1 Samuel 21

1 Samuel 21:1

The Terrain to Be Crossed

The description of the place Jonathan must cross makes it clear that he is embarking on a risky venture. God’s Spirit shows these things to teach us that following a path of faith can present us with enormous difficulties. Faith does not make blind to these difficulties but considers them.

Faith is not reckless. It overlooks the terrain and sees the difficulties. All the difficulties that are noticed are brought to the Lord by faith. Faith then sees that there are no difficulties for Him. Faith is not overconfident, but prudent and trusting. It turns the eye to God and then takes courage.

1 Samuel 21:2

The Terrain to Be Crossed

The description of the place Jonathan must cross makes it clear that he is embarking on a risky venture. God’s Spirit shows these things to teach us that following a path of faith can present us with enormous difficulties. Faith does not make blind to these difficulties but considers them.

Faith is not reckless. It overlooks the terrain and sees the difficulties. All the difficulties that are noticed are brought to the Lord by faith. Faith then sees that there are no difficulties for Him. Faith is not overconfident, but prudent and trusting. It turns the eye to God and then takes courage.

1 Samuel 21:3

Faith of Jonathan and His Servant

After Saul’s attitude is shown and the way of faith to go, Jonathan repeats in 1 Samuel 14:6 the word of faith of 1 Samuel 14:1. Nothing can be expected of Saul, and the way is full of dangers. In his repetition of this great word of faith he goes even further than what he said in 1 Samuel 14:1. He no longer speaks of “the Philistines”, but now he calls them “these uncircumcised”. This shows that he sees them as God sees them. They are people who have no connection with God.

Saul’s army is not large, but at least he still has 600 men. Jonathan is alone with his armor bearer. He does not need the six hundred men, because he knows that he and his armor bearer are going with God. If you have God at your side, the greatest army has no chance. God can deliver as much by few as by many (2 Chronicles 14:11; Judges 7:7).

His armor bearer shows the same faith as Jonathan. It is a special blessing to fight the battle of faith with someone who faces the battle with the same confidence in God. The words of his armor bearer are an encouragement and confirmation for Jonathan.

Both men are young. To go a path of faith and perform acts of faith, it is not necessary to be elderly or to have much experience. It is about trust in God. Scripture gives several examples of young men who have acted in faith. Think of men like Elihu, David, Daniel and his three friends, and Timothy.

1 Samuel 21:4

Faith of Jonathan and His Servant

After Saul’s attitude is shown and the way of faith to go, Jonathan repeats in 1 Samuel 14:6 the word of faith of 1 Samuel 14:1. Nothing can be expected of Saul, and the way is full of dangers. In his repetition of this great word of faith he goes even further than what he said in 1 Samuel 14:1. He no longer speaks of “the Philistines”, but now he calls them “these uncircumcised”. This shows that he sees them as God sees them. They are people who have no connection with God.

Saul’s army is not large, but at least he still has 600 men. Jonathan is alone with his armor bearer. He does not need the six hundred men, because he knows that he and his armor bearer are going with God. If you have God at your side, the greatest army has no chance. God can deliver as much by few as by many (2 Chronicles 14:11; Judges 7:7).

His armor bearer shows the same faith as Jonathan. It is a special blessing to fight the battle of faith with someone who faces the battle with the same confidence in God. The words of his armor bearer are an encouragement and confirmation for Jonathan.

Both men are young. To go a path of faith and perform acts of faith, it is not necessary to be elderly or to have much experience. It is about trust in God. Scripture gives several examples of young men who have acted in faith. Think of men like Elihu, David, Daniel and his three friends, and Timothy.

1 Samuel 21:5

The Plan

Jonathan presents his armor bearer his plan. He speaks of “us”. It is a bold plan. The fight must be done with consultation. Faith does not take away the fact that we work with consultation, but it is the consultation of faith and not that of the rational calculation of probability. The reaction of the Philistines will determine their action, for they see in the reaction of the Philistines what God makes clear to them. He suggests that they will show themselves open and exposed to the enemy. The enemy will not expect that.

Jonathan anticipates two reactions. One reaction is that the Philistines say they will come down themselves. In that case they will stay where they are. The other reaction is that the Philistines will stay where they are, but they will say that Jonathan and his armor bearer must climb up to them. That will be a dangerous climb, where they will have to expose themselves completely. The Philistines will feel supreme and will not see any danger. It is precisely this dangerous command to climb up that will be the sign that the LORD has given them in their power.

