1 Samuel Chapter 15 Part Three (Verses 24-35)

3. (1 Sam 15:24-25) Saul's weak effort towards repentance
Then Saul said to Samuel, "I have sinned; I have indeed transgressed the command of the LORD and your words, because I feared the people and listened to their voice. Now therefore, please pardon my sin and return with me, that I may worship the LORD."

I have sinned: Saul's confession of sin does not appear to be sincere. Instead, it appears it was made chiefly for the sake of getting the sentence of him being rejected as king reversed.

I feared the people and listened to their voice: Saul refuses to own up to his will and instead blames the people who "made him" do it. Again, this seems like the same song and dance Saul attempted when Samuel confronted Saul about sacrificing the burnt offering to the LORD back in chapter 13. If Saul would have feared God more, he would have feared the people less.

Please pardon my sin and return with me: Instead of dealing with the deep issue of Saul's heart of rebellion and stubbornness against God, Saul thought that having Samuel's support could fix everything. But the friendship of Samuel could not change the settled nature of Saul's heart. God knew that Saul's heart was full of rebellion and stubbornness. Saul's heart was set in his ways against God. This is something no man could know from looking at Saul. But God knew Saul's heart and told Samuel about it. A simple "please pardon my sin" would not do when the heart is set in rebellion and sin against the LORD.


4. (1 Sam 15:26-31) God's rejection of Saul as king over Israel is final
But Samuel said to the Saul, "I will not return with you; for you have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you from being king over Israel." As Samuel turned to go, Saul seized the edge of his robe, and it tore. So Samuel said to him, "The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to your neighbor, who is better than you. Also the Glory of Israel will not lie or change His mind; for He is not a man that He should change His mind." Then he said, "I have sinned; but please honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel, and go back with me, that I may worship the LORD your God." So Samuel went back following Saul, and Saul worshiped the LORD.

I will not return with you: Samuel clearly sees that Saul's repentance is fake. Saul's repentance is spurred by the fear of losing the kingdom and incurring public disgrace. Saul had dishonored God, and therefore, he had no claim to public homage from God's minister.

Saul seized the edge of his robe, and it tore: Many translations are careless about translating the Hebrew word "meil". "Meil" is not a loose flowing garment such as a robe. Instead, it was a fitted garment worn closely to the skin. Therefore, tearing the garment implies Saul used a considerable amount of violent force. Saul's desperate action provides a vivid lesson on how the kingdom was to be torn away from him. As useless as the torn piece of garment was in Saul's hand, so now his leadership of the nation was futile.

And has given it to your neighbor: Neighbor here in the Hebrew is used in a very indefinite way. It generally means "someone". The kingdom would be rent from Saul and given to "someone" who is better than Saul at discharging the duties of being king.

The Glory of Israel: Samuel uses a title for God that appears only here in the Bible. The title combines the ideas of stability, permanence and constancy. The Strength or Confidence of Israel does not change as men do. This reminds Saul that the LORD is determined in His purpose and is strong in His will. God will not change. The title "The Glory of Israel" is also important because at that time Saul probably thought of himself as "The Glory of Israel".  God was Israel's strength, and Saul needed to hear it.

Please honor me now before the elders: This is a strange request after Saul's great sin. Saul was probably sincere and fearful, but his sincerity was based upon a desire to maintain his power and royal state. His fear probably sprang from an apprehension that if he lost the friendship of Samuel the prophet (the revered and honored servant of the LORD), he would probably be forced to forfeit his crown. If Saul would have been really repentant, he would have prayed to have been humble rather than to be honored.

Samuel went back following Saul: Samuel, after having been requested several times by the king, consents to publicly worshiping the LORD with Saul. The main reason Samuel most likely acquiesced Saul's request was to prevent any disaffection toward the monarchy. Samuel's known disapproval of Saul's conduct and his declining the king's request would probably have been the signal for Israel to rise up in a revolt. Supporting Saul as king was better than the anarchy that would arise without a king.


5. (1 Sam 15:32-33) Samuel carries out God's will
Then Samuel said, "Bring me Agag, the king of the Amelekites." And Agag came to him cheerfully. And Agag said, "Surely the bitterness of death is past." But Samuel said, "As your sword has made women childless, so shall your mother be childless among women." And Samuel hewed Agag to pieces before the LORD at Gilgal.

Then Samuel said, "Bring me Agag": A big issue was still not resolved for Samuel. There was still the matter of Saul's incomplete obedience. God's command to "utterly destroy" all the Amalekites still stood, even if Saul had not obeyed the command.

Cheerfully: The meaning of the word is very doubtful. The Septuagint has the word "trembling" here. (This rending would make more sense as in the next sentence Agag says, "Surely this bitterness of death is past.") Perhaps Agag was not in a fearful mood, and doubted any harm which could be inflicted by the aged prophet. But perhaps also, Agag might have been filled with fear and trembled to come before the mighty man of God.

As your sword has made women childless, so shall your mother be childless among women: Samuel makes it clear that Agag was not an innocent bystander when it came to the atrocities that the Amelekites inflicted on Israel. Agag was a wicked and violent leader of a wicked and violent people. God's judgment against him and the Amalekites was just.

Samuel hewed Agag to pieces: This verb occurs only here and probably refers to some particular type of execution. The way the word is conjugated would imply that Samuel probably did not kill Agag but that he commanded it to be done.

Before the LORD: Most notably, Samuel performs this act of obedience before the LORD. He does do this before Saul, to show Saul would weak and proud he was. This was not done before Israel, to show them how strong and tough Samuel was. Instead, Samuel acted in tough obedience before the LORD to fulfill God's command.


6. (1 Sam 15:34-35) The tragic split between Samuel and Saul
Then Samuel went to Ramah, but Saul went up to his house at Gibeah of Saul. Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death; for Samuel grieved over Saul. And the LORD regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel.

Samuel went to Ramah: This was Samuel's native place and where he usually resided.

Saul went up to his house at Gibeah of Saul: This was Saul's birthplace, and the location of his father's house. This was also where Saul had his royal residence and where he kept court.

Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death: The joyous friendship which had previously existed between the two comrades was now broken off. Although they would meet again in 1 Samuel 19:24, it was neither in a friendly manner nor was it due to Samuel's seeking. The words here have a higher meaning than the mere seeing or meeting one another. They involve the cessation of a relationship in which Samuel and Saul had stood to one another as prophet and king of God. Now, Saul was no longer the representative of the LORD, and consequently, Samuel came no more to him, giving Saul messages, commands and guidance from God.

Samuel grieved over Saul: The old prophet had known Saul from the days of his youthful promise. Samuel, no doubt, loved him much and regarded him as his own adopted son. Now, he saw all his high qualities perverted; Saul's powers of usefulness were destroyed by pride and disobedience.

1 Samuel Chapter 15 Part Two (Verses 12-23)

5. (1 Sam 15:12-13) Saul greets Samuel
Samuel rose early in the morning to meet Saul; and it was told Samuel, saying, "Saul came to Carmel, and behold, he set up a monument for himself, then turned and proceeded on down to Gilgal." Samuel came to Saul, and Saul said to him, "Blessed are you of the LORD! I have carried out the command of the LORD."

Samuel rose early in the morning: After the revelations of the previous night, Samuel rose and immediately sought out Saul.

Carmel: Meaning park or garden, Carmel was a city in the mountainous country of Judah, about seven miles south/southeast of Hebron. Saul would have naturally passed through it returning from war. Carmel is the place where Nabal dwelt (see 1 Samuel 25) and is in the region where David spent much of his outlaw life.

He set up a monument for himself: The literal translation is "He set up a hand for himself."  The same Hebrew is used in 2 Samuel 18:18 to describe the pillar Absalom erected for himself. It is very likely that these victory columns erected by the Jews had a hand engraved upon them. Saul was not grieved over his sin. In fact, Saul seems quite pleased with himself. There seems to be not the slightest bit of shame or guilt in Saul, even though he directly disobeyed God.

Gilgal: In the same place where Saul's kingdom had been confirmed, it was in this same place it was to be taken from him. It is also the place where the consequences of disobedience had been uttered (1 Sam 13:13-14) and now the sentence of disobedience was to be pronounce.

