1 Samuel 14

1 Samuel 14:1-15

In this chapter we have, 1. Jonathan’s bearer replete against the Philistines, ver. 1—15. 2. The pursuit of them by the Israelites, ver. 16—23. 3. Saul’s right man, ver. 24. 4. Broken through Jonathan’s ignorance, ver. 24—30. And this to prove his death, ver. 30—40. 5. The bad effect of it on the people, ver. 31—35. 6. Saul’s exploits and family, ver. 47—52.

1. NOW it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines garrison, that is on the other side: but he told not his father. 2. And Saul carried in the uttermost part of Gibcah, under a pomegranate one, which is in Migron: and the people that were with him were about six hundred men; 3. And Ahiah the son of Abiuh, Ichabari’s brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eun, the LORD’s priest in Shiloh, wearing an ephod; and the people knew not that Jonathan was gone. 4. ¶ And, between the passages, by which Jonathan sought to go over unto the Philistines 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 Sench. 5. The forefront of the one was situate northward over-against Michmafs; and the other

Southward over-against Gibcah. 6. And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of ’thee uncturncisted: ‘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. 7. And his armour-bearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee, behold, I am with thee according to thy heart. 8. Then said Jonathan, Behold, we will pass over unto their men, and we will discover ourselves unto them. 9. ‘If they lay thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up unto them. 10. But if they lay 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. 11. And both of them discovered themselves unto the garrison of the Philistines: and the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes, where they had hid themselves. 12. And the men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armour-bearer, and said, Come up to us, and ‘we will shew you a thing. And Jonathan said unto his armour-bearer, Come up after me; for the LORD hath delivered them into the hand of Israel. 13. And Jonathan climbed up upon his hands and upon his feet, and his armour-bearer after him: and they fell before Jonathan; and his armour-bearer slew after him. 14. And that first slaughter which Jonathan and his armour-bearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were a half acre of land, which a yoke of oxen might place. 15. And ’there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people: the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth quaked: so it was a very great trembling.

Never did Israel appear in a more distressed situation: they have neither courage nor arms; God is offended; their enemies are at the gate; and they without place to live to, or power to resist: but, for his own name’s sake, God will not utterly foresee his people, though they so justly deterred it. We have here,

1. Saul reduced to the greatest straits; no increase of his army; retired to the uttermost part of Gibcah, for the greater sparsity, or more nearly slight, if the Philistines advanced; his sons spread under a pomegranate-tree, or under Rimmon, perhaps the noted rock, Judg. xx. 47. where the tribe of Benjamin had before taken shelter. Higher, to consist God in his difficulties, since Samuel had left him, he sends for the ark of God, and Ahiah the high-priest; hoping by this application to God in his own way he might have better success, than when he sacrificed for himself. Note. (1.) Drowning men catch at Straits. They will have the priest and sacrament at their dying bed, who in their lives were engaged of both. (2.) If the power of godliness be absent, the form of it can prude to nothing; nay, only deceive us, if we trust on it, to our men.

2. Jonathan’s noble e-pair. Moved, as we must suppose, by a divine impulse, he secretly quits the camp in Gibcah, and, with his armour-bearer, advances towards the Philistines garrison, who seem to have been pooled on one of the craggy rocks near Michmafs, to guard the pass that was between them. Jonathan proposes to his armour-bearer to go boldly up and fast upon them, since, if the Lord pleased, he could save as well by law as many. The proposal being agreed to, Jonathan determines to rest the matter upon a providential issue. He would appear in sight of the precloth; if the men called to them to stand, and threatened to come over, then they should advance no further; but if they said, in contempt of them, Come up; then they should fall on, affirming concluding God was with them. Just as he said, God directed their word. The Philistines concluded them tarnished for hunger, and forced to surrender, and therefore deridingly hid them come up, and then they should see how they would treat them. Inspired with divine courage and confidence, they now advance, affurably concluding God had delivered them into their hands. Though sleep the precipice, they climb the craggy rock, whilst, expecting no danger, the Philistines probably looked on, and spotted themselves with the eagerness of their despised Hebrews. But no sooner had Jonathan and his armour-bearer firm footing, than they fell on furiously and unexpectedly, and twenty men presently were slain within the space of half the acre of land. Probably these were a party of scouts, who, thus smitten, fled, and carried a panic abiding with them into the garrison and camp, God spreading the terror on every side; whilst, to complain their dismay, the earth quaked under them, as ready to swallow them up: so that the apprehensions of danger became very terrible, and God’s hand was heavy upon them. Note. (1.) The greatness of danger leaves only for the more glorious exercise of faith in the future of God. (2.) Whatever our difficulties are, if we have Om-

nipotence Called A. Iombek, Chap. xxii. p. 9. Chap. iv. 9. Heb. A. north of a creek. § Heb. Tenth.

aiporence on our side, we may boldly advance. (3.) It is good to follow the leadings of providence. (4.) They who (port at God’s Israel, will do it at their end. (5.) God can with fe-cer terrors reach the hearts of his enemies, and turn their own (words against them. (6.) They who commit their ways unto the Lord, will find he can bring to pass the most incredible events. No man ever stuffed him, and was confounded.

