“Then said Jonathan, Behold, we will pass over unto these men, and we will discover ourselves unto them.”
Context:The book of 1 Samuel tells the story of the transition of leadership in Israel from the time of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy under King Saul. In this particular chapter, the Philistines had gathered a large army to fight against the Israelites. Saul and his son Jonathan were leading the Israelite forces. However, due to fear and uncertainty, many of the Israelite soldiers were hiding in caves, and Saul himself was waiting at Gilgal.
Courageous Initiative:Jonathan, Saul’s son, was a courageous and faith-filled warrior. In verse 6, he says to his armour-bearer, “Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the Lord will work for us: for there is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few.” Jonathan believed in the power of God and was ready to take action. In verse 8, he expresses his determination to engage the enemy by saying, “Behold, we will pass over unto these men…”
Jonathan’s example teaches us the value of courageous initiative. Sometimes, when faced with challenges or obstacles, we may need to take a step of faith and be proactive. It requires trust in God’s power and the willingness to act according to His leading.
Trust in God’s Guidance:Jonathan’s decision to engage the Philistines was not based on mere impulse or human reasoning. In verse 10, he tells his armour-bearer, “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.” Jonathan sought confirmation from God through a sign. If the Philistines called them to come up, they would take it as a sign to attack.
Trusting in God’s guidance is essential. Jonathan didn’t rely on his own wisdom but sought divine confirmation. Similarly, as believers, we should seek God’s guidance through prayer, His Word, and wise counsel. God will lead us and provide clarity in our decisions when we trust Him.
Unveiling the Enemy:Jonathan says, “we will discover ourselves unto them” in verse 8. He planned to reveal their presence to the enemy by making themselves visible.
Jonathan’s decision to unveil themselves indicates a strategic move to gain an advantage over the enemy. In our spiritual lives, it is crucial to expose the works of darkness and confront them boldly. We should not hide or be passive but actively engage in spiritual warfare, relying on God’s strength to overcome.
Application:
- Be proactive and take courageous initiatives, trusting in God’s power.
- Seek God’s guidance in decision-making, relying on His confirmation.
- Boldly confront and expose the works of darkness in spiritual warfare.
Remember, the study of the Bible is not limited to a single verse, but it’s essential to understand the broader context and explore other related passages to gain a more comprehensive understanding of God’s Word.
