Grasp the Gospel — Bible Comprehension Quizzes

1 Samuel 14 Devotional

Not by Numbers

“Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.””1 Samuel 14:6 (BSB)

While Saul waits under a pomegranate tree, his son Jonathan slips away with his armor-bearer toward a Philistine outpost (14:1-2). His reasoning is simple: perhaps the LORD will act for them, since nothing can stop the LORD from saving, whether through many people or few (14:6). The two climb up on hands and feet, and God sends a panic that shakes the whole Philistine camp (14:15). The chapter says it plainly: the LORD saved Israel that day (14:23).

Saul, meanwhile, makes things worse. He binds the troops with a rash oath not to eat until evening, so that they grow faint and then sin by eating meat with the blood in it (14:24, 14:32). He would even put Jonathan to death for tasting honey, until the people rescue him (14:44-45). Jonathan trusts the power of God, while Saul tries to force results by his own word. The LORD's power has never depended on our numbers or strength, so you do not need to be large to be used by him.

To think about: What task in front of you feels too big for your resources, and how does Jonathan's confidence in God speak to it?

About 1 Samuel 14: Jonathan's Bold Attack at Michmash

Jonathan and one companion climb to a Philistine outpost trusting the LORD to save with a tiny force, and God sends panic among the enemy. Saul's rash ban on food leaves the troops faint, so they eat meat with its blood, and the people spare Jonathan, who unknowingly ate honey. Saul's wars and family end the chapter.

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