"And the men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armourbearer, and said, Come up to us, and we will shew you a thing. And Jonathan said unto his armourbearer, Come up after me: for the LORD hath delivered them into the hand of Israel."
Context:In the preceding verses of 1 Samuel 14, we find the Israelites engaged in battle with the Philistines. King Saul, the first king of Israel, was encamped in Gilgal, while the Philistines had established a garrison at Michmash. Saul’s son Jonathan, displaying great courage and faith in God, initiated a daring attack against the Philistines with his armorbearer.
"And the men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armourbearer, and said, Come up to us, and we will shew you a thing." The Philistine soldiers in the garrison responded to Jonathan and his armorbearer, inviting them to come up and face them in battle. The precise meaning of "show you a thing" is uncertain, but it likely implies their confidence in defeating Jonathan and his companion.
"And Jonathan said unto his armourbearer, Come up after me: for the LORD hath delivered them into the hand of Israel." – Jonathan, filled with faith and trust in the Lord, responds to the Philistines’ challenge by expressing his conviction that God has given the enemy into their hands. He invites his armorbearer to follow him, believing in God’s deliverance.
Key Lessons:
- Courage in the face of opposition:Jonathan’s actions demonstrate remarkable bravery and reliance on God. Despite being greatly outnumbered and facing a well-fortified enemy, Jonathan remained undeterred and trusted in the Lord’s power to deliver them. This serves as an example for us to exhibit courage and faith in challenging circumstances, knowing that God can work miracles.
- Confidence in God’s deliverance:Jonathan’s statement reflects his unwavering trust in God’s faithfulness and ability to intervene in the affairs of His people. He understood that victory was not dependent on human strength or military strategy alone but on God’s divine assistance. Similarly, we should rely on God’s strength and guidance in all aspects of our lives, recognising that He is the ultimate source of triumph.
- Stepping out in faith:Jonathan’s decision to initiate the attack was a bold move, requiring him to take risks. His faith in God propelled him to step out in obedience, even when the odds seemed stacked against him. This encourages us to have the courage to act on our convictions, even when the situation appears challenging or uncertain, knowing that God is with us.
Application:The passage from 1 Samuel 14:12 challenges us to cultivate a deep trust in God’s faithfulness, to display courage in the face of opposition, and to step out in faith when God calls us to act. By leaning on God’s strength, we can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and experience His deliverance in our lives.
Remember, as you study the Bible, it is beneficial to consider the broader context, consult different translations, and seek guidance from trusted spiritual leaders to gain a comprehensive understanding of the passage’s meaning and application.
