College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
1 Samuel 14 - Introduction
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 14
Jonathan's surprise attack on the Philistines. Jonathan and his armor-bearer devised a startling plan of going against the enemy by themselves. Evidently the Philistines thought that their position was impregnable and that the Israelites were so poorly equipped that they had nothing to fear. The skirmish started by Jonathan and his armor-bearer started such confusion that the Philistines attacked their own men, and a great victory was won for Israel.
Saul's ill-advised oath. King Saul had ordered that his men were to fast as they went into battle. Although Jonathan was unaware of his father's order, Saul threatened to punish him for tasting a little honey. Only the intercession of the people saved Jonathan.
Saul's other battles and his family. Saul was a great warrior, and his campaigns took him against Moab, Amnion, Edom, Syria, as well as Philistia. His wife, sons, daughters, captain, and father are all mentioned at this point in his career.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
Trust in God overcomes fear of men. Although Israel was in a dire strait, Jonathan was not afraid to do what he knew was right. With a full trust in God and using the good common sense with which he was endowed, he devised a strategy that gave victory to God's people.
2.
Rash oaths should not be kept. Under ordinary circumstances, an oath should be very sacred and kept if at all possible. When oaths are made in rashness, however, it is better to repent for making the oaths rather than to keep them. Herod beheaded John the Baptist, although he was exceeding sorry (Mark 6:26). He went ahead and performed the dastardly deed ... for their sakes which sat with him (Mark 6:26 b). He was afraid of what the people would think of him if he went back on his oath. Saul was evidently determined to go ahead and carry out the penalty he had pronounced against any soldier who ate anything, even though it meant the slaying of the hero of his own army, even his own son.
CHAPTER 14 IN REVIEW
1.
Who went with Jonathan to make a surprise attack on the Philistines?
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2.
Where was Saul?
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3.
What was the name of the priest with him?
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4.
Whose son was the priest?
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5.
Where were the other priests?
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6.
What did the priest have with him?
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7.
What did Saul ask the priest to fetch?
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8.
What had Jonathan eaten?
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9.
What did Saul threaten to do to him?
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10.
What was the name of Saul's wife?
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