“And Ahiah, the son of Ahitub, Ichabod’s brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the Lord’s priest in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people knew not that Jonathan was gone.”
1 Samuel 14:3 is part of the narrative of the battle between the Israelites and the Philistines. At this point in the story, Saul was the king of Israel, and his son Jonathan was a valiant warrior and leader among the Israelite army.
Ahiah, the son of Ahitub:Ahiah was a descendant of Eli and a priest serving the Lord in Shiloh. The mention of his lineage connects him to the priestly lineage and the heritage of the high priesthood.
Wearing an ephod:The ephod was a garment worn by the high priest, which had a significant role in seeking God’s guidance and making decisions. It contained the Urim and Thummim, which were used to discern God’s will in certain matters.
The people knew not that Jonathan was gone:Jonathan, the son of Saul, had gone on a daring mission against the Philistines without informing his father or the Israelite army. This verse highlights that the people were unaware of Jonathan’s absence, possibly emphasising the audacity and secrecy of his action.
This verse sets the stage for the events that follow, where Jonathan, accompanied by his armour-bearer, embarks on a courageous act of faith by attacking the Philistine garrison alone. Through this act, Jonathan demonstrates his trust in God and his willingness to take action for the sake of his people.
In studying this verse, we can draw several spiritual lessons:
Faith and Initiative:Jonathan’s action reveals his deep faith in God’s power and his initiative to take action. It reminds us that faith is not passive but requires us to step out in obedience, even when the odds may seem overwhelming.
Trust in God’s Guidance:Ahiah, the priest, wearing the ephod, symbolises the importance of seeking God’s guidance in making decisions. We can learn the significance of relying on God’s wisdom and seeking His will in our own lives.
Stepping out for God’s Purposes:Jonathan’s courage to face the enemy on his own exemplifies the willingness to step out for God’s purposes. It teaches us the importance of being bold and taking risks when God calls us to fulfil His plans, even if it means going against conventional expectations.
