#424 I'll Be Right There

One day Jonathan son of Saul said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.” But he did not tell his father.

2 Saul was staying on the outskirts of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree in Migron. With him were about six hundred men, 3 among whom was Ahijah, who was wearing an ephod. He was a son of Ichabod’s brother Ahitub son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the Lord’s priest in Shiloh. No one was aware that Jonathan had left.

4 On each side of the pass that Jonathan intended to cross to reach the Philistine outpost was a cliff; one was called Bozez and the other Seneh. 5 One cliff stood to the north toward Mikmash, the other to the south toward Geba.

6 Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.”

7 “Do all that you have in mind,” his armor-bearer said. “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.”

8 Jonathan said, “Come on, then; we will cross over toward them and let them see us. 9 If they say to us, ‘Wait there until we come to you,’ we will stay where we are and not go up to them. 10 But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ we will climb up, because that will be our sign that the Lord has given them into our hands.”

11 So both of them showed themselves to the Philistine outpost. “Look!” said the Philistines. “The Hebrews are crawling out of the holes they were hiding in.” 12 The men of the outpost shouted to Jonathan and his armor-bearer, “Come up to us and we’ll teach you a lesson.”

So Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, “Climb up after me; the Lord has given them into the hand of Israel.”

13 Jonathan climbed up, using his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer right behind him. The Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer followed and killed behind him. 14 In that first attack Jonathan and his armor-bearer killed some twenty men in an area of about half an acre.
Israel Routs the Philistines

15 Then panic struck the whole army—those in the camp and field, and those in the outposts and raiding parties—and the ground shook. It was a panic sent by God.[a]

16 Saul’s lookouts at Gibeah in Benjamin saw the army melting away in all directions. 17 Then Saul said to the men who were with him, “Muster the forces and see who has left us.” When they did, it was Jonathan and his armor-bearer who were not there.

18 Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God.” (At that time it was with the Israelites.)[b] 19 While Saul was talking to the priest, the tumult in the Philistine camp increased more and more. So Saul said to the priest, “Withdraw your hand.”

20 Then Saul and all his men assembled and went to the battle. They found the Philistines in total confusion, striking each other with their swords. 21 Those Hebrews who had previously been with the Philistines and had gone up with them to their camp went over to the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. 22 When all the Israelites who had hidden in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were on the run, they joined the battle in hot pursuit. 23 So on that day the Lord saved Israel, and the battle moved on beyond Beth Aven.
Jonathan Eats Honey

24 Now the Israelites were in distress that day, because Saul had bound the people under an oath, saying, “Cursed be anyone who eats food before evening comes, before I have avenged myself on my enemies!” So none of the troops tasted food.

25 The entire army entered the woods, and there was honey on the ground. 26 When they went into the woods, they saw the honey oozing out; yet no one put his hand to his mouth, because they feared the oath. 27 But Jonathan had not heard that his father had bound the people with the oath, so he reached out the end of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it into the honeycomb. He raised his hand to his mouth, and his eyes brightened.[c] 28 Then one of the soldiers told him, “Your father bound the army under a strict oath, saying, ‘Cursed be anyone who eats food today!’ That is why the men are faint.”

29 Jonathan said, “My father has made trouble for the country. See how my eyes brightened when I tasted a little of this honey. 30 How much better it would have been if the men had eaten today some of the plunder they took from their enemies. Would not the slaughter of the Philistines have been even greater?”

31 That day, after the Israelites had struck down the Philistines from Mikmash to Aijalon, they were exhausted. 32 They pounced on the plunder and, taking sheep, cattle and calves, they butchered them on the ground and ate them, together with the blood. 33 Then someone said to Saul, “Look, the men are sinning against the Lord by eating meat that has blood in it.”

“You have broken faith,” he said. “Roll a large stone over here at once.” 34 Then he said, “Go out among the men and tell them, ‘Each of you bring me your cattle and sheep, and slaughter them here and eat them. Do not sin against the Lord by eating meat with blood still in it.’”

So everyone brought his ox that night and slaughtered it there. 35 Then Saul built an altar to the Lord; it was the first time he had done this.

36 Saul said, “Let us go down and pursue the Philistines by night and plunder them till dawn, and let us not leave one of them alive.”

“Do whatever seems best to you,” they replied.

But the priest said, “Let us inquire of God here.”

37 So Saul asked God, “Shall I go down and pursue the Philistines? Will you give them into Israel’s hand?” But God did not answer him that day.

38 Saul therefore said, “Come here, all you who are leaders of the army, and let us find out what sin has been committed today. 39 As surely as the Lord who rescues Israel lives, even if the guilt lies with my son Jonathan, he must die.” But not one of them said a word.

40 Saul then said to all the Israelites, “You stand over there; I and Jonathan my son will stand over here.”

“Do what seems best to you,” they replied.

41 Then Saul prayed to the Lord, the God of Israel, “Why have you not answered your servant today? If the fault is in me or my son Jonathan, respond with Urim, but if the men of Israel are at fault,[d] respond with Thummim.” Jonathan and Saul were taken by lot, and the men were cleared. 42 Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and Jonathan my son.” And Jonathan was taken.

