby. A specific passage in the Bible would help lead his men to victory, sparing them from the daunting task of storming the enemy directly into their line of fire. During WWI, a group of British troops arriving in Palestine (today, the nation of Israel) purchased Bibles; not necessarily for purposes of prayer. Instead, they were used to study the geography. The soldiers saw them as great geographical resources to maneuver about the land. This would prove to be very beneficial to success in battle and a WWI victory using the Bible. Generations have applied the wisdom from many accounts in the Bible to their own lives. However, many have questioned whether the settings and history found in biblical accounts can be trusted evidence and are grounded in the real world. What follows is a brief review of the passage and an example of how relying on the trustworthiness of this account enabled the British forces to conquer the area that was a stronghold for the Ottoman Turks by mimicking a battle plan as told in the Book of 1 Samuel. Biblical Battle plans: WWI Victory Gained Using Bible The Philistines were camped in the deep valley west of Jericho, around the town of Michmash. When Israel’s King Saul with his army saw their great numbers, they knew they were in trouble. Impatient for the prophet Samuel to arrive to make an offering and pray, many Israelites scatter and hide in caves. In desperation, Saul takes it upon himself to offer what was for him an unauthorized sacrifice. When Samuel does finally arrive, he predicts that the kingdom will be torn in half and given to another man. After Samuel departs, Saul sees that only six hundred people remained with him. The Philistines, however, had assembled thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen and troops (1 Samuel 13:5). History Repeats Itself Fast forward to General Allenby’s troops in 1918, towards the end of the First World War – The British planned an attack in an area known as Michmash. The Turks were entrenched in the same valley that the Philistines had been 3,000 years earlier. One of the British majors, Vivian Gilbert, thought the name Michmash sounded familiar. Searching passages in one of the recently purchased Bibles, he found it and reported to his commanding officer. An excerpt from the historical account in The Romance of the Last Crusade (READ THE ENTIRE ACCOUNT) tells us: “And the major read on how Jonathan went through the pass, or passage of Michmash, between Bozez and Seneh, and climbed the hill dragging his armour-bearer with him until they came to a place high up, about “a half acre of land, which a yoke of oxen might plow”; and the Philistines who were sleeping awoke, thought they were surrounded by the armies of Saul and fled in disorder, and “the multitudes melted away.” Saul then attacked with his whole army. It was a great victory for him; his first against the Philistines, and “so the Lord saved Israel that day, and the battle passed over into Beth Aven.” The brigade major thought to himself: “This pass, these rocky headlands and flat piece of ground are probably still here; very little has changed in Palestine throughout the centuries,” and he awoke the brigadier. Together they read the story over again. The the general sent out scouts, who came back and reported finding the pass, thinly held by the Turks, with rocky crags on either side–obviously Bozez and Seneh; whilst in the distance, high up in Michmash the moonlight was shining on a flat piece of ground just big enough for a team to plough. The general decided then and there to change the plan of attack, and instead of the whole brigade, one infantry company alone advanced at dead of night along the pass of Michmash. A few Turks met were silently dealt with. We passed between Bozez and Seneh, climbed the hillside and, just before dawn, found ourselves on the flat piece of ground. The Turks who were sleeping awoke, thought they were surrounded by the armies of Allenby and fled in disorder. We killed or captured every Turk that night in Mickmash; so that, after thousands of years, the tactics of Saul and Jonathan were repeated with success by a British force. British WWI Victory over Turks If Major Gilbert had not recalled the biblical text, the battle may have ended quite differently. There is a common saying that those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. It usually refers to avoiding bad decisions that are a result of ignoring the past. However, the same can be said for repeating successes. Learn from the wisdom of history, so that good outcomes are replicated. The British army was able to study the terrain and the description in the Bible to know that this Michmash they were about to descend on was the same as the one described in 1 Samuel. The accounts in the Bible are rooted in reality. What is so notable is that these soldiers put so much trust in the details of a 3,000-year-old narrative. It appears their trust was well placed. 1 Samuel 14:16 Now Saul's watchmen in Gibeah of Benjamin looked, and behold, the multitude melted away; and they went here and there. BGT 1 Samuel 14:16 καὶ εἶδον οἱ σκοποὶ τοῦ Σαουλ ἐν Γαβεε Βενιαμιν καὶ ἰδοὺ ἡ παρεμβολὴ τεταραγμένη ἔνθεν καὶ ἔνθεν LXE 1 Samuel 14:16 And the watchmen of Saul beheld in Gabaa of Benjamin, and, behold, the army was thrown into confusion on every side. KJV 1 Samuel 14:16 And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down one another. NET 1 Samuel 14:16 Saul's watchmen at Gibeah in the territory of Benjamin looked on as the crowd of soldiers seemed to melt away first in one direction and then in another. CSB 1 Samuel 14:16 When Saul's watchmen in Gibeah of Benjamin looked, they saw the panicking troops scattering in every direction. ESV 1 Samuel 14:16 And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked, and behold, the multitude was dispersing here and there. NIV 1 Samuel 14:16 Saul's lookouts at Gibeah in Benjamin saw the army melting away in all directions. NLT 1 Samuel 14:16 Saul's lookouts in Gibeah of Benjamin saw a strange sight-- the vast army of Philistines began to melt away in every direction. NRS 1 Samuel 14:16 Saul's lookouts in Gibeah of Benjamin were watching as the multitude was surging back and forth. NJB 1 Samuel 14:16 Saul's look-out men in Geba of Benjamin could see the camp scattering in all directions. NAB 1 Samuel 14:16 The lookouts of Saul in Geba of Benjamin saw that the enemy camp had scattered and were running about in all directions. YLT 1 Samuel 14:16 And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin see, and lo, the multitude hath melted away, and it goeth on, and is beaten down. the multitude melted away: Ps 58:7 Ps 68:2 and they went here and there: 1Sa 14:20 Jdg 7:22 2Ch 20:22-25 Isa 19:2 1 Samuel 14 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 2 Chronicles 20:22-25 (WHEN JEHOVAH GIVES THE VICTORY) (When they began singing and praising, the LORD set ambushes against the sons of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; so they were routed. 23 For the sons of Ammon and Moab rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir destroying them completely; and when they had finished with the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another. 24 When Judah came to the lookout of the wilderness, they looked toward the multitude, and behold, they were corpses lying on the ground, and no one had escaped. 25 When Jehoshaphat and his people came to take their spoil, they found much among them, including goods, garments and valuable things which they took for themselves, more than they could carry. And they were three days taking the spoil because there was so much. THE MASSIVE PHILISTINE ARMY MELTS AWAY The scene switches from Jonathan on the front lines, to Saul who is across the valley sitting under a tree (1Sa 14:2). Recall that Saul's army was much smaller than the army of the Philistines–30,000 chariots; 6,000 horsemen and an innumerable number of foot soldiers (1Sa 13:5). When Saul originally began to reign, he had about 2,000 men with him (1Sa 13:2), but the threat of the Philistines caused the numbers to dwindle to 600 men (1Sa 13:15). Rod Mattoon - Saul is a spectator of the battle, watching it take place. Saul knows something is going on. Someone is fighting the battle and winning....At this stage Saul illustrates Christians who come to church, but watch the battle. In other words, they do not get involved in the ministry of the church. They don’t sing, help in Sunday School or in the nursery, they don’t visit, invite or pick up people, help with the cleaning, etc. They don’t do anything! Now Saul's watchmen (tsaphah; Lxx = skopos - one that watches) in Gibeah of Benjamin looked, and behold, the multitude melted away; and they went here and there - NLT = "the vast army of Philistines began to melt away in every direction." NAB = "were running about in all directions." The watchmen would have been the lookouts who were to keep Israel from being surprised by the enemy and their eyes must have been quite puzzled at what they were witnessing! The idea of “melting” is that these Philistines had been turned into water and were running every which way! The quaking of the earth (v15) startled the Philistines who began shaking and moving resulting in mass confusion. What is missing from this description? God had promised to do this in Dt 7:23+ "but the LORD your God will deliver them before you, and will throw them into great confusion until they are destroyed." God brought about a whole lot of shaking of earth and men! At this point there is no