“But if they say 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.”
This verse is part of the narrative describing a remarkable event in the life of Jonathan, the son of King Saul, during a battle against the Philistines. Let’s break it down and explore its significance:
Context:At this point in the story, Jonathan and his armor-bearer had embarked on a daring venture to engage the Philistine garrison. They had climbed up a rocky cliff in an attempt to surprise and confront the enemy. In verse 9, Jonathan proposed that if the Philistines invited them to come up, it would be a sign from the Lord that they would be victorious.
Trust in God’s deliverance:Jonathan’s faith and confidence in the Lord’s intervention are evident in this verse. He declares that if the enemy soldiers invite them to come up, it would be an indication that God had delivered the Philistines into their hands. It demonstrates Jonathan’s reliance on God’s guidance and the belief that God would grant them victory.
The importance of signs:Jonathan sought a specific sign from the Philistines to validate God’s favour and His will for the battle. By asking for a sign, Jonathan desired confirmation from God that He was leading them into battle. This request for a sign is reminiscent of Gideon’s fleece (Judges 6:36-40), where Gideon sought assurance from God before going into battle.
Faith in action:Jonathan’s decision to embark on this daring mission with only his armor-bearer, based on his trust in God’s deliverance, demonstrates great faith in action. He believed that God could use him to accomplish great things and was willing to step out in faith, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Overall, 1 Samuel 14:10 showcases Jonathan’s unwavering trust in God’s power and his willingness to act upon it. This verse encourages us to have faith in God’s deliverance and to seek His guidance and confirmation when faced with challenging situations. It reminds us that when we trust in the Lord and step out in faith, He can use us to accomplish great things for His purposes.