Saul said to him, "Blessed are you of the LORD! I have carried out the command of the LORD.": Saul can come to Samuel with such boldness, boasting of his obedience because pride has overtaken his heart. Saul is self-deceived. He probably really believed the words he spoke. He probably believed "I have carried out the command of the LORD". Pride always leads us to self-deception.


6. (1 Sam 15:14-16) Saul "explains" his sin to Samuel
But Samuel said, "What then is this bleating of the sheep in my ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?" Saul said, "They have brought them from the Amalekites, for the people spared the best of the sheep and oxen, to sacrifice to the LORD your God; but the rest we have utterly destroyed." The Samuel said to Saul, "Wait, and let me tell you what the LORD said to me last night." And he said to him, "Speak!"

What then is this bleating: The livestock God clearly commanded to be killed could be heard, seen and smelled even as Saul said, "I have performed the command of the LORD". Pride and disobedience make us blind and deaf to our sin. What was completely obvious to Samuel was invisible to Saul. We all have blind spots of sin in our lives. We need to constantly ask God to show us our sins. We need to sincerely pray the prayer of Psalm 139:23-24 "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way."

Saul said, "They have brought them": Saul tries like Aaron and the golden calf incident at Mount Sinai (Exodus 32:22) to shift the blame from himself onto others. Saul attempts to palliate the offense by alleging a good motive. No doubt the Israelites very likely did bring the animals from the Amalekites and very likely the excuse of holding a great sacrifice to God had been put prominently forward. But reasons are never wanting when men have made up their minds. The people who so readily obeyed Saul (1 Samuel 14:24, 34, 40) would have obeyed him now, had Saul really wished for it. For a king so willful and imperious as Saul to seek for excuses, and to try to throw the blame on others, marks a thorough break down of his moral character.

But the rest we have utterly destroyed: As it later turns out, this was not even true. There were still Amalekites left alive. David later had to deal with the Amalekites (1 Samuel 27:8, 1 Samuel 30:1, 2 Samuel 8:12). Haman, the evil man who tried to wipe out all the Jews in the days of Esther, was a descendant of Agag (Esther 3:1). Most ironic of all, when Saul was killed on the battle field, an Amalekite claimed to have delivered the final thrust of the sword (2 Samuel 1:8-10). When we do not obey God completely, the "left over" portion will come back and trouble us...and sometimes ever kill us.

Wait: Saul was very likely turning away from Samuel, desiring to close the interview. Samuel is tired of hearing Saul's excuses and interjects to give Saul the word of the LORD.



B. Saul is rejected as king

1. (1 Sam 15:17-21) the charge against Saul, and his feeble defense
Samuel said, "Is it not true, though you were little in your own eyes, you were made the head of the tribes of Israel? And the LORD anointed you king over Israel, and the LORD sent you on a mission, and said, 'Go and utterly destroy the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are exterminated.' Why then did you not obey the voice of the LORD, but rushed upon the spoil and did what was evil in the sight of the LORD?" Then Saul said to Samuel, "I did obey the voice of the LORD, and went on the mission on which the LORD sent me, and have brought back Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. But the people took some of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the choicest of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the LORD your God at Gilgal."

Though you were little in your own eyes: This is a reference to Saul's own words of astonishment that he should be chosen as king. ("Saul replied, 'Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel, and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then do you speak to me in this way?'" 1 Samuel 9:21) Samuel wishes to remind Saul that as his elevation came solely from God, and obedience was due to God. (Side note: There is a tradition in the Targum that Saul's elevation to king was a reward for the courage of the tribe of Benjamin at the passage of the Red Sea, when the tribe of Benjamin sought to pass over first.)

The sinners, the Amalekites: Sin was the grounds for their doom. The special sin which singled them out for punishment was their opposition to the will of God in regards to the destiny of His people, Israel. Similar phrasing is used of the men of Sodom: "Now the men of Sodom were wicked exceedingly and sinners against the LORD" Genesis 13:13.

I did obey the voice of the LORD: Saul still insists that he obeyed God. He believes he has fulfilled his mission and destroyed the Amalekites, and he brought back Agag with him for proof. Additionally, the people had brought back the spoil for sacrifice and not for their own pleasure.

But the people took some of the spoil: After insisting that he is innocent, Saul then blames the people for the sin. His statement was a half-truth. It was true that the people took some of the plunder, but the only did so by following Saul's example (i.e., he spared Agag king of Amalek). Moreover, Saul did nothing to stop or discourage the people from taking the plunder.

Saul was very zealous in commanding his army when it suited him. In the previous chapter, he commanded a death sentence on anyone who ate anything on the day of battle. He was willing to execute his own son in his zest to have his command obeyed. Saul was full of fire when it came to his own will, but not when it came to the will of God.


2. (1 Sam 15:22-23) Samuel prophesies God's judgment against King Saul
Samuel said, "Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has also rejected you from being king."

Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice: These words which Samuel utters rips apart the long list of Saul's excuses for disobeying God. These words are the framework for a long list of subsequent prophets who preach against the common error that external ceremonies can be of any value in the sight of God when separated from the true devotion of a worshiper's heart. (See Psalm 40:6-8, Psalm 50:8, Psalm 51:16-17, Isaiah 1:11-15, Jeremiah 6:20, Hosea 6:6, Amos 5:21-24, Micah 6:6-8, Matthew 9:13 and Mathew 12:7) This passage asserts in the clearest terms the superiority of moral to ritual worship, and God can only be served with the heart.

We could make a thousand sacrifices to God, give millions of dollars to His work or work thousands of hours for God's service, but all these sacrifices mean little if there is not a surrendered heart to God shown by simple obedience.

Iniquity: Literally means "nothingness". It is constantly used in the Old Testament for "an idol". This is its significance here as the word coupled with it and rendered idolatry is really "teraphim". Teraphim were household idols and were supposed to bring good luck. (Teraphim are first mentioned in the Bible when Rachel takes her father Laban's teraphim as she and her household leave her father's land and move to Israel (Genesis 31).) The verse would be better rendered as follows: "For rebellion is the sin of divination and obstinacy is an idol and teraphim."

He has also rejected you from being king: God pronounced an official sentence on Saul. However, the sentence was not immediate. Saul continued to be king for almost 25 years before there was another king enthroned in Israel. Saul's rejection was final, but he continued to be king until the day of his death. Ultimately, God's sentence confirms that Saul's dynasty would not be passed on to his descendants. When Saul died, his throne would be transferred to another family.

1 Samuel Chapter 15 Part One (Verses 1-11)

GOD REJECTS SAUL AS KING

A. Battle against the Amalekites
1. ( Sam 15:1-3) A clear command: destroy Amalek
Then Samuel said to Saul, "The LORD sent me to anoint you as king over His people, over Israel; now therefore, listen to the words of the LORD. Thus says the LORD of hosts, 'I will punish Amalek for what he did to Israel, how he set himself against him on the way while he was coming up from Egypt. Now go and strike Amalek and utterly destroy all that he has, and do not spare him; but put to death both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.'"

Then Samuel said to Saul: There is no period of time mentioned here, but probably a considerable interval has elapsed before this second trial of Saul was made. God does not finally reject a man until, after repeated opportunities for repentance, he finally proves obstinate. David committed worse crimes than Saul, but he had a tender conscience, and each fall was followed by deep sorrow. Saul sinned and did not repent. Just as the priest Eli had a first warning, which was a really a call to repentance (1 Samuel 2:27), and was only made irrevocable by his persistence in the same sins for many years (1 Samuel 3:11-14), so it was with Saul. Samuel's words in 1 Samuel 13:13-14 were a stern warning to Saul, and if Saul would have taken them to heart, God would have forgiven him his sin. Saul did not repent, but repeated his offense and so his sentence was confirmed.

I will punish Amalek for what he did to Israel: The Amalekites were a fierce, nomadic people, who roamed through the deserts which lie between southern Judea and Egypt. They were descended from Esau's grandson Amalek ("Timna was a concubine of Esau's son Eliphaz and she bore Amalek to Eliphaz. These are the sons of Esau's wife Adah" Genesis 36:12.).