mention of Israel sending their forces against the Philistines! The only specific mention of forces was two men, Jonathan and his armor bearer! This recalls Jonathan's prophetic words in 1Sa 14:6 "perhaps the LORD will work for us, for the LORD is not restrained to save by many or by few.” In this case Jehovah did work for them and He saved by few (two)! Watchmen (06822) tsaphah conveys idea of being fully aware of a situation in order to gain some advantage or keep from being surprised by an enemy. The root carries with it the meaning of "being alert" and "active in watching" rather than simply gazing at something in the distance. It speaks literally of keeping watch for some event (a Watchman). Tsaphah conveys the idea of being fully aware of a situation in order to gain some advantage or keep from being surprised (as by an enemy). Most of the uses of tsaphah that are translated as "watchman" are in turn translated in the Lxx by the noun skopos = a distant mark looked at, a goal and then the one watching this mark ((Used in Php 3:14). QUESTION - What are watchmen in the Bible? ANSWER - Watchmen in the Bible were guards responsible for protecting towns and military installations from surprise enemy attacks and other potential dangers. Ancient Israelite cities often stationed watchmen on high walls or in watchtowers. Their job was to keep watch and warn the townspeople of impending threats. The Hebrew word translated “watchman” means “one who looks out,” “one who spies,” or “one who watches.” Sometimes watchmen were scouts who looked out for approaching friends as well as enemies. There are many references to watchmen who kept an eye out for physical threats in the Bible: “Now the watchman was standing on the tower in Jezreel, and he saw the company of Jehu as he came and said, ‘I see a company.’ And Joram said, ‘Take a horseman and send to meet them, and let him say, “Is it peace?”’” (2 Kings 9:17ESV). Watchmen safeguarded fields and vineyards during harvest time (Isaiah 5:1–2; Matthew 21:33; Mark 12:1) and acted as sentinels who announced the start of a new day (Psalm 130:6; Isaiah 21:11–12). The Bible also refers to watchmen in a spiritual sense. God appointed prophets as spiritual watchmen over the souls of His people: “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me” (Ezekiel 33:7; also Hosea 9:8). The prophets’ job as watchmen was to urge God’s people to live faithfully and warn them of the perils involved in falling away from the Lord and doing evil. As watchmen, the prophets were also called to warn wicked people of the judgment and destruction that would come their way unless they turned from their evil ways. Israel’s spiritual watchmen bore a heavy responsibility before the Lord. If a prophet failed to warn others as God had appointed him to do, his own life was in danger, and he would be held accountable for the people’s sin: “Son of man, speak to your people and say to them: ‘When I bring the sword against a land, and the people of the land choose one of their men and make him their watchman, and he sees the sword coming against the land and blows the trumpet to warn the people, then if anyone hears the trumpet but does not heed the warning and the sword comes and takes their life, their blood will be on their own head. Since they heard the sound of the trumpet but did not heed the warning, their blood will be on their own head. If they had heeded the warning, they would have saved themselves. But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone’s life, that person’s life will be taken because of their sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood’” (Ezekiel 33:2–6). A watchman who was blind or disobedient to the Lord’s Word left the people he was called to protect open to danger and suffering (Isaiah 56:10). Obedience is the only course of action for a true watchman: “But if you do warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved” (Ezekiel 33:9). The role of spiritual watchman continues in the New Testament in the form of church leaders: “Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit” (Hebrews 13:17NLT). In another sense, God calls not just leaders, but all Christians to be watchmen. Jesus told His disciples to “watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Mark 14:38). We should all be ready and waiting for the Lord’s return: “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him” (Luke 12:35–40).GotQuestions.org Related Resource: Watchman - Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature 1 Samuel 14:17 Saul said to the people who were with him, "Number now and see who has gone from us." And when they had numbered, behold, Jonathan and his armor bearer were not there. BGT 1 Samuel 14:17 καὶ εἶπεν Σαουλ τῷ λαῷ τῷ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ ἐπισκέψασθε δὴ καὶ ἴδετε τίς πεπόρευται ἐξ ὑμῶν καὶ ἐπεσκέψαντο καὶ ἰδοὺ οὐχ εὑρίσκετο Ιωναθαν καὶ ὁ αἴρων τὰ σκεύη αὐτοῦ LXE 1 Samuel 14:17 And Saul said to the people with him, Number yourselves now, and see who has gone out from you: and they numbered themselves, and behold, Jonathan and his armour-bearer were not found. KJV 1 Samuel 14:17 Then said Saul unto the people that were with him, Number now, and see who is gone from us. And when they had numbered, behold, Jonathan and his armour bearer were not there. NET 1 Samuel 14:17 So Saul said to the army that was with him, "Muster the troops and see who is no longer with us." When they mustered the troops, Jonathan and his armor bearer were not there. CSB 1 Samuel 14:17 So Saul said to the troops with him, "Call the roll and determine who has left us." They called the roll and saw that Jonathan and his armor-bearer were gone. ESV 1 Samuel 14:17 Then Saul said to the people who were with him, "Count and see who has gone from us." And when they had counted, behold, Jonathan and his armor-bearer were not there. NIV 1 Samuel 14:17 Then Saul said to the men who were with him, "Muster the forces and see who has left us." When they did, it was Jonathan and his armor-bearer who were not there. NLT 1 Samuel 14:17 "Call the roll and find out who's missing," Saul ordered. And when they checked, they found that Jonathan and his armor bearer were gone. NRS 1 Samuel 14:17 Then Saul said to the troops that were with him, "Call the roll and see who has gone from us." When they had called the roll, Jonathan and his armor-bearer were not there. NJB 1 Samuel 14:17 Saul then said to the force that was with him, 'Call the roll and see who has left us.' So they called the roll, and Jonathan and his armour-bearer were missing. NAB 1 Samuel 14:17 Saul said to those around him, "Count the troops and find out if any of us are missing." When they had investigated, they found Jonathan and his armor-bearer missing. YLT 1 Samuel 14:17 And Saul saith to the people who are with him, 'Inspect, I pray you, and see; who hath gone from us?' and they inspect, and lo, Jonathan and the bearer of his weapons are not. 1 Samuel 14 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SAUL CALLS FOR A ROLL CALL Why do a roll call now while the enemy is melting away? This seems to be an absurd action by Saul. Guzik suggests "This was useless at the moment. Saul should go and fight the Philistines at this strategic moment. Instead, he was probably worried about who was leading the battle and who would get the credit." Saul said to the people who were with him, "Number now and see who has gone from us."And when they had numbered, behold, Jonathan and his armor bearer were not there - NRS = "Call the roll and see who has gone from us." Everyone was present except for his own son and his armor bearer! 1 Samuel 14:18 Then Saul said to Ahijah, "Bring the ark of God here." For the ark of God was at that time with the sons of Israel. BGT 1 Samuel 14:18 καὶ εἶπεν Σαουλ τῷ Αχια προσάγαγε τὸ εφουδ ὅτι αὐτὸς ἦρεν τὸ εφουδ ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ ἐνώπιον Ισραηλ LXE 1 Samuel 14:18 And Saul said to Achia, Bring the ephod; for he wore the ephod in that day before Israel. KJV 1 Samuel 14:18 And Saul said unto Ahiah, Bring hither the ark of God. For the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel. NET 1 Samuel 14:18 So Saul said to Ahijah, "Bring near the ephod," for he was at that time wearing the ephod. CSB 1 Samuel 14:18 Saul told Ahijah, "Bring the ark of God," for it was with the Israelites at that time. ESV 1 Samuel 14:18 So Saul said to Ahijah, "Bring the ark of God here." For the ark of God went at that time with the people of Israel. NIV 1 Samuel 14:18 Saul said to Ahijah, "Bring the ark of God." (At that time it was with the Israelites.) NLT 1 Samuel 14:18 Then Saul shouted to Ahijah, "Bring the ephod here!" For at that time Ahijah was wearing the ephod in front of the Israelites. NRS 1 Samuel 14:18 Saul said to Ahijah, "Bring the ark of God here." For at that time the ark of God went with the Israelites. NJB 1 Samuel 14:18 Saul then said to Ahijah, 'Bring the ephod,' since he was the man who carried the ephod in Israel. NAB 1 Samuel 14:18 Saul then said to Ahijah, "Bring the ephod here." (Ahijah was wearing the ephod in front of the Israelites at that time.) YLT 1 Samuel 14:18 And Saul saith to Ahiah, 'Bring nigh the ark of God;' for the ark of God hath been on that day with the sons of Israel. Bring the ark of God here: 1Sa 4:3-5 30:8 Nu 27:21 Jdg 20:18,23,27,28 2Sa 11:11 15:24-26 For the ark: 1Sa 5:2 1Sa 7:1 1 Samuel 14 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SAUL CALLS PRIEST TO BRING ARK Then - Then marks progression in a narrative. Saul took