1 Samuel 14
14:1-15 – JONATHAN ADVANCES AGAINST THE PHILISTINES

As chapter thirteen comes to a close, Israel and the giant Philistine army are gathered on opposite sides of a valley. The forces of Saul are woefully outnumbered – Saul having only six hundred men at his disposal. Jonathan, the son of the king, determines that Israel needed to launch forth in battle. His trust in God is seen in 14:6 where he refers to the Philistines as “uncircumcised” and “the Lord is not restrained to save by many or by few.”

The opening verses of this chapter set up a contrast between the king and his son. The difference in their personalities and character cannot be downplayed. The high priest was present and was wearing the ephod, 14:3. He had the ark of the Lord with him. Yet, Saul delays in launching the attack. Jonathan, who had already had success in initiating the battle at the Philistine garrison in Geba, (13:3), felt confident that God would be with him on this occasion. Jonathan may have well remembered that this war with the Philistines was a “holy war” ordered by a prophet, 10:7-8. Jonathan is presented as a courageous person who looked to and trusted God as he went forth. Had Saul not acted impatiently in making the ceremonial offering (13:8-10), this man would have been the next king. In the text, it almost seems as if Saul is paralyzed by fear instead of launching forth in trust.

Jonathan told his armor bearer that when they crossed the valley and started up the other side toward the Philistine encampment that if the enemy told them to stay in the valley they would stand in that place. But if the Philistines told them to come up the valley toward them, then they would know that the Lord gave them into their hand. When Jonathan and his armor bearer get down in the valley, the Phiistines hailed them to come to them. The Philstines were arrogant and assumed they would have an easy time if hostilities arose. Behold, the Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they have hidden themselves, 14:11. When Jonathan and his armor bearer sucessfully climb to the top of the other side of the valley, they quickly killed twenty men over the span of fifteen to twenty yards (Smith, p. 295). As they attack, there was an earthquake, which brought panic to the entire Philistine army. The text describes the Philistine warriors as “melting away…(going) here and there”, 16:16.

14:16-23 – SAUL JOINS THE BATTLE

As the commotion across the valley grows, Saul is curious as to who started the battle. A count is taken, and it is determined that Jonathan and his armor bearer were missing. Saul calls for the ark of the Lord, and speaks with the priest. He then tells the priest to “withdraw your hand” and rallies the troops against the Philistines. There was great confusion amongst the Philistines and as the Israelites begin to sense they have the upper hand, all the Hebrew mercenaries turned on the Philistines and fought against them. Even those who had fled previously into caves and the hill country quickly returned to fight against Philistia. The Israelites won the battle due to the power of the Lord. So the Lord delivered Israel that day, and the battle spread beyond Beth-aven, 14:23.

14:24-46 – SAUL’S FOOLISH/RASH OATHS

For some reason, as the troops rush into battle, Saul makes an oath without thinking. He forbade his troops from pausing to eat until he had avenged himself on all his enemies, 14:24.  As the day wore on, even though the people were hungry, each person determined not to eat, no matter how hungry he was, under fear of the oath. Saul’s oath was rash, at best. Without sustenance, his men became too tired to effectively wage battle. After the battle concluded, his men were so hungry they ignored the divine prohibition against eating blood, 14:32.

Jonathan had not heard about Saul’s oath, and when he came upon the honey that was in the forest, he took some and was immediately refreshed. Someone then alerted him of his father’s oath, to which he seems to be very critical. Jonathan believed that had the oath not been in effect, the Israelites would have had even more success that day against the Philistines, 14:29-30.

When Saul heard of the people sinning by eating meat with blood, he criticized the people for “acting treacherously, 14:33. He commanded a stone be brought to him that served as an altar. Here, he ensured the animals were killed and the law followed as God desired, Leviticus 7:26-27. Chapter 14:35 is especially insightful as it notes this is the first altar Saul built for the Lord. It seems that the building of the altar here was an afterthought – maybe an effort to appease the Lord because of the sin of the people.

After eating, Saul determined that it would be prudent to continue the fight against the Philistines through the night. His troops responded affirmatively, but the priest stopped him and said they needed to inquire of the Lord. Saul inquires of the Lord, but God does not answer. When God did not answer, Saul figured out there must be sin in the camp. He sent his top commanders to investigate.  As he does, he issues a second rash vow saying, though it is in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die, 14:39. His commanders refused to tell him that his son was indeed to blame. So, Saul decides to cast lots, calling upon the Lord to determine who was guilty of violating the king’s oath. Saul lined up himself and Jonathan on one side and his troops on the other. The lot fell on Saul and Jonathan. Saul then cast lots between himself and his son. Jonathan was taken.