Not long after Israel's exodus from Egypt, the Amalekites attacked the almost defenseless rear guard of Israel in the desert of Rephidim. The Amalekites were then, under the command of Moses, defeated by Joshua. ("Then Amalek came and fought against Israel at Rephidim. So Moses said to Joshua, 'Choose men for us and go out, fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will station myself on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.' Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought against Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. So it came about when Moses held his hands up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hands down, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other side. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set. So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Write this in a book as a memorial and recite it to Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven'" Exodus 17:9-14.)

During the generations that followed, the hand of Amalek seems to have been constantly lifted against Israel. They joined with the Canaanutes and were victorious in a battle near Hormah (Numbers 14:45). They allied with the Moabites (Judges 3:13) and the Midianites (Judges 6:3) to continue their relentless attacks on Israel.

Go and strike Amalek: God could have judge Amalek directly as He did against the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, but God had a special purpose for His nation, Israel. God wanted the Amalekites to be a test of obedience for Saul and for Israel. Moreover, since Amalek's sin against Israel was a military attack, God wanted to make the judgment fit the sin.

Utterly destroy: The Hebrew word here is "herem" and means to be put under the ban. This meant that everything put under the ban was devoted to God. Moreover, whatever was devoted to God could not be redeemed but must be slain. When a country was put under the ban, all living things--men and cattle--were to be killed. No spoil could be taken, but it was to be burned. Things indestructible by fire such as silver and gold were to be brought into the treasury.


2. (1 Sam 15:4-6) Saul prepares for the attack on the Amalekites
Then Saul summoned the people and numbered them in Telaim, 200,000 foot soldiers and 10,000 men of Judah. Saul came to the city of Amalek and set an ambush in the valley. Saul said to the Kenites, "Go, depart, go down from among the Amalekites, so that I do not destroy you with them; for you showed kindness to all the sons of Israel when they came up from Egypt." So the Kenites departed from among the Amalekites.

In Telaim: This place is identical with Telem, a place on the southern border of Judah, near the region where the Amalekites dwelt. The name means "lambs" and probably was not a city but an open place where lambs were collected from the pastures in the wilderness.

10,000 men of Judah: This implies that 200,000 foot soldiers were from the other 11 tribes. It is interesting to note that when Saul fought the Philistines, he only had 600 men. Now, it seems Israel has grown in its confidence in Saul, and the whole country now supports Saul and his war efforts.

The Kenites: This tribe was the people from which Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, came from and was part of the nation of Midian. ("The descendants of the Kenites, Moses' father-in-law, went up from the city of palms with the sons of Judah, to the wilderness of Judah which is in the south of Arad; and they went and lived with the people" Judges 1:16.) The Kenites accompanied the Israelites on their march as far as Jericho and then went and dwelt among the Amalekites in the desert to the south of Judah. The Kenites are mentioned again in 1 Samuel 27:10 and 1 Samuel 30:29 as friends of Israel.


3. (1 Sam 15:7-9) Saul attacks the Amalekites
So Saul defeated the Amalekites, from Havilah as you go to Shur, which is east of Egypt. He captured Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good, and were not willing to destroy them utterly; but everything despised and worthless, that they utterly destroyed.

From Havilah...to Shur: That is, from one end of their country to the other.

Agag: This was the common title of the Amalekite kings, as Pharaoh was that of the kings of Egypt.

But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of...: Perhaps it was out of sympathy for a fellow king or perhaps it was to show off a royal dignitary, but Saul deliberately disobeyed God's command given in verse three which outlined that every ox, sheep, camel and donkey was to be destroyed. Saul and his military followed God's command as far as they could without inconvenience and loss to themselves. To spare the best of Amalek is equivalent to sparing some root of evil, some indulgence or some favorite sin. For us, Agag represents that evil propensity which exists in all of us for self-gratification. To spare Agag is to be merciful to ourselves, to exonerate and excuse our failures and to condone our sin.

In war during ancient times, armies were freely permitted to plunder their conquered foes. This was often how the army was paid. But it was wrong for anyone in Israel to benefit from the war against the Amalekites because it was an appointed judgment from God.

Everything despised and worthless, that they utterly destroyed: Saul and his military were careful to keep the very best for themselves. This is perhaps the worst action of all because Israel did not show God's heart in judgment. When they came home happy and excited because of what they gained from battle, they implied there was something joyful or happy about God's judgment. This dishonored God, who brings His judgment reluctantly and without pleasure, longing that men would repent instead. "The Lord if not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient to you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).


4. (1 Sam 15:10-11) God's word to Samuel
Then the word of the LORD came to Samuel, saying, "I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following Me and has not carried out My commands." And Samuel was distressed and cried out to the LORD all night long.

I regret that I have made Saul king: In the language of the Old Testament, God is said to repent (or regret) when a change in the character and conduct of those with whom He is dealing leads to a corresponding change in His plans and purposed toward them. Thus, upon man's penitence, God repents and withdraws a threatened punishment (see Exodus 32:14 and 2 Samuel 24:16). Additionally, upon man's faithlessness and disobedience, God can cancel a promise or revokes a blessing which He had given. As a man desires to make a change when he repents, so when God in Scripture is said to repent; we may expect a change from Him. God changed Saul's kingdom when it is said that He regretted making him king.

And Samuel was distressed: The literal Hebrew is "it burned Samuel". The same phrase is used in Jonah 4:1 where it is rendered "he became angry". But with whom was Samuel angry? Most likely at the whole course of events, and especially with Saul. In choosing Saul, Samuel had hoped that, in addition to his military qualities, he would possess a religious and obedient heart. Samuel had now obtained for Saul a second trial, and if, warned by his earlier failure, he had proven trustworthy, all might have been well.

And cried out to the LORD all night long: Samuel offered earnest prayer for forgiveness for Saul and for a change in Saul's heart. Samuel no doubt loved Saul and therefore prayed for him. But no change came in answer to his prayer, and as forgiveness is conditional upon man's repentance, Saul was not forgiven. It is remarkable how often Samuel is said to be "crying" out to the LORD (see 1 Samuel 7:8-9 and 1 Samuel 12:18).

1 Samuel Chapter 14 Part Three (Verses 36-52)

4. (1 Sam 14:36-39) In response to God's silence, Saul makes another foolish oath
Then Saul said, "Let us go down after the Philistines by night and take spoil among them until the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them." And they said, "Do whatever seems good to you." So the priest said, "Let us draw near to God here." Saul inquired of God, "Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will You give them into the hand of Israel?" But He did not answer him on that day. Saul said, "Draw near here, all you chiefs of the people, and investigate and see how this sin has happened today. For as the LORD lives, who delivers Israel, though it is in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die." But not one of all the people answered him.

Let us go down after the Philistines by night: Saul, conscious that he had prevented the victory from being so decisive as it would otherwise have been, proposed to repair his fault. Now that the people have taken food, he commands for the people to continue pursuing the Philistines by night. The people give the same unquestioning obedience as before, but Ahijah gives counsel that they should first ask the approval of God.

Let us draw near to God here: Ahijah checks Saul's impulse, reminding Saul that it was necessary to first ascertain the will of God. Ahijah may have done this because he disapproved Saul's decision or because God should be consulted before undertaking anything of importance.

He did not answer him on that day: Saul inquired of the LORD through the priest Ahijah. It is likely that the priest used the Urim and Thummim to inquire of the LORD. The use of the discerning tools--the Urim and Thummim--is described on a few occasions (Exodus 28:30, Numbers 27:21, Ezra 2:63 and Nehemiah 7:65). The use of the Urim and Thummim may be impied in other passages where God is sought such as Judges 1:1 and Judges 20:18, 23. The name Urim means lights, and the word Thummim means perfections. We are not sure what they were or how they were used. Most think they were a pair of stones, one light and one dark. Each stone indicated a "yes" or "no" from God. The High Priest would ask God a question, reach into the breastplate and pull out either a "yes" or a "no".

Investigate and see how this sin has happened: Saul assumes that some undiscovered sin must have caused God to refuse to answer, as Achan's trespass led God to withdraw His Presence and abandon Israel to defeat. ("Israel has sinned, and they have also transgressed My covenant which I commanded them. And they have even taken some of the things under the ban and have both stolen and deceived. Moreover, they have also put them among their own things. Therefore the sons of Israel cannot stand before their enemies; they turn their backs before their enemies, for they have become accursed. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy the things under the ban from your midst" Joshua 7:11-12.) Jonathan's transgression of the oath, although unintentional, was an offense against God which could not be left unnoticed.