two actions when the watchmen reported the Philistine confusion - numbered his troops and called for the ark (or ephod - see below). Saul said to Ahijah, "Bring the ark of God here." - Notice the Septuagint has "Bring the ephod; for he wore the ephod in that day before Israel." The NET, NLT, NJB, and NAB all render this "Bring the ephod," which makes more sense because the Ark was not used to determine the will of the LORD, but the ephod was. In 1Sa 14:3 we see that the priest Ahijah was wearing an ephod, which had pockets for the Urim and Thummim, which were used to consult God in order to know His will (see Ex 28:30; Nu 27:21; 1Sa 23:9–12). If the true reading is Ark rather than ephod, one consideration is that Saul was thinking about pulling the foolish fiasco of his predecessors by taking the Ark to lead into battle and we see how well that plan worked! (See 1Sa 4:3, 11+). Whether it was the Ark or the Ephod, it appears Saul is seeking a word from God as to whether they should attack the Philistines. Remember he knows that he only has about 600 men, so the odds are against him. Guzik thinks that "Saul is probably trying to look spiritual here, but there was nothing to seek God about. There is a time to go aside and pray, and there is a time to get your sword out and fight. Saul didn’t know what time this was." THOUGHT - Have you ever been in a situation where you were uncertain of your next move, and yet circumstances were clearly pointing to one direction? And instead of moving out in that clear direction, you said "We need to pray about it." There is a time to pray and a time to take action. It was time for Saul to take action. There is a saying (or idiom) that says "He who hesitates is lost." The sense is that those who fail to take quick, decisive action will suffer for it and/or miss a good opportunity. We will actually this consequence unfold in the case of Saul, who missed his opportunity to annihilate the Philistines, a mistake that haunted him the rest of his days as king (1Sa 14:52+). For the ark of God was at that time with the sons of Israel. - From previous studies we know that the Ark was at Kiriath-jearim (1Sa 7:1-2) and there is never a mention of the Ark being moved until it was brought to Jerusalem by David. NET NOTE Heb “the ark of God.” It seems unlikely that Saul would call for the ark, which was several miles away in Kiriath-jearim (see 1 Sam 7:2). The LXX and an Old Latin ms have “ephod” here, a reading which harmonizes better with v. 3 and fits better with the verb “bring near” (see 1 Sam 23:9; 30:7) and with the expression “withdraw your hand” in v. 19. This reading is followed in the present translation (cf. NAB, TEV, NLT). 20 tc Heb “for the ark of God was in that day, and the sons of Israel.” The translation follows the text of some Greek manuscripts. See the previous note. 1 Samuel 14:19 While Saul talked to the priest, the commotion in the camp of the Philistines continued and increased; so Saul said to the priest, "Withdraw your hand." Withdraw: 1Sa 14:24 13:11 Jos 9:14 Ps 106:13 Isa 28:16 1 Samuel 14 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries TUMULT INCREASING IN PHILISTINES' CAMP While Saul talked to the priest, the commotion in the camp of the Philistines continued and increased - The sound coming from the Philistine's camp was becoming greater and greater. What is this passage demonstrating to us and to Saul? Clearly Saul did not need an Ark or an Ephod, because the commotion of the Philistines clearly signaled they were "dazed and confused!" So (term of conclusion) - Even Saul could come to the correct conclusion based on the continuing commotion! Saul said to the priest, "Withdraw your hand." - NLT has "Never mind, let's get going!" I think that is "pushing" the paraphrase somewhat, because he does not actually say "let's move out." In fact, as the scene unfolds, he hesitates to move out and loses his "golden opportunity! (excellent opportunity that is not likely to be repeated)" CSB = "Stop what you're doing." Saul's command withdraw is given in light of the increasing tumult from the Philistines' camp. In view of Saul's action in 1Sa 14:20, he apparently tells the priest to cease inquiring on the LORD. One writer says "In other words, you don’t need to worry about bringing the ark, God is giving you victory." Actually, and sadly, Saul does not actually declare that the LORD had given them victory. One wishes they had heard him cry "O sing to the LORD a new song, For He has done wonderful things, His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him." (Ps 98:1, cf 1Co 15:57+) But as we have seen and will continue to see, Saul lacked any depth of spiritual insight. As Thompson points out "Notice, Saul is basically doing nothing here to get this victory. God is just giving victory because of the faithfulness of his son. Sometimes for victory, you just need someone to get into the war. Sometimes you need to stop planning and praying and get fighting." 1 Samuel 14:20 Then Saul and all the people who were with him rallied and came to the battle; and behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was very great confusion. BGT 1 Samuel 14:20 καὶ ἀνεβόησεν Σαουλ καὶ πᾶς ὁ λαὸς ὁ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἔρχονται ἕως τοῦ πολέμου καὶ ἰδοὺ ἐγένετο ῥομφαία ἀνδρὸς ἐπὶ τὸν πλησίον αὐτοῦ σύγχυσις μεγάλη σφόδρα LXE 1 Samuel 14:20 And Saul went up and all the people that were with him, and they come to the battle: and, behold, every man's sword was against his neighbour, a very great confusion. KJV 1 Samuel 14:20 And Saul and all the people that were with him assembled themselves, and they came to the battle: and, behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was a very great discomfiture. NET 1 Samuel 14:20 Saul and all the army that was with him assembled and marched into battle, where they found the Philistines in total panic killing one another with their swords. CSB 1 Samuel 14:20 Saul and all the troops with him assembled and marched to the battle, and there, the Philistines were fighting against each other in great confusion! ESV 1 Samuel 14:20 Then Saul and all the people who were with him rallied and went into the battle. And behold, every Philistine's sword was against his fellow, and there was very great confusion. NIV 1 Samuel 14:20 Then Saul and all his men assembled and went to the battle. They found the Philistines in total confusion, striking each other with their swords. NLT 1 Samuel 14:20 Then Saul and all his men rushed out to the battle and found the Philistines killing each other. There was terrible confusion everywhere. NRS 1 Samuel 14:20 Then Saul and all the people who were with him rallied and went into the battle; and every sword was against the other, so that there was very great confusion. NJB 1 Samuel 14:20 Saul and the whole force with him then formed up and advanced to where the fighting was going on: and there they all were, drawing their swords on one another in wild confusion. NAB 1 Samuel 14:20 And Saul and all his men shouted and rushed into the fight, where the Philistines, wholly confused, were thrusting swords at one another. YLT 1 Samuel 14:20 And Saul is called, and all the people who are with him, and they come in unto the battle, and, lo, the sword of each hath been against his neighbour -- a very great destruction. every man's sword was against his fellow 1Sa 14:16 Jdg 7:22 2Ch 20:23 Isa 9:19-21 19:2 1 Samuel 14 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries PHILISTINES KILLING ONE ANOTHER! Then Saul and all the people who were with him rallied and came to the battle - Saul finally led, but he stalled long until he led (1Sa 8:20). Saul and his soldiers advanced the short distance to the place of the embattled, confused Philistines. and behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was very great confusion - NET - "they found the Philistines in total panic killing one another with their swords." Clearly God was fighting for Israel by making the Philistines kill each other, for in the confusion and panic it was difficult to distinguish friend from foe. "When God is judging someone, He will cause people to destroy themselves." (Thompson) Undoubtedly, the previously "swordless" Israelites now had iron swords and weapons (spears, shields, etc) they collected from the slain Philistines. So God not only gave Israel the victory but also equipped the army for future battles! The reminds me of Ephesians 3:20+ "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us," 1 Samuel 14:21 Now the Hebrews who were with the Philistines previously, who went up with them all around in the camp, even they also turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. BGT 1 Samuel 14:21 καὶ οἱ δοῦλοι οἱ ὄντες ἐχθὲς καὶ τρίτην ἡμέραν μετὰ τῶν ἀλλοφύλων οἱ ἀναβάντες εἰς τὴν παρεμβολὴν ἐπεστράφησαν καὶ αὐτοὶ εἶναι μετὰ Ισραηλ τῶν μετὰ Σαουλ καὶ Ιωναθαν LXE 1 Samuel 14:21 And the servants who had been before with the Philistines, who had gone up to the army, turned themselves also to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. KJV 1 Samuel 14:21 Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp from the country round about, even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan. NET 1 Samuel 14:21 The Hebrews who had earlier gone over to the Philistine side joined the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. CSB 1 Samuel 14:21 There were Hebrews from the area who had gone earlier into the camp to join the Philistines, but even they joined the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. ESV 