1 Samuel 21:6

The Plan

Jonathan presents his armor bearer his plan. He speaks of “us”. It is a bold plan. The fight must be done with consultation. Faith does not take away the fact that we work with consultation, but it is the consultation of faith and not that of the rational calculation of probability. The reaction of the Philistines will determine their action, for they see in the reaction of the Philistines what God makes clear to them. He suggests that they will show themselves open and exposed to the enemy. The enemy will not expect that.

Jonathan anticipates two reactions. One reaction is that the Philistines say they will come down themselves. In that case they will stay where they are. The other reaction is that the Philistines will stay where they are, but they will say that Jonathan and his armor bearer must climb up to them. That will be a dangerous climb, where they will have to expose themselves completely. The Philistines will feel supreme and will not see any danger. It is precisely this dangerous command to climb up that will be the sign that the LORD has given them in their power.

1 Samuel 21:7

The Plan

Jonathan presents his armor bearer his plan. He speaks of “us”. It is a bold plan. The fight must be done with consultation. Faith does not take away the fact that we work with consultation, but it is the consultation of faith and not that of the rational calculation of probability. The reaction of the Philistines will determine their action, for they see in the reaction of the Philistines what God makes clear to them. He suggests that they will show themselves open and exposed to the enemy. The enemy will not expect that.

Jonathan anticipates two reactions. One reaction is that the Philistines say they will come down themselves. In that case they will stay where they are. The other reaction is that the Philistines will stay where they are, but they will say that Jonathan and his armor bearer must climb up to them. That will be a dangerous climb, where they will have to expose themselves completely. The Philistines will feel supreme and will not see any danger. It is precisely this dangerous command to climb up that will be the sign that the LORD has given them in their power.

1 Samuel 21:8

The Execution of the Plan

Jonathan and his armor bearer translate their words into deeds and show themselves to the Philistines. By showing themselves, they are vulnerable to the arrows of the Philistines. The Philistines do not shoot their arrows at them, but words of contempt. However, these do not harm the two heroes.

Then the men from the garrison call on Jonathan and his armor bearer to come up to them. The Philistines are certain of their case. They will have a good time with these two Israelites. For Jonathan this is proof that the LORD has given them into his power.

Yet he says not that the LORD will give them into his power, but into the power of Israel. This is the language that David also speaks later when he is alone opposite Goliath (1 Samuel 17:46-47). Saul, on the other hand, speaks of “my” enemies. The victory that Jonathan and his armor bearer will achieve is a victory for all Israel. Jonathan is certain of victory by this command of the Philistines. In what he says to his armor bearer in 1 Samuel 14:12, there is no longer a “perhaps” (1 Samuel 14:6), but the certainty that the LORD will do it.

Jonathan climbs up on his hands and feet. This means that he cannot protect himself in any way. He needs all his agility to reach the top. He cannot even keep an eye on the enemy. The way of faith goes up but is not easy. Yet the goal of faith is achieved. When Jonathan and his armor bearer are at the top, the Philistines are struck down man after man by Jonathan and killed by his armor bearer. There is a fluid cooperation between the two men.

The number killed is not impressive when counted. They have defeated only twenty men. But God connects Himself to Jonathan’s faith. The area where the victory is won is described as “about half a furrow in an acre of land”.

This indicates the result of a victory: an area is released that can be ploughed. The piece of land can again fulfill God’s purpose for His people and that is that His people enjoy the blessing of the land. Thus every spiritual victory lays the foundation for enjoying the spiritual blessings God has given to His people.

1 Samuel 21:9

The Execution of the Plan

Jonathan and his armor bearer translate their words into deeds and show themselves to the Philistines. By showing themselves, they are vulnerable to the arrows of the Philistines. The Philistines do not shoot their arrows at them, but words of contempt. However, these do not harm the two heroes.

Then the men from the garrison call on Jonathan and his armor bearer to come up to them. The Philistines are certain of their case. They will have a good time with these two Israelites. For Jonathan this is proof that the LORD has given them into his power.

Yet he says not that the LORD will give them into his power, but into the power of Israel. This is the language that David also speaks later when he is alone opposite Goliath (1 Samuel 17:46-47). Saul, on the other hand, speaks of “my” enemies. The victory that Jonathan and his armor bearer will achieve is a victory for all Israel. Jonathan is certain of victory by this command of the Philistines. In what he says to his armor bearer in 1 Samuel 14:12, there is no longer a “perhaps” (1 Samuel 14:6), but the certainty that the LORD will do it.