For as the LORD, lives, who delivers Israel, though it is in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die: This shows how sure Saul was that he was right. He was so sure, he pronounced another oath. Of course, if Saul knew that it was Jonathan who violated his oath, he would have never said this. But he was so caught up in being right, he added this foolish vow to his previous foolish commandment.

But not one of all the people answered him: None of those who saw Jonathan eating honey informed against him. Jonathan had given Israel a great defeat over the Philistines, and the people would not expose Jonathan to death for such a small offense.


5. (1 Sam 14:40-44) Jonathan is implicated by the casting of lots
Then he said to all Israel, "You shall be on one side and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side." And the people said to Saul, "Do what seems good to you." Therefore, Saul said to the LORD, the God of Israel, "Give a perfect lot." And Jonathan and Saul were taken, but the people escaped. Saul said, "Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son." And Jonathan was taken. Then Saul said to Jonathan, "Tell me what you have done." So Jonathan told him and said, "I indeed tasted a little honey with the end of the staff that was in my hand. Here I am, I must die!" Saul said, "May God do this to me and more also, for you shall surely die, Jonathan."

Give a perfect lot:A better translation of the Hebrew is "show the innocent". That is, "God so guide the lot that it may reveal who is guilty and who is innocent in this matter.

Jonathan and Saul were taken, but the people escaped: Saul wanted to find the wrong doer by casting lots. The people were separated into two groups. Then, based on the lot cast (such as a low number on a dice meant Saul and Jonathan's group, and a high number meant the rest of Israel), the groups were included/excluded from being held accountable. They continued to narrow the selected group until they found the guilty person. Saul wanted everyone to know that he and his son Jonathan were innocent. So, that was the first division. Imagine Saul's shock when the lot indicated that he and Jonathan were in the guilty group!

Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son: Saul seems completely clueless that by casting lots between himself and his son, he is condemning to death either himself or his own son.

Tell me what you have done: This whole situation seems to mirror a similar story with Joshua and Achan. After the Israelites were told while plundering the city of Jericho to not take any of the spoil for themselves, Achan took some of the spoil and hid it in his tent. When Joshua sends a small force to Ai to continue the conquest in Canaan, the Israelites are defeated because God abandoned Israel due to Achan's sin. Lots are cast and Achan is shown to be the guilty party. Achan and his family are stoned to death to make atonement for Achan's death (see Joshua chapter 7).

I indeed tasted a little honey...Here I am, I must die: Jonathan's words are not a lamentation over his fate, but they are a confession of guilty. Although he involuntarily committed a crime, he was ready to sacrifice his life for his country even during his hour of great victory.

May God do this to me and more: Again Saul takes an oath to put Jonathan to death, supposing himself bound by his former words. Jonathan's trespass, committed unwittingly, required nothing more than a trespass offering for its atonement. Moreover, the silence of the Urim and Thummim did not imply Jonathan was guilty. The fault lay in Saul having imposed an oath upon the army. That oath had been broken, and a formal atonement must be made. Saul was willing to kill his son rather than to humbly admit that he was really at fault. Saul stated out as a humble man (1 Samuel 10:21), but his once impressive humility has now been overtaken by pride.


6. (1 Sam 14:45-46) The people rescue Jonathan from execution
But the people said to Saul, "Must Jonathan die, who has brought about this great deliverance in Israel? Far from it! As the LORD lives, not one hair of his head shall fall to the ground, for he has worked with God this day." So the people rescued Jonathan and he did not die. Then Saul went up from pursuing the Philistines, and the Philistines went to their own place.

The people said: Previously, the people had shown their disapproval of Saul's conduct by their silence. Now, they decide Jonathan shall not die. Saul might feel bound by his rash oath, but the consciences of the people told them that an oath to commit a crime is an oath to be repented of as sin.

As the LORD lives, not one hair of his head shall fall to the ground: As Saul swore that Jonathan should die, the people also swore that Jonathan should not die. So far should it be from Jonathan to have his life taken away, that absolutely no injury should befall Jonathan for his transgression. For although the people had yielded a ready obedience to all the orders and commands of Saul, they were determined to oppose Saul in this case of his son Jonathan.

For he has worked with God this day: God had been with Jonathan. He had assisted him in doing great things for Israel. Therefore, Jonathan should not die for such a trivial infringement. His error was not done in disobedience to his father nor in contempt of him. But his trespass occurred through pure ignorance.

And the Philistines went to their own place: The implication in this phrase is that the victory might have been greater if not for Saul's foolish oath. Saul had to discontinue his pursuit of the Philistines, and their power, although weakened by the overthrow, remained unbroken.


7. (1 Sam 14:47-52) Saul's many wars and his family
Now when Saul had taken the kingdom over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, the sons of Ammon, Edom, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines; and wherever he turned, he inflicted punishment. He acted valiantly and defeated the Amalekites, and delivered Israel from the hands of those who plundered them. Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan and Ishvi and Malchi-shua; and the names of his two daughters were these: the names of the firstborn Merab and the name of the younger Michal. The name of Saul's wife was Ahinoam the daughter of Ahimaaz. And the name of the captain of his army was Abner the son of Ner, Saul's uncle. Kish was the father to Saul, and Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel. Now the war against the Philistines was severe all the days of Saul; and when Saul saw any mighty man or any valiant man, he attached him to his staff.

Saul had taken the kingdom over Israel: The various wars undertaken by Saul are briefly summarized.
1. Against Moab

2. Against the children of Ammon as recorded in chapter 11 and perhaps on other occasions.

3. Against the Edomites, descendants of Esau, who occupied Edom (aka, Idumea) previously called Mount Seir, the mountainous district stretching from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Elath. The Edomites were conquered by David (2 Samuel 8:14) and remained subject to Judah until the reign of Jeroboam (2 Kings 8:20). They are fiercely denounced by the prophets, especially Obadiah, for their hostility toward Judah.

4. Against the Syrian kingdom of Zobah. The kingdom was probably situated between Damascus and the Euphrates River, but its exact position and limits are unknown. The "kings" were independent chiefs.

5. Against the Philistines throughout Saul's reign.
No special account of the wars against Moab, Edom and Zobah is given, for the object of the book of First Samuel if not to give the complete history of Saul's reign but to describe its most important features, and the sins which led to Saul's rejection.

Defeated the Amalekites: Out of the many wars Saul waged, the war with the Amalekites is singled out, for Saul's campaign against them was especially prominent. This war is related with some detail in chapter 15.

The sons of Saul: The three brave sons who perished with their father in the battle on Mount Gilboa are mentioned here--Jonathan, Ishvi and Malchi-shua. Saul's two daughters, Merab and Michal are specifically named here probably owing to their connection with David (1 Samuel 18:17-21). The elder daughter (Merab) having been promised to David in marriage, and the younger daughter (Michal) actually being wedded to him.

Saul's wife: In accordance with usual practice, the names of the most prominent of the family and royal household are given. We know nothing of Saul's wife besides her name. It has been postulated that she was of the family of Eli, the high priest.

The captain of his army was Abner: Saul and Abner were first cousins. (Both their fathers, Kish and Ner, were sons of Abiel.) Abner was a man of rare powers and abilities. The brilliant campaigns of Saul's reign were, no doubt, in no small measure owing to the military skill of this great commander.

The war against the Philistines was severe all the days of Saul: After the rout at Michmash, the Philistines were driven out of the land of Israel back to their own coastal districts. However, all through Saul's reign, they continued to be powerful and were a constant source of danger and trouble to the Israelites. In the end, Saul and his sons lost their lives in the battle at Mount Gilboa. The Philistines were finally crushed under Saul's successor, King David.

When Saul saw any mighty man: When Saul saw any man who behaved well in battle or had great strength, he recruited them into his army to go out with him in battle.

1 Samuel Chapter 14 Part Two (Verses 15-35)

6. (1 Sam 14:15) God attacks the Philistines
And there was trembling in the camp, in the field, and among all the people, and the earth quaked so that it became a great trembling.

And there was trembling in the camp, in the field, and among all the people: It seems that the Philistines were under Divine confusion. They woke that morning thinking, "We are being attacked with our enemies in our midst!" They rushed about thinking their fellow Philistines might be the enemy. They began to fight and kill one another. It did not matter that the Philistines greatly outnumbered the Israelites and had far better weapons. God was more than able to set the Philistines against each other. If the Israelites had no swords, the LORD would use the swords of the Philistines against the Philistines.