1 Samuel 14:21 Now the Hebrews who had been with the Philistines before that time and who had gone up with them into the camp, even they also turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. NIV 1 Samuel 14:21 Those Hebrews who had previously been with the Philistines and had gone up with them to their camp went over to the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. NLT 1 Samuel 14:21 Even the Hebrews who had previously gone over to the Philistine army revolted and joined in with Saul, Jonathan, and the rest of the Israelites. NRS 1 Samuel 14:21 Now the Hebrews who previously had been with the Philistines and had gone up with them into the camp turned and joined the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. NJB 1 Samuel 14:21 Those Hebrews who had earlier taken service with the Philistines and had accompanied them into camp, now defected to the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. NAB 1 Samuel 14:21 In addition, the Hebrews who had previously sided with the Philistines and had gone up with them to the camp, turned to join the Israelites under Saul and Jonathan. YLT 1 Samuel 14:21 And the Hebrews who have been for the Philistines as heretofore, who had gone up with them into the camp, have turned round, even they, to be with Israel who are with Saul and Jonathan, the Hebrews: Probably such as they held in bondage, or who were their servants. Instead of (haivrim,} "the Hebrews," the LXX. evidently read {haavdim,} for they have [Loi douloi,] "the slaves;" but this reading is not countenanced by any other version, nor by any MS. 1Sa 29:4 Jdg 7:23 1 Samuel 14 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries HEBREW DEFECTORS "RE-DEFECT" Now the Hebrews (ibri/ivri) who were with the Philistines previously, who went up with them all around in the camp - The Hebrews here refers apparently to those who had either become mercenaries or become deserters to fight with the enemy. The other alternative is that these were Hebrews who had been taken captive by the Philistines. The former interpretation is to be preferred. Even they also turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan - Now even these Hebrew defectors took up arms against the Philistines. 1 Samuel 14:22 When all the men of Israel who had hidden themselves in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines had fled, even they also pursued them closely in the battle. BGT 1 Samuel 14:22 καὶ πᾶς Ισραηλ οἱ κρυπτόμενοι ἐν τῷ ὄρει Εφραιμ καὶ ἤκουσαν ὅτι πεφεύγασιν οἱ ἀλλόφυλοι καὶ συνάπτουσιν καὶ αὐτοὶ ὀπίσω αὐτῶν εἰς πόλεμον LXE 1 Samuel 14:22 And all the Israelites who were hidden in mount Ephraim heard also that the Philistines fled; and they also gather themselves after them to battle: and the Lord saved Israel in that day; and the war passed through Bamoth; and all the people with Saul were about ten thousand men. KJV 1 Samuel 14:22 Likewise all the men of Israel which had hid themselves in mount Ephraim, when they heard that the Philistines fled, even they also followed hard after them in the battle. NET 1 Samuel 14:22 When all the Israelites who had hidden themselves in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines had fled, they too pursued them in battle. CSB 1 Samuel 14:22 When all the Israelite men who had been hiding in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were fleeing, they also joined Saul and Jonathan in the battle. ESV 1 Samuel 14:22 Likewise, when all the men of Israel who had hidden themselves in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were fleeing, they too followed hard after them in the battle. NIV 1 Samuel 14:22 When all the Israelites who had hidden in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were on the run, they joined the battle in hot pursuit. NLT 1 Samuel 14:22 Likewise, the men of Israel who were hiding in the hill country of Ephraim joined the chase when they saw the Philistines running away. NRS 1 Samuel 14:22 Likewise, when all the Israelites who had gone into hiding in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were fleeing, they too followed closely after them in the battle. NJB 1 Samuel 14:22 Similarly, all those Israelites who had been hiding in the highlands of Ephraim, hearing that the Philistines were on the run, chased after them and joined in the fight. NAB 1 Samuel 14:22 Likewise, all the Israelites who were hiding in the hill country of Ephraim, on hearing that the Philistines were fleeing, pursued them in the rout. YLT 1 Samuel 14:22 and all the men of Israel, who are hiding themselves in the hill-country of Ephraim, have heard that the Philistines have fled, and they pursue -- even they -- after them in battle. hidden themselves: 1Sa 13:6 31:7 1 Samuel 14 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 1 Samuel 13:6+ When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait (for the people were hard-pressed), then the people hid themselves in caves, in thickets, in cliffs, in cellars, and in pits. Note Men of Ephraim from the North THE FEARFUL NOW JOIN THE PURSUIT OF FLEEING PHILISTINES When all the men of Israel who had hidden themselves in the hill country of Ephraim (directly north of the battle) heard that the Philistines had fled, even they also pursued them closely in the battle - The formerly fearful (1Sa 13:6+) now joined the fray. Notice the map above depicting the men from Ephraim attacking the Philistines from the north to join Saul and Jonathan coming from the south, creating a "pincher" effect on the Philistines! NET NOTE The LXX includes the following words: “And all the people were with Saul, about ten thousand men. And the battle extended to the entire city on mount Ephraim.” 1 Samuel 14:23 So the LORD delivered Israel that day, and the battle spread beyond Beth-aven. BGT 1 Samuel 14:23 καὶ ἔσωσεν κύριος ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ τὸν Ισραηλ καὶ ὁ πόλεμος διῆλθεν τὴν Βαιθων καὶ πᾶς ὁ λαὸς ἦν μετὰ Σαουλ ὡς δέκα χιλιάδες ἀνδρῶν καὶ ἦν ὁ πόλεμος διεσπαρμένος εἰς ὅλην τὴν πόλιν ἐν τῷ ὄρει Εφραιμ LXE 1 Samuel 14:23 And the battle extended itself to every city in the mount Ephraim. KJV 1 Samuel 14:23 So the LORD saved Israel that day: and the battle passed over unto Bethaven. NET 1 Samuel 14:23 So the LORD delivered Israel that day, and the battle shifted over to Beth Aven. CSB 1 Samuel 14:23 So the LORD saved Israel that day. The battle extended beyond Beth-aven, ESV 1 Samuel 14:23 So the LORD saved Israel that day. And the battle passed beyond Beth-aven. NIV 1 Samuel 14:23 So the LORD rescued Israel that day, and the battle moved on beyond Beth Aven. NLT 1 Samuel 14:23 So the LORD saved Israel that day, and the battle continued to rage even beyond Beth-aven. NRS 1 Samuel 14:23 So the LORD gave Israel the victory that day. The battle passed beyond Beth-aven, and the troops with Saul numbered altogether about ten thousand men. The battle spread out over the hill country of Ephraim. NJB 1 Samuel 14:23 That day Yahweh gave Israel the victory. The fighting reached the other side of Beth-Horon. NAB 1 Samuel 14:23 Thus the LORD saved Israel that day. The battle continued past Beth-horon; YLT 1 Samuel 14:23 And Jehovah saveth Israel on that day, and the battle hath passed over to Beth-Aven. the LORD delivered Israel Ex 14:30 Jdg 2:18 2Ki 14:27 Ps 44:6-8 Ho 1:7 Bethaven: 1Sa 13:5 1 Samuel 14 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE DAY JEHOVAH SAVED ISRAEL So - Term of conclusion. The writer draws the final conclusion of why and how Israel had won such a great victory against such overwhelming odds. To God be the glory, a good pattern for all of us to follow when we experience victory over our enemies the world, the flesh and the devil. The LORD delivered (yasha; Lxx = sozo) Israel that day, and the battle spread beyond Beth-aven (map) - Recall that the Philistine enemy was massive and well equipped, while Israel was small, and poorly equipped. The Philistine raiding parties had them enclosed on three sides (north, west, east). The Israeli forces were fleeing from fear and even those remaining were trembling. Overall, this is a recipe for disaster which the chances for a victory by Israel being overwhelmingly small to non-existent. So the LORD is the key to victory. But the LORD used 2 faithful men, Jonathan and his armor bearer, to begin the veritable "chain reaction," that brought defeat to the Philistines. I have often heard the saying "God plus one is a majority." That is certainly true but in this case "God plus two was a majority! So just as Yahweh had done at the exodus from Egypt "the LORD saved Israel that day." (Ex 14:30+). Had the Philistines attacked full forces with no intervention by Yahweh, there surely would have been few if any Hebrews remaining alive! So yes the LORD delivered or saved Israel that day, but ultimately He did it because of His Great Name and because of His sure covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Recall Samuel's prophecy in 1Sa 12:22 "the LORD will not abandon His people on account of His great name, (SPEAKS OF HIS CHARACTER, HIS REPUTATION, HIS FAITHFULNESS TO HIS COVENANT) because the LORD has been pleased to make you a people for Himself." In Ezekiel Yahweh says "Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for My holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you went." (Ezek 36:22, 23+, cf Ezek 39:7) BETH-AVEN: (house of nothingness) A place on the northern boundary of the territory of Benjamin (Joshua 18:12) East of Bethel, near Ai (Joshua 7:2), West of Michmash (1 Samuel 13:5; 1 