When confronted, Jonathan explained exactly what happened. After explaining, the text reveals that Jonathan was prepared to die. Saul then makes a third rash oath, repeating in front of the people that his son must die because he had violated the king’s command. At this point, the troops rise up against Saul. The people knew that it was because of the bravery of Jonathan that they had an opportunity for victory that day. They believed God was with him as he bravely fought against the Philistines.  The text says that after this, Saul backed down from killing his son. These events caused all the positive momentum gained amongt the troops to be lost. Saul had to cease from pursuing the fleeing Philistines. Had he not made these rash oaths, Israel may have very well pursued the Philistines and beaten them decisively, 14:45-46.

14:47-52 – DETAILS OF SAUL’S REIGN

The final verses of the chapter give us details into years of Saul’s reign. He had some significant victories against the enemies of Israel. Saul’s family grew and prospered. His uncle was named captain of the army. During his reign as king, Saul constantly found himself dealing with the Philistine threat. When brave men were found, they were forced into military service for the king.

FOR THE NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIAN

Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few. These words were spoken by the king’s son, Jonathan, as he determined to begin the hostilities against the Philistines. Israel found itself in a desperate situation. Woefully outnumbered, soldiers with homemade weaponry, and trembling in fear, Jonathan did not shrink back under the direst of circumstances. God had been with him in an earlier battle against the Philistines, 13:3, and he knew God would be here for him again. He seemed to have the courage and confidence in God that his father lacked. With Saul, God always seemed to be an afterthought. Today, when we find ourselves in desperate circumstances, let us remember how the Lord has been there for us before, and trust that He will be there for us again.

We must think before we speak. It is one thing to speak something foolishly once not considering the consequences, Saul did it three times. Instead of admitting his mistake, he buried himself deeper. By the time he found out his son was the one who violated the oath, he lost the confidence of his troops. When he determined he needed to put Jonathan to death in order to not go back on his word, his foolishness was evident to all. In effect, his troops had a mutiny against him and ultimately saved the life of his son. Had Saul simply slowed down and thought it through, he would have saved himself much grief. Had he not have been so rash, Israel may have had an opportunity to pursue the Philistines under the cover of darkness and completely destroy them. But, because of his mistake, Israel had to walk away and the Philistines continued to hound Israel throughout his reign. When we speak today, we need to be aware of the possible ramifications, James 1:19.

The number one search term kids use on the Internet is “YouTube.” If you have a preteen or older child at home this should not be suprising. YouTube is a popular site for entertainment, news, and videos uploaded by millions. One expert says, “Kids use YouTube as a starting place for entertainment as well as education purposes.” Another popular search term is for “Fred.” This is a fictional character found on YouTube that is enormously popular among our youth. The social networking website, Facebook, came in third. This site is enormously popular and is a way for kids to connect with their friends. Something that should catch our attention however, is the fourth most popular search term – “sex.” The sixth most popular search term is “porn.” Did that raise your eyebrows? As a parent of preteens, it did for me.

The internet is a wonderful resource upon which the modern world depends. As each year goes by, it seems to move into our lives more and more. While this can be a wonderful benefit, the internet also poses some huge hazards. In a matter of seconds, our children can be exposed to the rauanchiest of explicit photographs and movies. Then there is the constant threat of predators who attempt to chat with our children online and a myriad of other potential dangers that parents must be aware of. The bottom line: We must be vigilant in monitoring the online activity of our children.

Where is the computer in your home? Do you know where your kids are going online? The responsibility of parenthood is God-given (Ephesians 6:4). Psalm 127:3-4 tells us, Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, and the wisdom of Solomon tells us in Proverbs 22:15, foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him. If children are a gift from the Lord, and discipline helps remove foolishness, then should not we be doing all we can do to guide our children down the straight and narrow? This would include overseeing where they go online.

Ignorance is not an excuse. Neither is computer illiteracy. These are your children and they need to be informed. Make a commitment to get connected with what your kids are doing on the Internet. You’ll be glad you did.