And the earth quaked: To add to the dire confusion, an earthquake was felt, which completed the discomfiture of the Philistines. The Eternal fought for Jonathan and Israel that day, and the powers of nature were summoned to aid the young hero, as they had been before, when Pharaoh pursued Israel at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:26-27), as when Joshua fought the Canaanites at Beth-horon (Joshua 10:11), and as when Barak smote Sisera at Kishon (Judges 5:21).


7. (1 Sam 14:16-19) Saul learns of the battle
Now Saul's watchmen in Gibeah of Benjamin looked, and behold, the multitude melted away; and they went here and there. Saul said to the people who were with him, "Number now and see who has gone from us." And when they had numbered, behold, Jonathan and his armor bearer were not there. Then Saul said to Ahijah, "Bring the ark of God here." For the ark of God was at that time with the sons of Israel. While Saul talked to the priest, the commotion in the camp of the Philistines continued and increased; so Saul said to the priest, "Withdraw your hand."

Saul's watchmen in Gibeah of Benjamin looked:The distance between the Israelite army and the Philistine army was only about two miles, but a deep ravine lay between them. The watchmen of Saul were well able to see the scene of dire confusion in the Philistine outpost, a confusion which they could discern was rapidly spreading throughout the Philistine camp.

Number now and see who has gone from us: When the panic which was taking place in the Philistine army was reported to King Saul, he naturally inquired as to what had caused it, knowing that he, as general-in-chief, had given no directions to any of his men to attack the enemy. This was useless at the moment. Saul should have gone and fought the Philistines at this strategic moment. Instead, he was probably worried about who was leading the battle and who would get credit.

Bring the ark of God here: The Septuagint and other ancient versions of this text render "ark" as "ephod". "Then Saul said to Ahijah, 'Bring the ephod here.' For he bore the ephod in those days before the children of Israel." The ephod makes more sense in the context as the ark of God was previously at Kiriath-jearim, and there is no mention in the text that the ark of God had been move from there. The ephod makes much more sense to inquire of God as it had the Urim and Thummim, which were used to ascertain the will of God. Consulting God during this time of great panic was probably also a useless move. Saul probably was trying to look spiritual here, but there was nothing to seek God about. There is a time to go aside and pray, and there is a time to get your sword out and fight. Saul perhaps was a little confused what time it was.

Withdraw your hand: Saul instincts soon got the better of him, and he aborted seeking Divine guidance. His watchful eye saw that the confusion in the Philistine camp was increasing. Now was the moment for his army to throw itself into action. So, Saul tells Ahijah to cease seeking the Lord via the Urim and Thummim, for the hour had come to fight rather than pray.


8. (1 Sam 14:20-23) Saul fights in the battle and a great victory is won
Then Saul and all the people who were with him rallied and came to the battle; and behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was very great confusion. Now the Hebrews who were with the Philistines previously, who went up with them all around in the camp, even they also turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. When all the men of Israel who had hidden themselves in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines had fled, even they also pursued them closely in the battle. So the LORD delivered Israel that day, and the battle spread beyond Beth-aven.

Every man's sword was against his fellow: Profiting from the wild confusion which reigned throughout the Philistine camp, a portion of their own army turned against their masters. From this moment, no one in the panic-stricken army could distinguish friend from foe. In such a scene of confusion, Saul and his tiny army was able to penetrate into the heart of the broken Philistine camp.

The Hebrews who were with the Philistines: These Israelites were most likely prisoners who were compelled to fight against their countrymen or were forced levies from the districts occupied by the Philistines. At the first chances these slaves and prisoners had to fight against the Philistines, they do so.

So the LORD delivered Israel that day: These are the identical words used at the Red Sea, after the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt (Exodus 14:30).

The battle spread beyond Beth-aven: Saul crossed the valley from Geba to Michmash and drove the Philistines back in a north-westerly direction to Beth-aven, which is located halfway between Michmash and Bethel. Then the pursuit continued across the watershed and passed Beth-horon to Aijalon, where the valley begins to open out towards the plain of Philistia. This is the same pass where Joshua gained his great victory over the five Amorite kings (Joshua 10:10).


B. Saul's foolish oath and its consequences

1. (1 Sam 14:24) Saul compels the army of Israel under an oath
Now the men of Israel were hard-pressed on that day, for Saul had put the people under oath, saying, "Cursed be the man who eats food before evening, and until I have avenged myself on my enemies." So none of the people tasted food.

The men of Israel were hard-pressed on that day: Seeing the fatigued condition of the army, and fearing they should relinquish the pursuit of the Philistines to get food, Saul rashly exacted from his army an oath, which led to three evil results. 1) It hindered instead of facilitated the pursuit of the enemy. 2) It involved Jonathan in an involuntary trespass. 3) It indirectly caused the Israelites to sin.

Saul had put the people under oath: Saul had recited before them the words of the curse and made them shout their consent. His object was to prevent any delay in the pursuit, but in his eagerness, he forgot that the strength of his men would fail if their bodily wants were not supplied. Though worn out and fainting, the people faithfully kept the oath put to them.

Cursed be the man: This shows that Saul's sense of authority was wrong. He did not have the authority to proclaim such a curse. He was not the spiritual leader of the nation. If any such fast was to be declared and a curse attached to it, Samuel had the spiritual authority to do it, and not Saul.

2. (1 Sam 14:25-30) Jonathan unknowingly breaks the oath and is told of his offense
All the people of the land entered the forest, and there was honey on the ground. When the people entered the forest, behold, there was a flow of honey; but no man put his hand to his mouth, for the people feared the oath. But Jonathan had not heard when his father put the people under the oath; therefore, he put out the end of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth, and his eyes brightened. Then one of the people said, "Your father strictly put the people under oath, saying, 'Cursed be the man who eats food today.'" And the people were weary. Then Jonathan said, "My father has troubled the land. See now, how my eyes have brightened because I tasted a little of this honey. How much more, if only the people had eaten freely today of the spoil of their enemies which they found! For now the slaughter among the Philistine has not been great."

There was honey on the ground: The wild bees in Canaan fill fissures in rocks and hollow trees with honey until the honeycombs breaking with the weight, would drip honey down to the ground. A similar abundance of honey was found by the early North American settlers.

There was a flow of honey: True to God's word, Canaan was a land flowing with milk and honey ("So I have come down to deliver them from the power of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and spacious land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Amorite and Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite" Exodus 3:8.).

His eyes brightened: This simply means that the natural dimness caused by extreme exhaustion passed away when his long fast was broken. The Jewish Talmud comments on this passage: "Whoever suffers from the effects of intense hunger, let him eat honey and other sweet things, for such eatables are efficacious in restoring the light in one's eyes."

Then one of the people said: Most probably, this response was in reply to Jonathan pointing out the plentiful supply of honey and inviting the soldiers near him to refresh themselves with it.

My Father has troubled the land: In other words, "My father's rash vow has done grave harm to us in Israel. Had he not weakened the people, by hindering them from taking needful refreshment, our victory would have been far more complete. Utter exhaustion has prevented us from following up our victory."

See how my eyes have brightened: The benefit Jonathan received from eating the honey was very visible. He was greatly refreshed by the honey, and his spirits were invigorated by it. It was to be seen in the cheerfulness of his countenance and the brightness of his eyes. Jonathan suggests the honey would have had the same effect upon the people, had they eaten of it as he had done.


3. (1 Sam 14:31-35) The soldiers of Israel sin because of Saul's foolish command
They struck among the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon. And the people were very weary. The people rushed greedily upon the spoil, and took sheep and oxen and calves, and slew them on the ground; and the people ate them with the blood. Then they told Saul, saying, "Behold, the people are sinning against the LORD by eating with the blood." And he said, "You have acted treacherously; roll a great stone to me today." Saul said, "Disperse yourselves among the people and say to them, 'Each one of you bring me his ox or his sheep, and slaughter it here and eat; and do not sin against the LORD by eating with the blood.'" So all the people that night brought each one his ox with him and slaughtered it there. And Saul built an alter to the LORD; it was the first altar that he built to the LORD.