Jonathan climbs up on his hands and feet. This means that he cannot protect himself in any way. He needs all his agility to reach the top. He cannot even keep an eye on the enemy. The way of faith goes up but is not easy. Yet the goal of faith is achieved. When Jonathan and his armor bearer are at the top, the Philistines are struck down man after man by Jonathan and killed by his armor bearer. There is a fluid cooperation between the two men.

The number killed is not impressive when counted. They have defeated only twenty men. But God connects Himself to Jonathan’s faith. The area where the victory is won is described as “about half a furrow in an acre of land”.

This indicates the result of a victory: an area is released that can be ploughed. The piece of land can again fulfill God’s purpose for His people and that is that His people enjoy the blessing of the land. Thus every spiritual victory lays the foundation for enjoying the spiritual blessings God has given to His people.

1 Samuel 21:10

The Execution of the Plan

Jonathan and his armor bearer translate their words into deeds and show themselves to the Philistines. By showing themselves, they are vulnerable to the arrows of the Philistines. The Philistines do not shoot their arrows at them, but words of contempt. However, these do not harm the two heroes.

Then the men from the garrison call on Jonathan and his armor bearer to come up to them. The Philistines are certain of their case. They will have a good time with these two Israelites. For Jonathan this is proof that the LORD has given them into his power.

Yet he says not that the LORD will give them into his power, but into the power of Israel. This is the language that David also speaks later when he is alone opposite Goliath (1 Samuel 17:46-47). Saul, on the other hand, speaks of “my” enemies. The victory that Jonathan and his armor bearer will achieve is a victory for all Israel. Jonathan is certain of victory by this command of the Philistines. In what he says to his armor bearer in 1 Samuel 14:12, there is no longer a “perhaps” (1 Samuel 14:6), but the certainty that the LORD will do it.

Jonathan climbs up on his hands and feet. This means that he cannot protect himself in any way. He needs all his agility to reach the top. He cannot even keep an eye on the enemy. The way of faith goes up but is not easy. Yet the goal of faith is achieved. When Jonathan and his armor bearer are at the top, the Philistines are struck down man after man by Jonathan and killed by his armor bearer. There is a fluid cooperation between the two men.

The number killed is not impressive when counted. They have defeated only twenty men. But God connects Himself to Jonathan’s faith. The area where the victory is won is described as “about half a furrow in an acre of land”.

This indicates the result of a victory: an area is released that can be ploughed. The piece of land can again fulfill God’s purpose for His people and that is that His people enjoy the blessing of the land. Thus every spiritual victory lays the foundation for enjoying the spiritual blessings God has given to His people.

1 Samuel 21:11

The Execution of the Plan

Jonathan and his armor bearer translate their words into deeds and show themselves to the Philistines. By showing themselves, they are vulnerable to the arrows of the Philistines. The Philistines do not shoot their arrows at them, but words of contempt. However, these do not harm the two heroes.

Then the men from the garrison call on Jonathan and his armor bearer to come up to them. The Philistines are certain of their case. They will have a good time with these two Israelites. For Jonathan this is proof that the LORD has given them into his power.

Yet he says not that the LORD will give them into his power, but into the power of Israel. This is the language that David also speaks later when he is alone opposite Goliath (1 Samuel 17:46-47). Saul, on the other hand, speaks of “my” enemies. The victory that Jonathan and his armor bearer will achieve is a victory for all Israel. Jonathan is certain of victory by this command of the Philistines. In what he says to his armor bearer in 1 Samuel 14:12, there is no longer a “perhaps” (1 Samuel 14:6), but the certainty that the LORD will do it.

Jonathan climbs up on his hands and feet. This means that he cannot protect himself in any way. He needs all his agility to reach the top. He cannot even keep an eye on the enemy. The way of faith goes up but is not easy. Yet the goal of faith is achieved. When Jonathan and his armor bearer are at the top, the Philistines are struck down man after man by Jonathan and killed by his armor bearer. There is a fluid cooperation between the two men.

The number killed is not impressive when counted. They have defeated only twenty men. But God connects Himself to Jonathan’s faith. The area where the victory is won is described as “about half a furrow in an acre of land”.

This indicates the result of a victory: an area is released that can be ploughed. The piece of land can again fulfill God’s purpose for His people and that is that His people enjoy the blessing of the land. Thus every spiritual victory lays the foundation for enjoying the spiritual blessings God has given to His people.