Samuel 14:23). Beth-aven, "house of vanity," i.e. "idolatry," may possibly represent an original beth-'on, "house of wealth." This deliverance was also a fulfillment of His prophetic promise given to Samuel in 1 Samuel 9:16 when He declared "About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him to be prince over My people Israel; and he will deliver (yasha; Lxx = sozo) My people from the hand of the Philistines. For I have regarded My people, because their cry has come to Me.” Actually it was Saul's son who was humanly responsible for this deliverance. Would it have been the case that this chapter would have ended with this glorious victory! But such was not to be the case, for once again we see the foolishness and lack of wisdom Saul manifested! David Thompson sums up this section: Victory in any situation belongs to the sovereignty of God and we need to believe that. We need to understand this and believe this. We need to believe God’s word. Genesis 18:14 - “Is anything too hard for the LORD” Job 42:2 - “I know that you can do all things.” Jeremiah 32:17 - “Nothing is too hard for you.” Luke 1:37 - “Nothing will be impossible with God.” Matthew 19:26 - “With God all things are possible.” Mark 14:36 - “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you.” It is one thing to know these verses; it is another to believe them. Victory does not occur by osmosis. God’s people need to know His word, believe it and obey it. 1 Samuel 14:24 Now the men of Israel were hard-pressed on that day, for Saul had put the people under oath, saying, "Cursed be the man who eats food before evening, and until I have avenged myself on my enemies." So none of the people tasted food. BGT 1 Samuel 14:24 καὶ Σαουλ ἠγνόησεν ἄγνοιαν μεγάλην ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ καὶ ἀρᾶται τῷ λαῷ λέγων ἐπικατάρατος ὁ ἄνθρωπος ὃς φάγεται ἄρτον ἕως ἑσπέρας καὶ ἐκδικήσω τὸν ἐχθρόν μου καὶ οὐκ ἐγεύσατο πᾶς ὁ λαὸς ἄρτου LXE 1 Samuel 14:24 And Saul committed a great trespass of ignorance in that day, and he lays a curse on the people, saying, Cursed is the man who shall eat bread before the evening; so I will avenge myself on my enemy: and none of the people tasted bread, though all the land was dining. KJV 1 Samuel 14:24 And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food. NET 1 Samuel 14:24 Now the men of Israel were hard pressed that day, for Saul had made the army agree to this oath: "Cursed be the man who eats food before evening! I will get my vengeance on my enemies!" So no one in the army ate anything. CSB 1 Samuel 14:24 and the men of Israel were worn out that day, for Saul had placed the troops under an oath: "The man who eats food before evening, before I have taken vengeance on my enemies is cursed." So none of the troops tasted any food. ESV 1 Samuel 14:24 And the men of Israel had been hard pressed that day, so Saul had laid an oath on the people, saying, "Cursed be the man who eats food until it is evening and I am avenged on my enemies." So none of the people had tasted food. NIV 1 Samuel 14:24 Now the men of Israel were in distress that day, because Saul had bound the people under an oath, saying, "Cursed be any man who eats food before evening comes, before I have avenged myself on my enemies!" So none of the troops tasted food. NLT 1 Samuel 14:24 Now the men of Israel were pressed to exhaustion that day, because Saul had placed them under an oath, saying, "Let a curse fall on anyone who eats before evening-- before I have full revenge on my enemies." So no one ate anything all day, NRS 1 Samuel 14:24 Now Saul committed a very rash act on that day. He had laid an oath on the troops, saying, "Cursed be anyone who eats food before it is evening and I have been avenged on my enemies." So none of the troops tasted food. NJB 1 Samuel 14:24 As the men of Israel were hard pressed that day, Saul pronounced this imprecation over the people, 'A curse on anyone who eats food before evening, before I have taken revenge on my enemies!' So none of the people so much as tasted food. NAB 1 Samuel 14:24 the whole people, about ten thousand combatants, were with Saul, and there was scattered fighting in every town in the hill country of Ephraim. And Saul swore a very rash oath that day, putting the people under this ban: "Cursed be the man who takes food before evening, before I am able to avenge myself on my enemies." So none of the people tasted food. YLT 1 Samuel 14:24 And the men of Israel have been distressed on that day, and Saul adjureth the people, saying, 'Cursed is the man who eateth food till the evening, and I have been avenged of mine enemies;' and none of the people hath tasted food. Cursed: 1Sa 14:27-30 Lev 27:29 Nu 21:2 De 27:15-26 Jos 6:17-19,26 Jdg 11:30-31 21:1-5 Pr 11:9 Ro 10:2 1Co 16:22 I may be: Jdg 5:2 1:28 Ps 18:47 1 Samuel 14 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SAUL'S RIDICULOUS FOOLHARDY DECREE Now the men of Israel were hard-pressed (nagas) on that day - NLT = "pressed to exhaustion." NRSV = "Now Saul committed a very rash act on that day." Keep in mind the context, that the Philistines had "turned tail" and were running for their lives and then Saul puts a major impediment in the way of his troops who could have to a large extent annihilated the Philistines. I used to run marathons (actually one) and it is routine practice to have nourishment stations all along the course to replenish lost fluids and nutrients during the 3+ hour gruelling race. Saul's men were chasing the Philistines 15+ miles from Michmash to Aijalon and they would have been in great need of "nourishment stations!" But such was not to be the case because of their foolish leader's ridiculous decree! THOUGHT - "There are many churches who are doing basically the same thing today. They have their people running to this and running to that but they are not feeding them solid spiritual food. Their philosophy is more activity and less feeding. Those churches are as foolish as Saul." (David Thompson)
1 Samuel 14
MacArthur - Because of the sin that Saul had caused in his army, God did not answer his inquiry. This would not be the last time that the Lord would refuse to respond to sinful Saul (cf. 1Sa 28:6). (Borrow MacArthur Study Bible) I am reminded of Yahweh's words in Isaiah 29:13 (cf Isaiah 1:11-15)... Then the Lord said, “Because this people draw near with their words And honor Me with their lip service, But they remove their hearts far from Me, And their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned by rote, 1 Samuel 14:38 Saul said, "Draw near here, all you chiefs of the people, and investigate and see how this sin has happened today. BGT 1 Samuel 14:38 καὶ εἶπεν Σαουλ προσαγάγετε ἐνταῦθα πάσας τὰς γωνίας τοῦ Ισραηλ καὶ γνῶτε καὶ ἴδετε ἐν τίνι γέγονεν ἡ ἁμαρτία αὕτη σήμερον LXE 1 Samuel 14:38 And Saul said, Bring hither all the chiefs of Israel, and know and see by whom this sin has been committed this day. KJV 1 Samuel 14:38 And Saul said, Draw ye near hither, all the chief of the people: and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day. NET 1 Samuel 14:38 Then Saul said, "All you leaders of the army come here. Find out how this sin occurred today. CSB 1 Samuel 14:38 Saul said, "All you leaders of the troops, come here. Let us investigate how this sin has occurred today. ESV 1 Samuel 14:38 And Saul said, "Come here, all you leaders of the people, and know and see how this sin has arisen today. NIV 1 Samuel 14:38 Saul therefore said, "Come here, all you who are leaders of the army, and let us find out what sin has been committed today. NLT 1 Samuel 14:38 Then Saul said to the leaders, "Something's wrong! I want all my army commanders to come here. We must find out what sin was committed today. NRS 1 Samuel 14:38 Saul said, "Come here, all you leaders of the people; and let us find out how this sin has arisen today. NJB 1 Samuel 14:38 Saul then said, 'Come forward, all you leaders of the people; consider carefully where today's sin may lie; NAB 1 Samuel 14:38 Saul then said, "Come here, all officers of the army. We must investigate and find out how this sin was committed today. YLT 1 Samuel 14:38 And Saul saith, 'Draw ye nigh hither all, the chiefs of the people, and know and see in what this sin hath been to-day; Draw near: 1Sa 10:19,20 Jos 7:14-26 chiefs Nu 24:17 Jdg 20:2 2Sa 18:3 Ps 47:9 Zec 10:4 Mt 21:42 Eph 2:20 1 Samuel 14 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SAUL SEEKS TO SOLVE WHY GOD IS SILENT Saul said, "Draw near here, all you chiefs of the people, and investigate and see how this sin has happened today - The NLT paraphrase is almost comical if it were not so tragically true = "Something's wrong! I want all my army commanders to come here. We must find out what sin was committed today." There is no hint whatsoever that Saul thought he was the problem! The sin Saul alludes to is that there was some sin in the camp so to speak and this is why God had refused to answer (cf Ps 66:18). Saul should have taken the "mirror test" and had he done so in true contrition, he would have recognized that he was the cause of the sin of his own people! THOUGHT - Saul's action here illustrates the deceptive nature of sin. Hebrews 3:13+ says "encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin." Saul had been hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. But before we judge him too harshly, we ALL need to frequently look in the mirror and see if the problem in a given adverse circumstance might be "the man (woman) in the mirror!" 