From Michmash to Aijalon: The battle and subsequent pursuit had extended some twenty miles. Aijalon is 18-20 miles from Michmash, where the main body of the Philistine army had camped.

The people rushed greedily upon the spoil: They people being so faint with hunger, that in the evening when the pursuit was over, they seized upon the spoil like ravenous birds. They did nat have the patience to wait to properly kill the animals and drain the blood.

The people ate them with the blood: Eating animals with the blood not drained was a transgression given all the way back in Genesis 9:4 "Only you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood." This command was also given again in the Mosaic Law: "And any man from the house of Israel, or from the aliens who sojourn among them, who eats any blood, I will set My face against that person who eats blood and will cut him off from among his people. For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls: for it is the blood by reason of the life that makes atonement. Therefore I said to the sons of Israel, 'No person among you may eat blood, nor any alien who sojourns among you eat blood.' So when any man from the sons of Israel, or from the aliens who sojourn among them, in hunting catches a beast of a bird which may be eaten, he shall pour out its blood and cover it with earth. For as for the life of all flesh, its blood is identified with its life" (Leviticus 17:10-14).

Roll a great stone to me today: The object of this was that the people should kill their beasts upon the stone, and the blood could run off onto the ground. This action shows the soldiers that the king, despite the dire circumstances, was keeping the Mosaic Law. This shows us the strange and complex character of Saul. He has repeatedly disobeyed God, but here we find him obeying God's commandments. The people, upon hearing this new command from their king, unquestioningly obey their king with the same devotion and faithfulness they had shown to Saul's command to abstain from food.

It was the first altar that he built to the LORD: When Saul had offered sacrifice at Gilgal, there the altar was already built for him. Here he lays the stones to build an altar, and thus, he is the first king to build an altar to the LORD. This altar seems to be the first public acknowledgment made by King Saul to God for His mercies and goodness.

1 Samuel Chapter 14 Part One (Verses 1-14)

VICTORY OVER THE PHILISTINES

A. Jonathan's adventure in faith
1. (1 Sam 14:1-3) Jonathan's proposal
Now the day came that Jonathan, the son of Saul, said to the young man who was carrying the armor, "Come and let us cross over to the Philistines' garrison that is on the other side." But he did not tell his father. Saul was staying in the outskirts of Gibeah under the pomegranate tree which is in Migron. And the people who were with him were about six hundred men, and Ahijah, the son of Ahitub, Ichabod's brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the priest of the LORD at Shiloh, was wearing the ephod. And the people did not know that Jonathan had gone.

Now the day came: The phrase means that Jonathan's brave feat happened not many days after the garrison had occupied the cliff. Josephus says that is was day light when Jonathan and his armor bearer came to the camp of the Philistines. Since the it would have taken several hours for Jonathan to traverse the roughed terrain and come upon the Philistines, it is likely Jonathan formed this scheme the night before, and he and his armor bearer set out during the night. By the break of day, they would have come to the Philistine garrison.

The young man who was carrying his armor: As was common in those times, generals and military leaders of armies had young men carry their armor, giving the military leader the ability to better scope out the land and devise a military plan without being burdened by the weight of heavy military equipment. Armor bearers had to be unusually brave and loyal, since the lives of their masters often depended upon them.

The Philistine army that is on the other side: That is, there was a valley which lay between Michmash (where the Philistines were) and Gibeah (were Saul and his men were). Jonathan and his armor bearer had to travel through a valley to reach the Philistine garrison at Michamash.

He did not tell his father: It is very unlikely that Saul gave his son unlimited commission to attack the enemy at anytime and anywhere. So, Jonathan stirred by the Lord to carry out this daring commission, did not tell his father least his father should disapprove of such a risky military move. It is quite interesting that Jonathan started this conflict with destroying a Philistine outpost, and now Jonathan is about to end the conflict by a daring military feat. Although Israel wanted a king and thought a king would save them from their enemies hands, we are about to see how one man, stirred up by the Lord, can defeat a whole Philistine army. By this example, God declares to Israel that the victory did not consist of a multitude of men and great military armor, but the victory was achieved only by his grace.

Saul was staying in the outskirts of Gibeah: Not daring to go out against the Philistines, Saul remained in the farthest part of Gibeah, at the greatest distance from the camp of the Philistines. This is a big contrast to Jonathan. The military leader of Israel was simply staying...under the pomegranate tree while his son boldy went over to the Philistine garrison. Saul and the priest sat back while Jonathan bravely trusted the LORD.

And the people who were with him were about six hundred men: Again we are told about the tiny army which supported Saul. There was no additional men added to the army and people did not flock to assist Saul in his pursuit of the Philistines. The army remained at six hundred men ("Then Samuel arose and went up from Gilgal to Gibeah of Benjamin, and Saul numbered the people who were present with him, about six hundred men" 1 Samuel 13:15).

Ahijah, the son of Ahitub, Ichabod's brother: Ichabod was the child that Phinehas's wife bore prematurely upon hearing the news of the ark being taken and the deaths of her husband and father-in-law ("Now his daughter-in-law, Phinehas's wife, was pregnant and about to give birth; and when she heard the news that the ark of God was taken and that her father-in-law and husband had died, she kneeled down and gave birth, for her pains came upon her" 1 Samuel 4:19.)

The mention of Ichabod seems almost unnecessary. Why would we need to know that the priest with Saul, Ahijah, was the nephew of Ichabod? It might be that God wants us to associate the meaning of Ichabod's name (the glory has departed) with where Saul is at spiritually.

The priest of the LORD at Shiloh: This refers not to Ahijah for he was not now priest in Shiloh, but was priest for Saul and his army. But, this refers to Eli, who when living exercised the priest's office in Shiloh.

Wearing the ephod: This is what Ahijah wore, which was not worn by common priests but by the high priest. The ephod had the breastplate of judgment and the urim and thummim (by which inquiry from the LORD was made). The meaning of this is that the high priest was now with Saul.


2. (1 Sam 14:4-5) Jonathan finds a strategic position
Between the passes by which Jonathan sought to cross over to the Philistines' garrison, there was a sharp crag on the one side and a sharp crag on the other side, and the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other was Seneh. The one crag rose on the north side opposite Michmash, and the other on the south side of Geba.

Between the passes: On his way to the Philistine garrison, Jonathan saw a strategic position--a narrow path through a pass with large, sharp rocks on either side. A few men could easily fight against a much larger number of people at this strategic location.

Jonathan sought to cross over to the Philistines' garrison: If Jonathan never decided to go over to the Philistines' garrison, he would have never found this garrison. God guided Jonathan as he boldly trusted God and acted on that bold trust.


3. (1 Sam 14:6-7) Jonathan's bold proposal
Then Jonathan said to the young man who was carrying his armor, "Come and let us cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; perhaps the LORD will work for us, for the LORD is not restrained to save by many or by few." His armor bearer said to him, "Do all that is in your heart; turn yourself, and here I am with you according to your desire."

Uncircumcised: The term "uncircumcised" is commonly applied to the Philistines. It is used as a special term of reproach. The enmity between Philistia and Israel lasted over a long period of many years. Underneath Jonathan's speech lies the conviction of the covenant relationship of Israel to God, of which circumcision was the outward sign. Jonathan's hope of success was based upon the reflection that the Philistines stood in no covenant-relation to God as Israel did.

Perhaps the LORD will work for us: This expression did not imply doubt; it signified simply that the object Jonathan aimed at was not in his power, but it depended on God. Jonathan did not expect success from his own strength or from his own merit. Jonathan knew the need was great. Israel was hopelessly outnumbered and demoralized. Jonathan knew God wanted to use someone. King Saul just wanted to sit under the pomegranate tree. Something had to be done, and Jonathan was willing to let God use him. Jonathan could have just prayed that God would rain down fire from heaven on the Philistines, but Jonathan knew that God uses the bold action and the fighting spirit of His people.

The LORD is not restrained: The only thing that can be said to restrain God is out unbelief ("And He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief" Matthew 13:58.). God's power is never restrained, but His will may be restrained by our unbelief. He may choose not to act until we partner with Him in trust. God had a trusting partner in Jonathan.