43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.”

So Jonathan told him, “I tasted a little honey with the end of my staff. And now I must die!”

44 Saul said, “May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if you do not die, Jonathan.”

45 But the men said to Saul, “Should Jonathan die—he who has brought about this great deliverance in Israel? Never! As surely as the Lord lives, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground, for he did this today with God’s help.” So the men rescued Jonathan, and he was not put to death.

46 Then Saul stopped pursuing the Philistines, and they withdrew to their own land.

47 After Saul had assumed rule over Israel, he fought against their enemies on every side: Moab, the Ammonites, Edom, the kings[e] of Zobah, and the Philistines. Wherever he turned, he inflicted punishment on them.[f] 48 He fought valiantly and defeated the Amalekites, delivering Israel from the hands of those who had plundered them.
Saul’s Family

49 Saul’s sons were Jonathan, Ishvi and Malki-Shua. The name of his older daughter was Merab, and that of the younger was Michal. 50 His wife’s name was Ahinoam daughter of Ahimaaz. The name of the commander of Saul’s army was Abner son of Ner, and Ner was Saul’s uncle. 51 Saul’s father Kish and Abner’s father Ner were sons of Abiel.

52 All the days of Saul there was bitter war with the Philistines, and whenever Saul saw a mighty or brave man, he took him into his service. 1 Samuel 14 NIV

I would not expect this following where the last chapter left off. Saul is now just keeping warm the chair, revealing to us the grace of God in jars of clay. After his conversation with Samuel he must be certain of his calamity and waiting for the Philistines. His army has dwindled by 80 percent, but there is one in his own house, who's faith is coming fast. He recalls as his name is that "God gives", he remembers from the Word of God, the testimony of Moses and the judges that God does not need a multitude, that salvation is from the Lord. He shares this truth with his armor bearer for we should consult with each other, making certain that we are not in misunderstanding or out of context or due season. Wherever two or three are gathered together in My name, there will I be in the midst of them. God, if I am meant to go to them, then have them invite us over. Now one shall chase a thousand, if he waits upon the Word and answer of the Lord. Maybe Jonathan stinketh to the Philistines because he is not impressed by numbers, he may remind them of Samson or Gideon, the majority may be a respected thing to men, but God is Truth, and His holiness can be neither voted nor bullied away. With one of the two swords in the land, Jonathan, by the grace of God, does strike fear into the hearts of the enemies of God. They fall upon each other in their confusion, these two men, not there as Jonathan and his armor bearer, but as Israel, they by faith bring hope to a nation. 

While this is happening, Saul is apparently in counsel with the priest, he ask him to get the ark, which is strange considering the loss of the ark before. He hears the noise increase around him, and true to form, this, not the voice of God, is Saul's call to action, but even stranger, he ask that the priest withdraw his hands. When Moses hands were up the people surged, but the tide withdrew when he could no longer point to heaven, so the elders with them stayed his hands, supported the testimony of faith. 

Now those who went into the holes as rabbits come out like foxes, those who thought themselves the stronger, who had the weapons and the numbers, now destroy each other. Saul again speaks in ignorance, "ask not what your country can do for you", but instead no one shall eat today, not even a taste of food. In our fervor, we should not forget our helps, and who is this that muzzles the ox? These men already risk their lives, are away from their homes, and are expending copious amounts of calories. They are not behind a screen pressing a button, they are face to face in battle and upon feet, chasing and climbing after the enemies of Israel. Would it not be more prudent for them to eat, and should the king raise the stakes so high, remember oh king the words of Jephthah and how that which came out so quickly hurt for so long after. You would work to death those that serve your cause, keep food from the hungry, by your religiosity and lack of understanding, you would take medicine from the sick. Sure enough, He is not a student of the word, nor the history contained therein. There is no practical measure of this wisdom in his steps, and he is content with this priest who is a puppet over God's prophet, who will tell him plainly to his face. He is as all those who enjoy having their ears tickled and choose that above the truth. His son, not knowing of his father's transgression, dips his staff in honey, his countenance is lifted and he is then informed of his sin. Jonathan thinks it ridiculous, for this is what God provided, and wouldn't it be better if the men had eaten? God here humbles the king, even if he cannot accept it, the people see the folly, they stand up for Jonathan. Saul's lack of discretion only interferes with the battle, lessens the outcome. He will defend his own honor at the cost of his son, just like Pharaoh, except like the firstborn of the Hebrews, Jonathan will be passed over. Pray for those who have rule over you, for while you may see their flaws, you are not without spot and even more so if you are not willing to intercede on behalf of both the just and the unjust. Lord forgive me for speaking too quickly, for speaking over or out of turn. I am guilty before you of a lying tongue but also of taking such pleasure in the gossip that pretends I am more than what I am. Please, let me not be so easily offended, let me instead be patient and understanding, let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be found acceptable in thy sight oh Lord, my strength and my redeemer.

 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: 2 “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. 4 They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.

5 “Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries[a] wide and the tassels on their garments long; 6 they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; 7 they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others.

8 “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. 10 Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. 11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Matthew 23: 1-8