Jonathan’s Victory

“And Jonathan climbed up upon his hands and upon his feet, and his armourbearer after him: and they fell before Jonathan; and his armourbearer slew after him.” I Samuel 14:13

I Samuel 14:1-23 tells of an amazing victory won by God’s people because of one young man’s initiative, faith, and courage. King Saul had called the people together to organize an army to defend the people against their enemies, the Philistines. The Philistines had a vast army, but King Saul had only about six hundred men with him. Saul’s son Jonathan saw that they were at an extreme disadvantage, so he took his armor bearer with him and headed toward the Philistine encampment. He was willing to attempt this daring mission because of his great faith in God. Jonathan said, “It may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.” As they approached the rock formations that separated them from the Philistines’ garrison, Jonathan formulated a plan. They would walk out into the open where the Philistine guards could see them, and they would respond favorably to whatever the guards said. The Philistines knew that most of the Israelites were in hiding, so they were amused to see two of them appear before them; and they called for Jonathan and his armor bearer to come up to them. Jonathan led the charge (two men against an entire garrison) and their surprise attack created a panic among the Philistines that gave the Israelites the victory. Feeling outnumbered and overwhelmed? Perhaps it is time to go forward for God!