1 Samuel 14:39 "For as the LORD lives, who delivers Israel, though it is in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die." But not one of all the people answered him. BGT 1 Samuel 14:39 ὅτι ζῇ κύριος ὁ σώσας τὸν Ισραηλ ὅτι ἐὰν ἀποκριθῇ κατὰ Ιωναθαν τοῦ υἱοῦ μου θανάτῳ ἀποθανεῖται καὶ οὐκ ἦν ὁ ἀποκρινόμενος ἐκ παντὸς τοῦ λαοῦ LXE 1 Samuel 14:39 For as the Lord lives who has saved Israel, if answer should be against my son Jonathan, he shall surely die. And there was no one that answered out of all the people. KJV 1 Samuel 14:39 For, as the LORD liveth, which saveth Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die. But there was not a man among all the people that answered him. NET 1 Samuel 14:39 For as surely as the LORD, the deliverer of Israel, lives, even if it turns out to be my own son Jonathan, he will certainly die!" But no one from the army said anything. CSB 1 Samuel 14:39 As surely as the LORD lives who saves Israel, even if it is because of my son Jonathan, he must die!" Not one of the troops answered him. ESV 1 Samuel 14:39 For as the LORD lives who saves Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die." But there was not a man among all the people who answered him. NIV 1 Samuel 14:39 As surely as the LORD who rescues Israel lives, even if it lies with my son Jonathan, he must die." But not one of the men said a word. NLT 1 Samuel 14:39 I vow by the name of the LORD who rescued Israel that the sinner will surely die, even if it is my own son Jonathan!" But no one would tell him what the trouble was. NRS 1 Samuel 14:39 For as the LORD lives who saves Israel, even if it is in my son Jonathan, he shall surely die!" But there was no one among all the people who answered him. NJB 1 Samuel 14:39 for as Yahweh lives who gives victory to Israel, even if the sin lies with Jonathan my son, he shall be put to death.' But not one out of all the people answered. NAB 1 Samuel 14:39 As the LORD lives who has given victory to Israel, even if my son Jonathan has committed it, he shall surely die!" But none of the people answered him. YLT 1 Samuel 14:39 for, Jehovah liveth, who is saving Israel: surely if it be in Jonathan my son, surely he doth certainly die;' and none is answering him out of all the people. 1Sa 14:24,44 19:6 20:31 22:16 28:10 2Sa 12:5 Ec 9:2 1 Samuel 14 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SAUL MAKES ANOTHER FOOLISH OATH! For as the LORD lives, who delivers Israel, though it is in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die." - Saul compounds his foolish and unwise behavior, with a second foolish, unwise oath. The thought that he would even be willing to kill his own son says much about his lack of wisdom and character. Saul's rash oath reminds us of the foolish vow of Jephthah which probably cost the life of his daughter! Judges 11:30-31+ Jephthah made a vow to the LORD and said, “If You will indeed give the sons of Ammon into my hand, 31 then it shall be that whatever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace from the sons of Ammon, it shall be the LORD’S, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering.”
1 Samuel 14
MacArthur - Saul looked for the good warriors and attached them to his personal force. David was one such man, who would also continue this practice under his rule (2Sa 23:8-39). (Borrow MacArthur Study Bible) Honey and Blood I Samuel 14 John Kitto About seven miles north by east from Jerusalem is a steep, precipitous valley extending east and west. North of this valley, which is called in I Samuel 13:23, “the passage of Michmash” (now Wady es-Suweinit), lay the Philistine host, which had established a garrison, or advanced post, upon the high promontory or angle formed by the intersection of another valley extending north and south. Upon the heights about a mile on the southern side of the same passage of Michmash, stood Geba, from which Jonathan had lately expelled the Philistine garrison, and which Saul and Jonathan now occupied with not more than six hundred men. Michmash (now Mukhmas), which gave name to the passage, and where the Philistine outpost was stationed, and Geba (now Jeba), therefore, were separated by this valley, and were then, as now, in sight of each other. In this “passage,” near by the point where the other valley intersects it, are two hills of a conical, or rather spherical shape, having steep rocky sides, with small wadies running up behind each, so as almost to isolate them. One is on the side towards Jeba, and the other on the side towards Mukhmas. These are apparently the two mentioned in connection with the circumstances to which our attention is now directed, and which these particulars will better enable the reader to understand. We may be sure that the movements of the Philistine force, stationed on the height at Michmash, were watched with much attention and solicitude from Saul’s head-quarters at Geba. This attention may have been reciprocal. One morning an extraordinary commotion was discovered among the Philistines. Its nature could not well be discovered in the gray of the morning, and in the want of telescopes. It is clear there is a conflict of some kind going on; and see, the host gradually melts away, as if the men were beating down one another. What could it be? The Philistines had no enemies but the Israelites. Was it some broil among themselves, or had some of the garrison undertaken, without orders, a wild and desperate enterprise? When the latter thought crossed the mind of Saul, he hastened to muster his small army, or rather troop, to see if any were absent, and then he found that all were there except Jonathan and his armor-bearer, and knowing the chivalrous and daring character of his son, he had no doubt but that his hand was in this affair. It was so, indeed. That heroic young prince, strong in the true old Gideonic faith—that, as he said, “There is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few,” had privately prevailed upon his armor-bearer to settle the rock and penetrate to the Philistine garrison. Now, it is stated, in conformity with the above description, that “between the passages by which Jonathan sought to go over to the Philistine garrison, there was a sharp rock on the one side, and a sharp rock on the other side: and the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Senez. The forefront of the one was situate northward, over against Michmash, and the other southward, over against Geba.” It seems to us that Jonathan chose to make the attempt here, by the hill Bozez, not only because of some facility afforded, but because the projection of the hill would conceal his advance till a good part of the ascent had been made. When at length the two men were discovered by the sentinels scrambling up the rock, it was supposed that they were of those who had hid themselves in caverns, and who had no doubt come as deserters to the Philistines. This seems to us the obvious inference from the words,—“Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves.” This was a reasonable conjecture; for, in fact, a little way further down the valley there are caverns in the cliffs, particularly one great cavern called Jaihah; and it was not to be imagined that two men could be coming with hostile intentions. This explains also why no attempt was made to hinder their ascent after they were discovered, but they were rather invited to come up. Had their hostile purpose been suspected, nothing could have been easier than to destroy them, by casting down stones or other missiles upon them. As soon as Jonathan and his armor-bearer had gained a footing upon the top of the cliff, their intentions were at once evinced. The scouts or sentinels were speedily struck down, and on the two heroes marched, destroying all who opposed them. By the time they had slain twenty men, the alarm spread to the garrison, and created a general panic and confusion. Those who had seen how the assailants got up were dead. It was not known how they had got there, nor that there were only two of them; and those who did see but two, would scarcely conceive that there were no more, but must have supposed that these two belonged to a larger number, perhaps to Saul’s entire force, which had gained possession of the post: for where but two had ascended, it was clear that more could come. In their blind fury and fear they ran against each other, and slew all they met; while those who fled, hastened to the main army, carrying their own terrors to it. Their tale no doubt conveyed that the strong post at Michmash, believed to be inaccessible, had been seized by a large force of the Hebrews, who were in close pursuit, and might soon be expected. And, in fact, the crests of the Hebrews soon appeared in sight; for Saul no sooner discovered the fact from Geba, than he put his force in motion to take advantage of the panic that appeared to have been raised among the Philistines, his troop being at every step, augmented by the fugitive Israelites, who, now the tide had turned, flocked—such of them as were near enough—to his standard, as eager to join in the pursuit of an enemy already defeated by his fears, as they had sunk appalled from the aspect of his strength. There is a curious statement, that “moreover, the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp from the country round about, even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan.” This shows that there were some Israelites with the Philistines, being, as we conceive, deserters, who had betaken themselves for safety and subsistence to them as the stronger party. This fact strengthens the probability we have ventured