1Sa 14:11 | KingComments | STEP | Jonathan and his armor bearer translate their words into deeds and show themselves to the Philistines. By showing themselves, they are vulnerable to the arrows of the Philistines. The Philistines do not shoot their arrows at them, but words of contempt. However, these do not harm the two heroes. Then the men from the garrison call on Jonathan and his armor bearer to come up to them. The Philistines are certain of their case. They will have a good time with these two Israelites. For Jonathan this is proof that the LORD has given them into his power. Yet he says not that the LORD will give them into his power, but into the power of Israel . This is the language that David also speaks later when he is alone opposite Goliath ( ). Saul, on the other hand, speaks of “my” enemies. The victory that Jonathan and his armor bearer will achieve is a victory for all Israel. Jonathan is certain of victory by this command of the Philistines. In what he says to his armor bearer in , there is no longer a “perhaps” ( ), but the certainty that the LORD will do it. Jonathan climbs up on his hands and feet. This means that he cannot protect himself in any way. He needs all his agility to reach the top. He cannot even keep an eye on the enemy. The way of faith goes up but is not easy. Yet the goal of faith is achieved. When Jonathan and his armor bearer are at the top, the Philistines are struck down man after man by Jonathan and killed by his armor bearer. There is a fluid cooperation between the two men. The number killed is not impressive when counted. They have defeated only twenty men. But God connects Himself to Jonathan’s faith. The area where the victory is won is described as “about half a furrow in an acre of land”. This indicates the result of a victory: an area is released that can be ploughed. The piece of land can again fulfill God’s purpose for His people and that is that His people enjoy the blessing of the land. Thus every spiritual victory lays the foundation for enjoying the spiritual blessings God has given to His people.

‏ 1 Samuel 14:11

The Execution of the Plan

Jonathan and his armor bearer translate their words into deeds and show themselves to the Philistines. By showing themselves, they are vulnerable to the arrows of the Philistines. The Philistines do not shoot their arrows at them, but words of contempt. However, these do not harm the two heroes.

Then the men from the garrison call on Jonathan and his armor bearer to come up to them. The Philistines are certain of their case. They will have a good time with these two Israelites. For Jonathan this is proof that the LORD has given them into his power.

Yet he says not that the LORD will give them into his power, but into the power of Israel. This is the language that David also speaks later when he is alone opposite Goliath (1Sam 17:46-47). Saul, on the other hand, speaks of “my” enemies. The victory that Jonathan and his armor bearer will achieve is a victory for all Israel. Jonathan is certain of victory by this command of the Philistines. In what he says to his armor bearer in 1Sam 14:12, there is no longer a “perhaps” (1Sam 14:6), but the certainty that the LORD will do it.

Jonathan climbs up on his hands and feet. This means that he cannot protect himself in any way. He needs all his agility to reach the top. He cannot even keep an eye on the enemy. The way of faith goes up but is not easy. Yet the goal of faith is achieved. When Jonathan and his armor bearer are at the top, the Philistines are struck down man after man by Jonathan and killed by his armor bearer. There is a fluid cooperation between the two men.

The number killed is not impressive when counted. They have defeated only twenty men. But God connects Himself to Jonathan’s faith. The area where the victory is won is described as “about half a furrow in an acre of land”.

This indicates the result of a victory: an area is released that can be ploughed. The piece of land can again fulfill God’s purpose for His people and that is that His people enjoy the blessing of the land. Thus every spiritual victory lays the foundation for enjoying the spiritual blessings God has given to His people.