“And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: as the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not.”
Context:The book of 1 Samuel is a historical account of the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. In this particular chapter, Saul is the first king of Israel, and his son Jonathan performs a great act of bravery in battle against the Philistines. Jonathan initiated a victory by attacking a Philistine garrison with his armour-bearer, resulting in a significant panic and defeat among the enemy ranks.
1 Samuel 14:45 captures the reaction of the people after Saul made a rash oath, declaring a curse upon anyone who ate food until evening. The people were hungry and unaware of the oath when they ate honey from the forest. Saul recognised that someone had violated his oath, but did not know that it was his own son Jonathan. Through the casting of lots, Jonathan was identified as the transgressor.
The people’s response to the situation was one of shock and concern. They questioned Saul, asking if Jonathan, who had brought about a great victory for Israel that day, should be put to death. They reasoned that it would be unjust and ungrateful to execute Jonathan for breaking an oath when he had achieved such a remarkable feat and saved the nation from the Philistines.
The people emphasised that Jonathan was instrumental in Israel’s salvation and declared, “God forbid: as the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day.” They recognised that Jonathan’s actions were in alignment with God’s purposes, and they acknowledged his partnership with God in the victory.
In response to the people’s outcry, Saul relented, and Jonathan’s life was spared. This incident reveals Saul’s impulsive and flawed leadership style, as well as the people’s appreciation for Jonathan’s bravery and faithfulness to God.
Lessons and Application:
- The passage highlights the importance of considering the context and circumstances when making judgments and decisions. Saul’s initial judgment failed to take into account the extraordinary circumstances and Jonathan’s vital role in Israel’s deliverance. It reminds us to exercise wisdom, discernment, and mercy when evaluating others’ actions.
- It illustrates the principle of honouring and appreciating those who have faithfully served and achieved great things for the community or nation. The people recognised Jonathan’s bravery and his partnership with God in accomplishing the victory. We should acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of others, giving credit where it is due.
- The passage serves as a reminder that hasty and rash oaths can lead to unintended consequences. Saul’s ill-considered oath created an unnecessary dilemma and jeopardised the life of his own son. It encourages us to be cautious with our words and commitments, considering the potential implications and seeking wisdom before making promises.
- Ultimately, the passage points to God’s sovereignty and His ability to use ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Jonathan, with his unwavering trust in God, stepped out in faith and witnessed God’s intervention. It encourages us to trust in God’s power and faithfulness, even in challenging situations.
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 14:45 teaches us important lessons about discernment, appreciation, wise decision-making, and trust in God. By studying this passage, we can gain insights into the historical context and timeless principles that are relevant to our lives today.