to suggest, that Jonathan and his armor-bearer were taken for deserters by the sentries who saw them scaling the cliffs. The pursuit was hot and bloody, as it was likely to be under the circumstances; for the Hebrews had many ancient and recent wrongs to avenge, and they would not fail to exact retribution for their late fears. Saul was so apprehensive lest any part of this great opportunity of effectually humbling the Philistines should be lost, that, in the hearing of the troops, though not in that of Jonathan, who was not near at the moment, he laid an anathema upon any one who should taste food until the evening. The people, in consequence, were greatly distressed, being prevented from taking even such refreshments as offered in the way, although greatly needed. Jonathan, with one of the pursuing parties, was passing through a wood, which so abounded with honey, that it dropped upon the ground. But no man ventured to touch it except Jonathan, who, being ignorant of his father’s ban, put the end of his staff into a honey-comb, and raised it to his mouth. This fact is of some interest, as a perfectly incidental illustration of the phrase, so frequent with Moses, describing Canaan, as “a land flowing with milk and honey.” To ourselves, the fact of wild bees thus fixing their combs in the woods upon the trees, to the extent here intimated, seems somewhat strange, although the tendency of these insects to do this is shown by the frequency with which the swarms of our hive-bees alight upon trees. Although we never kept bees, nor did our immediate neighbors in the country, we have had swarms repeatedly alight upon the trees of our garden, where they would probably have established themselves in some way, if not captured for the hive. We should like to have the experiment tried of letting them alone, to see how they would manage their own affairs. We very much doubt if bees were kept by the ancient Hebrews in hives. The woods, we apprehend, so abounded in the settlements of wild bees, that honey was too abundant and cheap to be worth private attention. It was the property of whoever collected it; and as all who wanted it could not do that, doubtless many poor persons earned a subsistence by collecting it in the woods, and selling it in the towns at such a price as would just pay them for this trouble. “Bees in the East,” says Mr. Roberts, “are not, as in England, kept in hives; they are all in a wild state. The forests literally flow with honey; large combs may be seen hanging in the trees as you pass along, full of honey. Hence this article is cheap and plentiful.” It is true, that this writer has a tropical country (India) in view; but the statement is applicable to many other countries in which bees and the materials for their wax and honey abound, as was the case in the land of Canaan. Probably, as population increased, and the soil became more densely occupied by men, the product of honey decreased, and then the bees were reared in hives. Hence, in the time of Christ, we read of “wild honey,” implying that there was some not wild; but this distinction is not to be found in the Old Testament. Another remarkable consequence flowed from this unwise restriction which Saul imposed. No sooner had the sun gone down, than the famishing people flew upon the spoil of cattle, and in the rage of their hunger hastily slew them, and began to eat, if not the raw flesh, as we apprehend, yet at least flesh so imperfectly exsanguinated, from improper slaughtering and imperfect dressing, that the law against the eating of meat with any blood remaining in it was visibly transgressed. The importance attached to this law by the Hebrews has always been most remarkable, and continues even to the present day, when a Jew will not touch meat that has been killed by a Christian, chiefly from the belief that the blood has not properly been discharged; and during a journey he will abstain from animal food altogether, except when he comes to places where he can obtain that which has been killed by Jews—or has himself been so well instructed in the proper usages as to have obtained a license to slay for himself—in which case he can kill a fowl occasionally for his own use. These customs are well illustrated in the Orphans of Lissau, in which we find it stated, that the Jews of Ramsgate formerly got all their meat from Canterbury, having among themselves no one qualified to kill in the proper manner. When Jonathan’s transgression in regard to the honey became known to Saul, he was for putting his son to death, according to the tenor of his vow. But this the more enlightened consciences of the people forbade. With generous enthusiasm they cried,—“God forbid: as the Lord liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day.” These remarkable words should be meditated upon in connection with those addressed by Jonathan himself that morning to his armor-bearer,—“It may be the Lord will work for us.” The Lord did work for him; and truly he wrought with God. It was a great day for Israel, and from the beginning to the end, Jonathan was the hero of that day. “Two Putting Ten Thousand to Flight” (1 SAMUEL 14) F B Meyer Oh! I have seen the day, When with a single word,— God helping me to say ‘My trust is in the Lord!’ My soul hath quelled a thousand foes, Fearless of all that could oppose. —COWPER. JUST two young men, with the glow of patriotism in their hearts, and trust in God as their guiding-star—what may they not effect? Jonathan was a true knight of God, who anticipated some of the noblest traits of Christian chivalry. We may almost say of him that he was the Hebrew Bayard, a soldier without fear and without reproach. He lived pure, spoke true, righted wrong, was faithful to the high claims of human love, and followed the Christ, though as yet he knew Him not. His character serves as a bright background on which that of his father is but a sorry contrast. From the Jordan bank a noble valley, twelve miles in length, leads up into the hill country of Central Palestine, and so to the seaboard of the Mediterranean. Two miles from the head of this defile, and about eight miles due north of Jerusalem, the cliffs on either side become very precipitous, and approach each other almost to touching. Conceive of a very narrow pass protected on either side by steep walls of chalky formation on which only the wild goats could find a footing, and almost unscalable by man. The ridge on the north, which rises above an almost perpendicular crag into three knolls, was called Bozez, or “shining,” because it reflects all day the full light of the Eastern sun, whilst that on the south, a few yards distant, was known as Seneh, “the acacia,” being as constantly in the shade. Michmash crowned the former, and there the Philistines were encamped, whilst the little village of Geba lay above the latter, and thither Saul had removed his army, such as it was, withdrawing from the plains of the Jordan to watch the movements of the hostile force. How long the armies watched each other we have no means of knowing, nor can we guess what the result might have been had it not been for the heroic episode which we are to recount; but it is certain that Israel was absolutely spiritless. At the most the men of war who gathered around the pomegranate tree where Saul had pitched his tent numbered only 600, and these had only such rude weapons as clubs and goads. Jonathan chafed at the inaction and the disgrace which the whole situation attached to his countrymen. He was animated also by a profound faith in God, and was prompted by the Divine Spirit to an act which issued in a glorious victory and deliverance. I. JONATHAN ENTERED INTO THE DIVINE PURPOSE.—It seemed to him impossible to suppose that God had forsaken the people of his choice or withdrawn from his ancient covenant. Had He promised, and could He not perform? Were not the people of Israel his chosen heritage? Had He not chosen them out of all the world, that they might be the custodians and purveyors of Divine truth to the nations? Was not the land of Canaan made over to them by an irrevocable deed of gift? Did not all the miraculous leadings and interpositions of the past confirm such an interpretation of the Divine purpose? Surely, then, the present state of things could not be according to the Divine will! Surely the purpose of the Almighty was in conflict with the invasion of the land by these Philistine hordes, and only waited for some believing soul to enter into full communion with its mighty current, and deliverance would be secured! Saul, on the other hand, had no perception of these things. The great past failed to speak to him. Discouraged by what met his eye and ear from morning to night, he had no power to rouse himself to lay hold on the Divine promise of deliverance. The sentence of deposition, which Samuel had so recently pronounced, like a stone on the mouth of a tomb, seemed to shut him up to despair. It is of the utmost importance in this mortal life, when heart and flesh fail before the giant wrongs that assert themselves against the well-being of mankind—such as the drink-traffic, the mania for betting and gambling, impurity, and the insensate absorption in pleasure, which are the Philistines of our time—to look away to the Divine purpose, as disclosed in the redemption achieved on the Cross by the blood of the world’s Redeemer. Surely that cannot have been shed in vain. The power and potency of the Divine might are pledged to realise and accomplish that full deliverance of which the Cross was prophecy. The Son of Man has been manifested that He might destroy the works of the devil; and He will not fail nor be discouraged until that purpose has been realised. Happy are they who, like Jonathan, raise themselves above the depression of the moment in living fellowship with these eternal facts, and ally their weakness and helplessness with the march of God, as He is ever going forth to establish righteousness and judgment in the earth, which has been redeemed by precious blood. II. HE YIELDED HIMSELF AS AN INSTRUMENT.