1 Samuel 21:12

Consequences of Jonathan’s Deed

When Jonathan has done what he can do, God will do what Jonathan cannot do. What God does is an extension of what Jonathan has done. God makes Jonathan’s small victory a great one. He multiplies this victory, just as He multiplies a little bit of food. The report of the defeat spreads like a wildfire and the Philistines tremble with a great trembling (literally: with a trembling of God).

Saul’s watchmen see the consequences of Jonathan’s victory, that is, of God’s underlining of Jonathan’s faith performance. If faith acts, the enemy quivers and trembles. The watchmen observe this. They report this to Saul.

1 Samuel 21:13

Consequences of Jonathan’s Deed

When Jonathan has done what he can do, God will do what Jonathan cannot do. What God does is an extension of what Jonathan has done. God makes Jonathan’s small victory a great one. He multiplies this victory, just as He multiplies a little bit of food. The report of the defeat spreads like a wildfire and the Philistines tremble with a great trembling (literally: with a trembling of God).

Saul’s watchmen see the consequences of Jonathan’s victory, that is, of God’s underlining of Jonathan’s faith performance. If faith acts, the enemy quivers and trembles. The watchmen observe this. They report this to Saul.

1 Samuel 21:14

Saul Shares in the Victory

Saul assumes the possibility that men have left his army and that they have done something with the Philistines. He has an investigation carried out to know who and how many are gone. It turns out to be only Jonathan and his armor bearer. For Saul, however, this cannot be the reason for the commotion among the Philistines. He does not think further because there is no faith in him.

Saul can also be a pious man, he can question God, although he has no faith. To question God, he wants the ark to be brought. “Ark” (1 Samuel 14:18) presumably must be ephod. With the ark one cannot question God. It is more likely that Saul will have asked Ahijah to clothe himself with the ephod and to ask God.

When Saul notices how the Philistines are becoming more and more chaotic, he says that Ahijah should not do anything more. He decides that no more time should be lost in questioning God. Action is needed. You should not spend any effort and time on religion if you see that the situation is, in your opinion, ripe to act. This is Saul.

When Saul arrives at the battlefield, he does not have to do anything. God has worked for him and thus gives the enemy into Saul’s hands. He does so because of Jonathan’s faith (cf. 2 Chronicles 20:22; Judges 7:22).

Another consequence of Jonathan’s victory is that Israelites who have put themselves in the service of the enemy – and who are also called “Hebrews” by the Holy Spirit here – return to the army of Saul and Jonathan. Traitors and cowards now choose the side of God’s people because they see that there the victory is. Such people only want to benefit, but never take part in the real battle.

Faith initiatives are taken by only a few. If it then becomes apparent how much this is blessed, others also join in who have first observed the development and have no part in this faith. Great revivals have always started with a few.

1 Samuel 21:15

Saul Shares in the Victory

Saul assumes the possibility that men have left his army and that they have done something with the Philistines. He has an investigation carried out to know who and how many are gone. It turns out to be only Jonathan and his armor bearer. For Saul, however, this cannot be the reason for the commotion among the Philistines. He does not think further because there is no faith in him.

Saul can also be a pious man, he can question God, although he has no faith. To question God, he wants the ark to be brought. “Ark” (1 Samuel 14:18) presumably must be ephod. With the ark one cannot question God. It is more likely that Saul will have asked Ahijah to clothe himself with the ephod and to ask God.

When Saul notices how the Philistines are becoming more and more chaotic, he says that Ahijah should not do anything more. He decides that no more time should be lost in questioning God. Action is needed. You should not spend any effort and time on religion if you see that the situation is, in your opinion, ripe to act. This is Saul.

When Saul arrives at the battlefield, he does not have to do anything. God has worked for him and thus gives the enemy into Saul’s hands. He does so because of Jonathan’s faith (cf. 2 Chronicles 20:22; Judges 7:22).

Another consequence of Jonathan’s victory is that Israelites who have put themselves in the service of the enemy – and who are also called “Hebrews” by the Holy Spirit here – return to the army of Saul and Jonathan. Traitors and cowards now choose the side of God’s people because they see that there the victory is. Such people only want to benefit, but never take part in the real battle.

Faith initiatives are taken by only a few. If it then becomes apparent how much this is blessed, others also join in who have first observed the development and have no part in this faith. Great revivals have always started with a few.