Thursday, May 30 – 1 Samuel 14, 15 – Additional reading, Patriarchs and Prophets chapters 60, “The Presumption of Saul”, and 61 “Saul Rejected”

1. How do you see Jonathan’s raid on the Philistine outpost? 1 Samuel 14:1-14
(a) Outstanding courage
(b) 10-to-1 long shot
(c) Foolhardy presumption
(d) Expectant faith
(e) One-upmanship over Saul

2. Why was Jonathan so confident in God’s blessing? 1 Samuel 14:6

3. Where did Saul fail according to Samuel? 1 Samuel 15:22

4. What can help you to trust the word of God in difficult times?

Commentary and Reflection:

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1 Samuel 14 starts with the daring story Jonathan and his faithful armor-bearer. The end of chapter 14 describes that, “All the days of Saul there was bitter war with the Philistines” (v.52). Maybe Jonathan wanted to make his father, the king, proud giving him some joy. Only Jonathan and Saul possessed a spear and a sword in the whole army, proving the victories truly came from God, which is later confirmed (v.15). There is beauty and encouragement in seeing Jonathan exercising his faith God whether He would help them or not, “Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf” (v.6b). Many times we are invited to make moves based on faith! We don’t know how God will answer but we can be sure of who He is, as Jonathan when he said, “Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few” (v.6c). He waits for the answer from God, climbs and attack.

1 Samuel 14 begins with the daring tale of Jonathan and his faithful armor-bearer. At the chapter’s end, we read, “All the days of Saul there was bitter war with the Philistines” (v. 52). Jonathan likely sought to bring joy to his father, the king, and make him proud. In the entire army, only Jonathan and Saul possessed a spear and a sword, highlighting that victories truly came from God, a fact later confirmed (v. 15). It’s inspiring to see Jonathan exercising his faith in God, uncertain if He would intervene, yet saying, “Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf” (v. 6b). Many times, we’re called to act in faith, not knowing how God will respond but confident in who He is, as Jonathan expressed, “Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few” (v. 6c). He waits for God’s answer, then climbs and attacks.

The contrast between Jonathan and his father Saul is striking. While Jonathan sees an opportunity, he recognizes that victory comes from God and waits for His guidance, in his anxiety, Saul begins making unreasonable demands of his men, even forbidding them from eating. This puts his son’s life in danger. In his impatience, Saul takes on a role that wasn’t his, acting as a priest by building an altar and making a sacrifice, yet the Lord does not respond (1 Samuel 14:35, 37).

Chapter 15 depicts the sorrowful message Samuel must convey to Saul. Saul disregarded God’s word and commands, failing to teach the Israelites lessons of humility and faith. Samuel plainly states, “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? … Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as a king” (1 Samuel 15:22). This serves as a powerful lesson for us, as expressed in the Spirit of Prophecy: “We should not follow impulse or rely on the judgment of men; we should look to the revealed will of God and walk according to His definite commandment, no matter what circumstances may surround us. God will take care of the results; by faithfulness to His word, we may, in times of trial, prove before men and angels that the Lord can trust us in difficult places to carry out His will, honor His name, and bless His people” PP 621.5.

May the Lord grant you the daring faith of Jonathan and a heart attuned to His Word.

Blessings to you today.