16. And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down our another. 17. Thus 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. 18. And Saul said unto Ahaah, Bring higher the ark of God: (for the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel.) 19. ¶ And it came to pale, while Saul talked unto the priest, that the noise that was in the hoist of the Philistines went on, and increased: and Saul said unto the priest, ‘Withdraw thine hand. 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. 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. 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. 23. So the LORD saved Israel that day: and the battle passed over unto Beth-aven.

c. 10—23. The terror of the Philistines was soon observed by the sentinels in Gibeah, who, to their astonishment, beheld them melting like snow, and falling one on another. Tidings are infirmly brought to Saul, who calls over the muflet roll, that he might see who was absent, and Jonathan and his armour-bearer are wanting. Hereupon,

1. Saul bids Ahaah bring the ark, and consult God about what he should do in the case; but whilst he was talking with him, the noise increasing, and the flight of the Philistines evident, he bids him desist, being in haite to pursue. Note, (1.) In all our proceedings, to enquire at God’s word is the suret way to succeed. (2.) They who are impatient to run before they are sent, will be in danger of making more haite than good speed.

2. They immediately follow the flying hoists, nor needed sword or spear, when the Philistines fell falter by the hands of each other. Not only the six hundred men who were with Saul, assembled, but the deserters and prisoners turned upon the fugitives; and those who refused to fight, and fled to the mountains, dare now pursue. Thus the Lord saved Israel, and the discomfiture here was very great, because it was his doing. Note, (1.) All our salvation must be ascribed to God’s free grace and mercy alone. (2.) The Lord Jesus hath conquered for us; let us not then, weak as we are, fear to pursue, and issue the prey.

3. ¶ And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had ‘adjudged the people, saying, Curled be the man that earseth any food until the evening, ’that I may be avenged on mine enemies: so none of the people tailed any food. 25. And all they of the land came to a wood, and there was ‘honey upon the ground. 26. And when the people were come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped, but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath. 27. But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and slept it in an honey-comb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened. 28. Then answered one of the people, and said, ‘Thy father, if fearfully charged the people with an oath, saying, Curled be the man that earseth any food this day.’ And the people were faint. 29. Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I talked a little of this honey: 30. How much more, if haply the people had eaten freely to-day of the spoil of their enemies which they found? ¶ for had there not been now a much greater slaughter among the Philistines? 31. And they smote the Philistines that day from Michael to Aja-

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lon: and the people were very faint. 32. And the people flew upon the spoil, and took sheep, and oxen, and calves, and flew them on the ground: and the people did eat down with the blood. 33. ¶ Then they told Saul, saying, Behold, the people sin against the LORD, in that they eat with the blood. And he said, ‘We have transgressed: will a great stone unto me this day. 34. And Saul said, Diperfe yourselves among the people, and lay unto them, Bring me higher every man his ox, and every man his sheep, and lay down here, and eat; and sin not against the LORD in eating with the blood. And all the people brought every man his ox with him that night, and flew down there. 35. And Saul ‘built an altar unto the LORD: the same was the first altar that he built unto the LORD.

c. 24—35. As Saul’s impolitic conduct had brought them into their district, his saith oath prevents their making the bell use of their victory.

1. Saul forbid the people to take any refreshment until evening, fearing left they should be destined from the purfure, and with a curse devoted to death the perfon who should be found disobedient. Note, (1.) He that saith should realize, saithth fire-brands and death, and endangers his own house to be consumed. (2.) Hafly resolves generally afford matter for leisurely repentance.

2. The ill effects produced by this adjuration. 1. Jonathan, who was absent when the under was given, ignorantly transgressed. As he passed through a wood, weary and hungry, where was plenty of honey, he thrall his rod, or spear, into an honey-comb, and took it, and eat it, and felt himself exceedingly refreshed, being faint with want of food, and his eyes dim. One of the people observing him, informed him of his father’s adjuration; and so observant of it were the people, that none dared to touch the honey which dropped around them, though disabbed more by hunger, than the way, from a bulk pursuit of their enemies. Jonathan, by experience of the refreshment he had received, could not but condemn his father’s ill-advised restraint, which, so far from furthering the victory, greatly prevented the improvement of it. Note, (1.) Many a good son is involved in difficulties by the folly of an inconsiderate father. (2.) When we follow our own heads, without waiting to confide God, we shall certainly live to repent our raftners. (3.) If, for fear of the curse of a wicked king, an Israelite can deny even the innocent cravings of hunger; shall not we fear to incur the Anathema of a holy God, by gratifying our sinful appetites? 2. The people at even are so impatient through hunger, that, before the blood was drained from the beasts, they flew on them raw, or half-dressed. Saul quickly hears, and rebukes the transgression of the people, though the fault lay chiefly at his own door. Proclamation is made through the camp to stay such irregularities, by ordering all the cattle for food to be slain on a horse under his own eyes; and there he built an altar unto the Lord, the first he had yet erected for God’s worship, to offer successes of thanksgiving for his victory. As it might be rendered, He began to eat: some think he was in such haite, that he left the altar unfinished, though expenses to pursue the victory. Note, (1.) How much smaller are we to rebuke the sins which lie at others doors, than to acknowledge how culpable we are outdoing? (2.) Execs in eating is as dangerous to the body, as sinful to the food.