By many or by few: The odds were against Israel. Did it matter if it was a million-to-one or a thousand-to-one odds? Numbers of odds did not restrain God, but unbelief could. In fact, many times God uses a tiny group of people to defeat a huge army. Gideon had assembled 32,000 men to defeat the Midians, but God tells Gideon there are too many people. "The LORD said to Gideon, 'The people who are with you are too many for Me to give Midian into their hands, for Israel would become boastful, saying, "My own power has delivered me."'" (Judges 7:2) So, God instructs Gideon to cut his forces until there are only 300 men. Then, God uses this tiny force to defeat the vast Midian army (See Judges 7). Time and time again, God shows us that with Him, there is no enemy too great which can not be defeated. Jonathan had little faith in himself, but he had great faith in God. It was not "I can win a great victory with God's help." But it was "God can win a great victory through me."

Do all that is in your heart...I am with you according to your desire: These words from Jonathan's armor bearer must have cheered Jonathan greatly. When we step out in faith, encouragement can make all the difference for good. Discouragement can make all the difference for not following God. God was going to use Jonathan, but God was not going to use Jonathan alone. When God uses a man, He almost always calls others around the man to support and help him. The cheering squad is just as important in getting God's work done as the man God uses.


4. (1 Sam 14:8-10) Jonathan proposes a test
Then Jonathan said, "Behold, we will cross over to the men and reveal ourselves to them. If they say to us, 'Wait until we come to you'; then we will stand in our place and not go up t them. But if they say, 'Come up to us", then we will go up for the LORD has given them into our hands; and this shall be the sign to us."

This shall be the sign to us: In his step of faith, Jonathan wanted to know if God was really leading him. He proposed a test based on the response of the Philistine guards. Jonathan showed wisdom and not unbelief. He does not act on a specific confirmed word of God. Instead, he followed the bold hope and impression of his heart. He was humble enough to know his heart might be wrong on this day; so, Jonathan asked God to guide him. This was not the same setting as Gideon's fleece (Judges 6:36-40). Gideon had a confirmed word of God to guide him, and yet he doubted God's word. Jonathan did not doubt God's word; he doubted his own heart and mind. Jonathan was prompted by faith. Significantly, he did not demand to know the whole battle plan from God in advance. He was willing to take it one step at a time, and let God unfold His plans. Faith is the willingness to let God know the whole plan and to be satisfied with knowing our part one step at a time.


5. (1 Sam 14:11-14) Jonathan and his armor bearer attack the Philistines
When both of them revealed themselves to the garrison of the Philistines, the Philistines said, "Behold, Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they have hidden themselves." So the men of the garrison hailed Jonathan and his armor bearer and said, "Come up to us and we will tell you something." And Jonathan said to his armor bearer, "Come up after me, for the LORD has given them into the hands of Israel." Then Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet, with his armor bearer behind him; and they fell before Jonathan, and his armor bearer put some to death after him. That first slaughter which Jonathan and his armor bearer made was about twenty men within about half a furrow in an acre of land.

When both of them revealed themselves: Jonathan and his armor bearer had crept up a precipice unseen, but at some convenient place near the top, they allowed themselves to be seen by the Philistine garrison.

Behold, Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they have hidden themselves: During this time of crisis for the Israelites, they hid wherever they could (1 Samuel 13:6). It was reasonable for the Philistines to think these were Hebrew deserters surrendering themselves to the Philistines because they thought it was better than hiding in a hole. Concluding that Jonathan and his armor bearer were deserters, no attempt was made to hinder their ascent or stone them.

Come up to us and we will tell you something: The Philistines give Jonathan the very omen he had desired. We will tell you something is a popular phrase and expresses a sort of amused contempt for Jonathan and his armor bearer. This is threat by the Philistines that emphasizes if Jonathan and his armor bearer should dare come up any farther to the Philistines, they will pay dearly for their actions.

The LORD has given them into the hands of Israel: Jonathan modestly ascribes the success which he now foresees to God alone.

Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet: A single stone rolled down from the top of the cliff could have easily sent Jonathan and his armor bearer tumbling to the ground, but the Philistines apparently considering the ascent impossible, seem to have disregarded any possible threat posed by these two Israelites. Perhaps also, the youthful appearance of these two individuals might have lulled the Philistines into a false sense of security.

And they fell before Jonathan: The brevity of the Hebrew expresses the rapidity of Jonathan's actions. As soon as Jonathan reached the top of the cliff, he sprung into action, and the Philistines, little expecting so vigorous an onslaught from such a feeble force were surprised and made but a slight resistance. The armor bearer no doubt behaved with bravery like his master.

Jonathan knew that the battle was the LORD'S; yet, he knew God would use him to fight. When Jonathan saw God's confirming sign, he did not lay down his sword and start praying that God would strike them all down. He prayed, made sure his sword was sharp and trusted God would use him to strike down the Philistines.

Within about half a furrow in an acre of land: The garrison seems to have been divided into several bands and posted on several craggy eminences. The first party that Jonathan attacked seems to have been quite separate from the rest of the Philistine camp. The literal Hebrew is "about half a furrow of a yoke of land". "A yoke of land" denotes a piece of land as a yoke of oxen could plow in one day. "A half a furrow" would be half the length a yoke of oxen could plow in one day.
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1 Samuel Chapter 13 Part Two (Verses 10-23)

2. (1 Sam 13:10-12) Samuel arrives and Saul tries to explain what he did
As soon as he finished offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him and to greet him. But Samuel said, "What have you done?" And Saul said, "Because I saw that the people were scattering from me, and that you did not come within the appointed days, and that the Philistines were assembling at Michmash, therefore, I said, 'Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not asked the favor of the LORD.' So I forced myself and offered the burnt offering."

As soon as he finished offering the burnt offering: Saul decided to perform the sacrifice not more than an hour before Samuel arrived. If Saul had trusted God and had waited one more hour, how differently things could have been! The last moments of waiting are usually the most difficult, and they powerfully tempt us to take matters into our own hands. Strangely, the text is silent about the peace offerings. Either Saul did not think the peace offering was important, or Samuel came before Saul had time to offer the peace offering.

Saul went out to meet him and to greet him: The words "to greet him" literally means in the Hebrew "to bless him". The Hebrew implies a solemn salutation. This Saul did partly out of custom, and partly that by this testimony of affection and respect for Samuel, and Saul hoped that he might prevent the rebuke which his guilty conscience made him expect.

What have you done?: The question implies rebuke, which Saul answers by pleading his danger. Samuel knew Saul did something wrong. Samuel could probably smell the sacrifice in the air. Samuel did not want excuses but there were no valid reasons or excuses for Saul's behavior. All Samuel wanted was to hear confession and repentance.

And Saul said: Each day's delay made Saul's small force dwindle rapidly away, and the Philistines at any moment might move down from Michmash upon him at Gilgal and destroy him. King Saul plainly tells Samuel that though he would gratefully receive any help which the prophet of the Most High could bring him, in an emergency Saul preferred to act alone. If necessary, he would go into battle without Divine consecration and blessing. Saul's response is a classic example of excuse making and failing to trust God. Word after word, Saul makes his sin worse by making excuses.

I saw that the people were scattering from me: If Saul had obeyed and trusted the LORD, God would have seen him to victory over the Philistines with or without the people. Perhaps many Israelites admired Saul for offering the sacrifice. Saul may have had positive responses in the polling data, but if God was not with him, it would all crumble. He should have been more concerned with pleasing God than pleasing the people.

You did not come within the appointed days: Using this excuse, it is as if Saul is saying, "Samuel, it was really your fault. If you would have come earlier, I would not have done this." But if Saul would have trusted and obeyed God, God would take care of Samuel and the timing. Even if Samuel had not come in the appointed time, it did not justify Saul's sin. Often, we try to blame our sin on someone else.

The Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not asked the favor of the LORD: If Saul would have trusted and obeyed God, He would have taken care of the Philistines. Saul could have "asked favor of the LORD" in a number of ways. He could have cried out to the LORD in prayer and supplication for the whole nation, but instead, he did the ONE thing he must not do--he disobeyed God by offering the sacrifice.

3. (1 Sam 13:13-14) Samuel proclaims God's judgment upon Saul's household
Samuel said to Saul, "You have acted foolishly; you have not kept the commandment of the LORD your God, which He commanded you, for now the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not endure. The LORD has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has appointed him as ruler over His people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.

