1 Samuel 14:16-23
16 Now Saul’s watchmen in Gibeah of Benjamin looked, and behold, the multitude dissolved; they went here and there.
17 So Saul said to the people who were with him, “Look carefully now and see who has left us.” And when they had looked, behold, Jonathan and his armor bearer were not there.
18 Then Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God here.” For at that time the ark of God was with the sons of Israel.
19 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.”
20 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 Philistine, and there was very great confusion.
21 Now the Hebrews who were with the Philistines previously, who went up with them all around in the camp, even they also returned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.
22 When all the men of Israel who had kept themselves hidden in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines had fled, they also closely pursued them in the battle.
23 So the Lord saved Israel that day, and the battle spread beyond Beth-aven.
Saul’s Response
A favorable turn of a battle
Let’s observe how Saul reacted when he learned of the favorable turn of the situation. (1) First, he inquired who had launched the attack on the Philistine forefront and confirmed that it was Jonathan and his armor-bearer. (2) Next, he commanded Ahijah the priest to bring the ephod, so they could inquire about their next course of action. (Most English translations render as “the ark of God,” but the Septuagint reads “ephod” for ark and is most probably so). The ephod was a breastplate worn by the priest, containing two stones called the Urim and Thummim. These stones were used to discern God’s answer as “Yes” or “No.” (3) However, before an answer from God was given, the disarray in the Philistine camp became increasingly evident. Therefore, Saul decided to stop seeking God’s will and immediately enter the battlefield. Saul went to the battlefield without inquiring the Lord’s will. Here again, we can see Saul’s self-serving approach to faith. It is human arrogance, to think that there is no need for the Lord’s help when the situation looks favorable. What can you learn from Saul’s attitude?
Saved by the Lord
When Saul and his army reached the battlefield, astonishing events were unfolding simultaneously. (1) In the Philistine camp, they were killing each other and there was a “great confusion.” The fear sent by God had caused the confusion amongst the Philistines. (2) Hebrews who had previously betrayed their own people and sided with the Philistines, now flipped sides again, returning to be with Israel (the terms “Hebrews” and “Israelites” are synonymous, but the Gentiles often referred to Israelites as Hebrews). (3) Furthermore, Israelites who had been hiding in the hill country of Ephraim, upon hearing the news of victory, returned to the frontline and fought bravely. The battle of faith initiated by Jonathan led to a great victory for Israel. The Bible clearly states the reason for Israel’s victory: “So the Lord saved Israel that day.” All good things are gifts from the Lord. When you receive blessings, do you acknowledge that they come from the Lord and give thanks to Him?
Today's prayer
O God of Israel, it is by your grace alone, I am here today. You are the God who has saved me. I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.