2 Chronicles 28 covers a very dark time in the history of Judah. Ahaz reigned over Judah and fully embraced the worship of idols. Much of Ahaz’s foreign policy was consumed with the ever-encroaching Assyria who was on the offensive against the northern ten tribes of Israel. The King of Judah was not the only one fearful of Assyria. Syria and the northern ten tribes of Israel recruited Judah to join forces and resist Assyria. Ahaz refused, which prompted Israel and Syria to invade Judah. Judah suffered extreme losses with many killed and more carried off into captivity. These captives were released at the preaching of the prophet Oded, 2 Chronicles 28:5-15. While Ahaz struggled with Israel and Syria, Philistia pressed Judah from the south and west. They overtook and oppressed a number of cities in Judah, 2 Chronicles 28:18. All this was allowed to happen because the LORD humbled Judah because of Ahaz…for he had brought about a lack of restraint in Judah and was very unfaithful to the Lord, 2 Chronicles 28:19.

A man’s character is revealed in crisis. As Rezin (king of Syria) and Pekah (king of Israel) press against him, Ahaz (king of Judah) turns to Assyria for help. Where should he have turned? We know the answer. Assyria responds by attacking Syria. They killed Rezin, 2 Kings 16:9, and afflicted Israel. But then the plan of Ahaz goes terribly wrong. So Tilgath-pilneser king of Assyria came against him and afflicted him instead of strengthening him, 2 Chronicles 28:20.  To appease the Assyrians and get some relief, Ahaz raided the temple and his own house looking for valuables to give to the Assyrian King. All the gifts didn’t help. He closed the temple and erected altars to himself. In desperation, Ahaz ramps up his sacrifices to the gods of Damascus, based on the supposition that they would help him in his distress. The scripture says these idols became the downfall of him and all Israel, 2 Chronicles 28:23. Because of poor leadership, God’s people were headed down a very slippery slope. In fact, they were on an irreversible course, with an inevitable destruction looming in the distance. As the leadership goes, so go the people.

There are many powerful lessons from this Old Testament text. When crisis comes, where does the Christian turn? Draw near to God and He will draw near to you, James 4:8. Isaiah reveals to us another sad fact. Ahaz refused the help and assistance of the Lord. I will not ask, nor will I test the Lord, Isaiah 7:12. God offered. Ahaz refused. One can only imagine how the outcome would have turned had Ahaz humbled his heart, sought God’s help, and made a commitment to faithfully serve God. When we choose a path that leads away from God, we make a tragic mistake. This decision often leads to multiple consequences and could lead to unexpected difficulties that are almost impossible from which to recover. We must refrain from the kind of arrogance that leads us to move on our own without consulting God. Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you, James 4:10.

When the pressure of life bears down on you, to whom do you turn? We serve a God who wants to hear from us, offers to help, and is willing to understand and sympathize with us. Our Mediator, Jesus, asks us to come to Him. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need, Hebrews 4:15-16. Praise God for the security and stability He provides as we face the turbulent waters of this life.

Scripture Reference: Ephesians 6:10-11

Many word pictures are used throughout scripture. These are intended to create vivid pictures in our mind in order to drive home important lessons. One such example is found in Ephesians 6:10-13. Here, Christians are reminded that they are involved in a spiritual battle for possession of their soul. In this passage, the struggle is likened to a military conflict. The conflict is real. Even though we may not see the devil and his forces in literal fashion, we know he exists and is determined to cause us to compromise our spiritual principles and lose our soul.

While acquainting us with the seriousness of this conflict, the writer does his best to encourage us that we can successfully wage our battles and have a victorious outcome. The key to our success is through God. Paul writes, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might, Ephesians 6:10. God is the sustainer. He will go to work in our lives and help us overcome. How?

He equips us with the armor of God, 6:11. For our spiritual battles, we can arm ourselves with the truth of His word, eternal principles communicated through the prophets, prayer, and the encouragement of those around us. The key to our success is seen in 6:11. In order to roll over our enemy, we must put on the armor God provides us with, 6:11. Don’t lose the next spiritual battle you engage in because you have not properly armed yourself with a capable defense.