3. ¶ And Saul said, Let us go down after the Philistines by night, and spoil them until the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them. And they said, Do whatsoever seemeth good unto thee. Then said the priest, ‘Let us draw near higher unto God. 37. And Saul ‘afked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? ‘wit thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him ’not that day. 38. And Saul said, Draw ye near higher all the chief of the people: and know and see ‘wherein this sin hath been this day. 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. 40. Then said he unto all Israel, Be ye on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side. And the people said unto Saul, Do what seemeth good unto thee. 41. Therefore Saul said unto the LORD God of Israel, I Give a perfect let. And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people escaped. 42. And Saul said, Call lots between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken. 43. Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey

1 Samuel 14:36-46

Saul has no sooner given his army a moment’s refinement, than he is eager to pursue again the flying Philistines; and, though weary and wanting repose, his men, as faithful Soldiers, are submissive to his orders, and ready to follow him. But, 1. Ahaithar desires to consult God first, and Saul confents to the monies; but when they draw near, God gave them no anfwer. Note, It is good to have near us a faithful minister, to advise and admonish us of our duty. 2. Saul heresupon concludes, that some sin had been committed, which provoked God thus to withdraw, and therefore as pallimately resolves to punish, as he had impudently bound them under a curse. To determine the case, lots are cast; and though none dared or can do to inform against Jonathan, God is pleased, at Saul’s prayer, to give the discovery in the person of Jonathan his son, on whom the lot fell. Note, (1.) We may well conclude God is angry, when our prayers find no answer of peace from him. (2.) We should solicitously enquire what it is wherein we have offended, that we may put away iniquity from us. 3. Jonathan, at Saul’s injunction, acknowledges he had tafted a little honey that day in the wood; and though he thinks it hard to die for such a fault, speaks as expecting it from his father’s rash and unrelenting spirit; whilst Saul, agreeably to his character, binds his resolution with a solemn oath, that nothing should have him. Note, (1.) Violent tempers will facrifice to their persons even the dearest relatives. (2.) An angry judge cannot but pass a rash and unjust sentence. (3.) They that swear in heat, will often not only be guilty of profaneness, but perjury. 4. The people are highly displeased at Saul’s resolution, and bind themselves by oath to prevent the execution. It was unjust to condemn Jonathan for ignorantly offending, and ungrateful to put him to death, who, under God, that day had fawed their lives and all Israel; therefore they refused, or redermed, him out of his hands. Note, (1.) Those whom God in his cause evidently honours with his blessing, we must stand by against all opposers. (2.) When kings act madly against the laws of God, and tyrannical against the lives and liberties of the people; resistance, that tends to reduce them to their dutry, without injuring their persons, or lofening their lawful authority, is, no doubt, true patriotism, and agreeable to true piety. 5. The season of pursuit being lost by altercation, and God referring the Philistines for a further scourge, those who escaped from the battle, got into places of safety, and Saul returned to Gibeah. Thus dissentions between the generals have often lost the advantages of victory. 47. ¶ So Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines: and whithersoever he turned himself, he wrote them: 48. And he gathered an host, and smote the Amalekites, and delivered Israel out of the hands of them that spoiled them. 49. Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Ishui, and Melchi-Shuah: and the names of his two daughters were those; the name of the first-born Merab, and the name of the younger Michal: 50. And the name of Saul’s wife was Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz: and the name of the captain of his host was Abner the son of Ner, Saul’s uncle. 51. And Kish was the father of Saul; and Ner, the fatcher of Abner, was the son of Abiel. 52. And there was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul: and when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he took him unto him.

1 Samuel 14:47-52

We have here, 1. An account of Saul’s military exploits. Having reaffirmed the exercise of his power, which seemed almost annihilated, he recruits his army with picked men out of all Israel, and by making every where head against his enemies, he deloved them, and waged sore war with the Philistines all his days. Note, The comforts of reigning are dearly purchased, at the expence of the constant care, danger, and toil, which attends it. 2. His family are taken notice of, his wife and five children, though he had others by Kitapah his concubine, who, as illegitimate, are not mentioned; and his uncle Abner was his general. His house was now established, like his kingdom, great and prosperous; but how fasting are all stationary things. In a few years his house becomes ruined, and his kingdom removed. Let us never place confidence then in any thing beneath the Son. The fashion of this world passeth away.