You have acted foolishly: This is stronger phrase in Hebrew than what is implied in the English. Samuel did not mean Saul was unintelligent or silly, but the Bible speaks of a "fool" as someone who is morally and spiritually lacking. Although Saul's sin seems excusable and scarcely deserving of such a heavy punishment, it involved the principle of subordination of the king to the will of God expressed by His prophets.

The LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever: The main reason for being king was to establish a dynasty, where one's sons would sit on the throne afterwards. God told Saul that his descendants would not reign after him. Though he was king, he would not establish a monarchy in Israel.

But now your kingdom shall not endure: From these words, we might expect Saul's reign to end right then and there. However, Saul would actually reign for another 20 years. He would still be on the throne as king, but his reign is not the same, for he knows the end of his kingdom is certain.

The LORD has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart: The language of prophecy constantly describes things as if they are already done. David was but 23 years old when Saul died, He must now have been a small child. But the Divine choice of Saul, which upon his obedience this day would have been confirmed, was now annulled, and the succession was transferred elsewhere. Years elapse before the first earthly steps are taken to appoint Saul's successor. Had Saul repented (as we gather from 1 Samuel 15:26), he might have been forgiven. For God's threatenings like His promises are conditional. There is no fatalism in the Bible, but a loving discipline for man's recovery.

Although God rejected Saul, He did not reject Israel. Because God loved Israel, He would raise up a king "after His own heart". Saul was a man after Israel's heart. He was all about image, prestige and the things men looked upon. It would be easy to say the kingdom was taken from Saul because he sinned. On one level, this is true. However, it was more than that. David also sinned; yet, God never took the kingdom from David and his descendants. The issue was bigger than an incident of sin--the issue was being a man after God's own heart.

A man after His own heart: What does this mean? We can discover its meaning by looking at the man who was not a "man after His own heart"--Saul and comparing him to the man who was "a man after His own heart" (David).

1. A man after God's heart honors the LORD: Saul was more concerned with his will than God's will. David knew God's will was the most important. Even when David did not do God's will, he still knew God's will was more important. When David sinned, he sinned more out of weakness; whereas, Saul sinned more out of a disregard for God.

2. A man after God's heart enthrones God as king: For Saul, Saul was king. For David, the LORD God was king. Both David and Saul know sacrifice before battle was important. But David thought it was important because it pleased and honored God. Saul thought it was important because it might help him win the battle. Saul thought God would help him achieve his goals. David thought God was the goal.

3. A man after God's heart has a soft repentant heart: When Saul was confronted with his sin, he offered excuses. When David was confronted with his sin, he confessed his sin and repented (2 Samuel 12:13).

4. A man after God's heart loves other people. Saul became increasingly bitter against people and lived more and more unto himself. David, on the other hand, loved people. When David was down and out, he still loved and served those who were even more down and out (1 Samuel 22:1-2).


C. The Philistine threat
1. (1 Samuel 13:15-18) The Philistines begin their raids
Then Samuel arose and went up from Gilgal to Gibeah of Benjamin. And Saul numbered the people who were present with him, about six hundred men. Now Saul and his son Jonathan and the people who were present with them were staying in Geba of Benjamin while the Philistines camped at Michmash. And the raiders came from the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned toward Ophrah, to the land of Shual, and another company turned toward Beth-horon, and another company turned toward the border which overlooks the valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness.

And Samuel arose: Although the close friendship between Saul and Samuel was disturbed by Saul's disobedience, nevertheless, Samuel does not break off his friendly relations with Saul. Perhaps Samuel still hopes that Saul will repent of his sin.

And went up from Gilgal to Gibeah of Benjamin: Samuel passed from Gilgal to Gibeah, the home of Saul. It is very likely in Gibeah, Samuel took counsel with Saul's son Jonathan, who was stationed there.

About six hundred men: Earlier, Saul had about 3,000 men in his regular army (1 Samuel 13:2). Now, he is down to 600 because many soldiers scattered while Saul waited for Samuel (1 Samuel 13:8). The loss of so many men was probably the reason why Saul offered the sacrifice without waiting for Samuel. It also displayed a heart of distrust and disobedience to God. According to 1 Samuel 13:5, the Philistines already had a huge army, easily outmatching Saul's 3,000 men. As Saul's army shrunk to one-fifth it previous size (from 3,000 to 600 men), God allowed this to happen to test Saul's faith, to see if he believed God was great enough to deliver Israel with so few men against the Philistines mighty in number.

Geba of Benjamin: Saul and his son Jonathan unite their small forces and entrench themselves in Geba, which is a strong position at the end of a pass where they could watch the movements of the Philistines. (The positions of the two armies mentioned in 1 Samuel 13:2-3 are now reversed. The Philistines occupy Michmash on the northern side of the valley while Saul and Jonathan hold Geba on the southern side of the valley.)

The raiders came from the camp of the Philistines: The conduct of the Philistines is that of men over-confident in their strength. They should have pounced at once upon Saul in the plain of the Jordan River valley, and then following Samuel and Saul's defeat, they should have overpowered Jonathan. But the Philistines despised both Saul and Jonathan and regarded the country as already conquered; they proceeded to punish the Israelites. Leaving the main army to guard the camp, the Philistines sent out light armed troops to plunder the land.

One company turned toward Ophrah: This company went northward towards Ophrah, a city in Benjamin about five miles east of Bethel.

Another company turned toward Beth-horon: This company went eastward toward Beth-horon (meaning house of caverns) on the main pass from the hill country of Judea into the plain of Philistia.

Another company turned toward the border which overlooks the valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness: This third group went to the south east, toward the border between Judah and Benjamin. All the places mentioned are in the tribe of Benjamin, which had committed the offense of making for itself a king.



2. (1 Sam 13:19-23) The technological superiority of the Philistines
Now no blacksmith could be found in all the land of Israel, for the Philistines said, "Otherwise the Hebrews will make swords of spears." So all Israel went down to the Philistines, each to sharpen his plowshare, his mattock, his axe, and his hoe. The charge was two-thirds of a shekel for the plowshares, the mattocks, the forks and the axes, and to fix the shoes. So it came about on the day of battle that neither sword nor spear was found in the hands of any of the people who were with Saul and Jonathan, but they were found with Saul and his son Jonathan. And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the pass of Michmash.

No blacksmith could be found in all the land of Israel: This again is another example of the severity of the Philistine oppression which they exhibited over Israel. This general disarmament points to the lasting subjugation of most of Israel during the later years of Samuel's judgeship and the beginning of Saul's reign. This was not merely a temporary condition as a result of the recent invasions. A similar tyranny was practiced by the Canaanites before Deborah's victory (Judges 5:8). In addition to all this, the Philistines had the latest weapon technology. The Philistines were a sea-faring people who originated in Caphtor, an island near Greece. The Philistines were able to trade their goods for the latest and greatest military warfare from Greece.

All Israel went down to the Philistines, each to sharpen his plowshare: By carefully guarding their military technology, the Philistines kept Israel under tight subjugation. We might imagine a Philistine blacksmith, even though they charged each Israelite a small sum of money for sharpening, would never put too fine an edge on anything. Since the farm tool were the only weapons the Israelites had, why make them too sharp? Second, if the Philistines put a sharp edge on the tool, it would take a longer time for the tool to grow dull and for the Israelite to come back and pay for his tool to be re-sharpened.

Neither sword nor spear was found in the hands of any of the people who were with Saul and Jonathan: There were so few iron weapons available, only the royal family could be properly equipped. However, do not assume Israel had no weapons. There were other arms more common in those times than swords and spears--bows and arrows, slings and stones, and clubs. Before the invention of spears, they had sharp stakes hardened in a fire. It was bad enough to be outnumbered so badly, but now God allows the Philistines to have a huge technological advantage over the Israelites. The only way the Israelites could ever win was to trust in God for everything.

The garrison of the Philistines went out to the pass of Michmash:  The passage of Michmash is a deep ravine now known as the Wady es-Suweinit. When the Philistines heard that Saul with his six hundred men had joined the small force already with Jonathan at Geba, they sent a body of men to occupy an eminence on one of the bluffs on the edge of the valley, which had a view of watching the Israelites in Geba. This was done to prevent a surprise attack of the Israelites on the Philistines. Moreover, it was this post which Jonathan attacks in chapter 14.