The spiritual war we find ourselves immersed in is of the utmost seriousness. The battle is real. It involves real consequences—spiritual life or death. The wording in 6:12 communicates this fact to us. The NASU uses the word “struggle” here. I really like the wording in the ESV as it uses the term “wrestle.” When we use that term, there is a clear picture painted in our mind. Imagine combat that is up close and personal—a battle to the death. Our very soul is on the line! It is that serious. While the devil and his forces are in the heavenly places, they can often work through physical means to attack us. Their ways are cunning—appearing as a “little” thing or even as an item of no consequence. Just as a soldier on military duty constantly guards himself against the enemy, so we must constantly take protective measures in our great spiritual war.

We must do all we can to stand. We must put on the full armor of God, 6:13. Covering self only partially will result in certain defeat. We cannot be passive, even for a moment. Times of entertainment, recreation, and idle time present themselves as prime opportunities for Satan to strike. When we begin to relax and not worry about our enemy, we find ourselves in the most vulnerable of positions. When we do all we can to stand, we will seek first the kingdom of God, Matthew 6:33.  We will set our mind on things above and not on things that are on earth, Colossians 3:2. We will constantly know the time,…because salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. We must put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh, Romans 13:11, 14.

How are you faring in this great spiritual conflict? Do you feel vulnerable and subject to the devil’s bidding? Have you suffered loss? If so, God has not given up on you. God can still use you in service to His kingdom. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you, James 4:8. Seek God afresh and allow Him to clean the wounds and heal the scars of the spiritual battles that have come before. Let Him reequip your spiritual arsenal. When the battle comes, lean on Him for strength. You will be amazed at how He will be there for you and get you through.

Scripture Reference: Proberbs 10:19

We are living in a unique time. It seems fashionable to be rude in public. If something is on your mind, by all means say it. It matters little if your thoughts are profanity laced, alcohol induced, or just out of impulse. It seems as if it is perfectly reasonable to act or speak without thinking – just “apologize” later. There have been a few of examples of this in pop culture over the last few days.  Last Saturday, tennis superstar Serena Williams launched a tirade filled with adult language and anger toward a call made against her. It took three separate statements to be issued before she got around to apologizing and taking responsibility for her actions. On Sunday, rapper Kanye West stole the moment as singer Taylor Swift accepted an award for best female music video on the MTV Video Music Awards. As Swift spoke, West appeared on stage, took the microphone out of her hand, and told the audience how another artist had the better video. Many tried to explain away West’s behavior because he was drunk. West later “apologized” on a late night comedy show. West’s behavior also stirred up our President, who referred to him with a word not suitable for a church bulletin article.

These events may not affect us directly, but I believe they are examples of where our culture is at the moment. We must live with constant awareness. In a very real fashion, our culture affects us subtlely. While we may not have the opportunity to make a mistake in such a public manner, every one of us occupies own own small stage that others see on a regular basis. What do they see? How do you react in pressure filled situations?

This is where scriptural principles come in. James said, be…slow to speak and slow to anger, James 1:19b. Putting this verse into practice is difficult to say the least, especially when we are prone to stress. Hardly anyone starts out their day planning to go out and say words that they will later regret. These things come on suddenly. This is why James wrote, no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison, James 3:8. So if we are going to have success in this area, we must take quick manuevers when we feel the urge to vent our emotions. Gaining the ability to be slow to speak or react in certain situations takes practice. Sometimes we will not get it right. But over time, we can find success. I don’t know about you, but I am still working on this ability. Solomon wrote, when there are many words, transgress is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise, Proverbs 10:19. Later we read, he who restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is considered prudent, Proverbs 17:27-28. These are qualities we must all work on.

We are all players on our own individual stage. The world is watching. While it may not be fair, quick impressions can be lasting ones. When we allow the heat of the moment to get to us and we respond openly in words and emotion we can do lasting damage to our influence. Once spoken, words cannot be taken back. They reveal what is on the inside. They can do much harm. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire, James 3:5. It has been said, “speak in haste and you will make the best speech you have ever regretted.” Whatever impression you had of Serena Williams or Kanye West before last week, you will most likely recall these incidents the next time you hear their name. While their apologies may or may not be considered genuine, the damage has already been done and lasting impressions made. If you are like me, there may be some moments on the stage of life you would like to have back. But we cannot. Those moments are over. And while they may be over, we do have the present and can learn to be aware of the potential for danger in this area.

How are you performing on the stage of life? What do others see? What lasting impressions are being made? Make it your desire to represent our Lord in everything you do. You’ll be glad you did.