“If they say thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place and will not go up unto them.”
Context:This verse is found within the larger narrative of the first book of Samuel, which describes the transition from the time of the judges to the establishment of kingship in Israel. At this point, Saul is the king of Israel, and his son Jonathan is leading a military campaign against the Philistines. In this particular verse, Jonathan is discussing his plan with his armour-bearer. They have approached the garrison of the Philistines, and Jonathan suggests that if the enemy soldiers call them to stay where they are, they will take it as a sign to wait. They would not go up to the Philistines, but rather remain in their current position.
Lessons from 1 Samuel 14:9:
Faith and Trust:Jonathan’s plan required a tremendous amount of faith in God. He believed that God could deliver the Philistines into their hands, even though they were outnumbered and seemed to be in a disadvantage position. This verse highlights the importance of trusting in God’s guidance and having faith in His ability to bring about victory.
Obedience and Patience:Jonathan was willing to wait for a sign from the Philistines. He didn’t rush into action without seeking confirmation. This demonstrates the value of obedience to God’s timing and the need for patience in our own lives. Sometimes, we may be eager to take action, but it is crucial to wait for God’s leading and direction before moving forward.
Discerning God’s Will:Jonathan’s plan relied on discerning the Philistines’ response. It required attentiveness and the ability to interpret the situation correctly. Similarly, in our own lives, it is important to seek God’s wisdom and discernment in decision‑making. By being sensitive to His leading and seeking His will, we can make better choices aligned with His purpose for our lives.
Strategy and Wisdom:Jonathan’s plan was not reckless but rather strategic. He used his wisdom and military understanding to come up with a plan that maximised their chances of success. This highlights the importance of using the gifts and skills God has given us to make wise decisions and accomplish His purposes.
Overall, 1 Samuel 14:9 teaches us about the importance of faith, trust, obedience, patience, discernment, and using wisdom in making decisions. It encourages us to seek God’s guidance and be attentive to His leading in our lives.