—God always works through human means. He calls us into fellowship with Himself, so that the Divine tides shall flow through human channels. He will multiply the bread, but He requires human hands to distribute it. He raises the dead, but man must roll away the stone and unwrap the cerements of the grave. He arrests Saul of Tarsus, but the words and patience of suffering saints must be the goad, which surely urge the pricks of the recreant soul to repent. God is ever on the outlook for believing souls, who will receive his power and grace on the one hand, and transmit them on the other. He chooses them, that by them He should make his mighty power known. Happy are they who are not insensible to the Divine impulse, nor disobedient to the heavenly vision. Jonathan was one of those blessed souls who are as sensitive to God as the retina of the eye to light, or the healthy muscle to the nerve; and “it fell upon a day that he said unto the young man that bore his armour, Come, let us go over to the Philistines’ garrison, that is on the other side.” With a beautiful modesty “he told not his father”; and in all probability the two slipped away silently in the gray dawn, whilst their comrades were still wrapped in slumber. The intimation of a Divine purpose thrilled the ardent spirit of the young prince, to which he gave some clue in the words, “It may be that the Lord will work for us, for there is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few.” Notice where Jonathan laid the emphasis. He had the smallest possible faith in himself, and the greatest faith in God. His soul waited for the Lord; in Him was centred all his hope, and from his gracious help he expected great things. All that he aspired to was to be the humble vehicle through which the delivering grace of God might work. This is what God wants—not our strength, but our weakness, which in absolute despair turns to Him; not our armies, but two or three elect souls, who expect great things and dare them. It is false to say that the Almighty is on the side of great battalions. All history goes to show that the movements which have transformed the face of the world have been achieved by the going forth of God through individuals, who have not been specially distinguished by outstanding talents, but have been led to surrender themselves absolutely to the Divine impulse. What shall I more say?—for time would fail to tell of Carey, and Wilberforce, and Livingstone, and George Müller, and hundreds more. Yield yourselves to God—and I especially appeal to the young men who may read these words. There are wrongs that God wants to right, tyrannies He is about to break, foes of human peace and happiness that He wants to quell; but He must have agents and instruments, clean and pure, true and faithful, delivered from the domination of the flesh, and absolutely resigned to his disposal. It matters not if they be high-born as Jonathan, or obscure as his armor-bearer; through them He will achieve a great deliverance. Saul, the chosen king, had no such vision, and no such faith. He was not sensible to the Divine voice speaking in his soul, but had to depend on the interposition of the priest (ver. 19 and 36); he spoke and acted as though the victory depended wholly on the efforts that he and his men might put forth, and in forbidding the use of such simple refreshment as the wild honey of the woods might yield, he forfeited the full results of God’s interposition. Could it be supposed that God’s deliverance of his people would fall short because they put forth the ends of the rods that might be in their hands to convey the wild honey to their lips? Throughout the whole day, and especially in this senseless adjuration, which was meant to save time, but really hindered the full result, Saul showed himself oblivious of the one thought that animated the heart of his noble son—that God was working through human instruments to inflict his own judgment on the invading hosts. III. JONATHAN RECKONED ON GOD, AND GOD DID NOT FAIL HIM.—Faith is the indomitable power by which we call unto our help a whole range of laws and forces which are outside the lives of ordinary men. As we have said, they have two keyboards to their organ, we have three. They employ the physical and intellectual, whilst we, in addition, may call in the aid of the spiritual and eternal. Thus we are able to accomplish the same results, and better, by the assistance of energies which are as much greater than those ordinarily employed as electricity is greater than horse-power, or steam than hand. This was the secret of Jonathan’s success. As they ascended the steep cliff-side, the young men agreed on the sign which should indicate that they were indeed in the line of the Divine will, and that God would not fail them. The heart of man, in its first venture on the way of faith, eagerly longs for some sign that it is not following a will-o’-the-wisp, or being misled by wreckers’ lights. This was graciously granted in the mocking voices of the advanced outposts, which ridiculed the idea that the Hebrews were to be feared (14:11) even though they should succeed in scaling the crags. “Behold,” they said, “the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they have hid themselves; and the men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armour-bearer, and said, Come up to us, and we will show you a thing [or, we should like to make your acquaintance].” This was the heaven-given sign, and conveyed the assurance that the Lord had already delivered them into the hand of Israel (10). By faith the soul appropriates the Divine answer. “Whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him.” But it is only as we fulfil the one all-important condition of successful prayer, which is so often overlooked, “All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye have received them, and ye shall have them” (Mark 11:24). The soul that reckons on God cannot be ashamed. When they reached the top, the two young Benjamites used their slings with such precision that twenty men measured their length on the ground, and a trembling from God, a heaven-sent panic, spread from them back on the main army behind, and to the bands of spoilers returning from their night raids. The Philistines could not know that the two who faced them were absolutely alone. It seemed as though they were precursors of a host of resolute and desperate men, and, suddenly, in the panic, each man suspected his neighbour of being in league against him. The foreign mercenaries and strangers, of whom there was a large admixture, became the objects of special terror; “and every man’s sword was against his fellow, so that there was a very great discomfiture.” Meanwhile the Hebrews that had been allied to the Philistines, or silently acquiescent in their rule, even they also turned against them; and all who had hid themselves in the hill country of Ephraim, when they heard that the Philistines fled, even they also followed hard after them in battle. From his outlook at Gibeah, Saul beheld the wild confusion, and how the multitude swayed to and fro, and melted away. Without delay, he hurled himself with his soldiers on the flying foe, who fled, in headlong precipitancy, down the long valley, past Bethaven, past the Upper and then the Lower Beth-horon, in order to gain the Philistine frontier by the valley of Aijalon. Every town through which the fugitives passed rose in their rear, and joined the pursuit, so that the flying host was greatly reduced, and thousands of warriors dyed the highways of the land which they had so grievously oppressed, with their heart’s blood. Thus did God work on behalf of his chosen people in answer to Jonathan’s faith. The unwise prohibition of the king against food had a terrible sequel, first, in the exhaustion of the troops, and, secondly, in the famished eating of the spoils of the day, without the proper separation of the blood. Still worse, when the day closed in, and Saul asked counsel of God, the Divine Oracle was dumb. Some sin had silenced it, and the monarch, already touched with the dark suspicions and fears in which his soul became afterward so densely enveloped, realised that some sin was crying for discovery and expiation. He did not look for that sin, where he would have assuredly found it, in his own heart, but in the people that stood around him. Finally, he and Jonathan stood before the people as the objects of the Divine displeasure, and Saul was prepared even to sacrifice his son in his moody wrath. But the people saved him. They cried indignantly, “Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid! As the Lord liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground, for he hath wrought with God this day.” Ah! the cause of discomfiture most surely lay between those two men; but it was not due to aught in Jonathan. Saul was alone to blame. He had not only missed the greatest opportunity of his life, but he was already enwrapping himself in the unbelief, the jealousy, and moroseness of temper in which his sun was to be enshrouded while it was yet day.