Faith Like A Mustard Seed

Saul sentences his son, Jonathan, to death

As battles between the Israelites and the Philistines continued, Jonathan and his armor bearer, went up to a camp of the Philistines. Jonathan had complete trust in the Lord, to see that he prospered, and both of them took out twenty Philistines. The earth shook, and Saul’s watchmen looked toward the direction of the commotion and saw that the enemy was in disarray.

And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, “Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: 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.” I Samuel 14:6

By the time Saul and his army found out that Jonathan and his armor bearer were the ones missing, the noise from the battle got even more intense. Saul and his army rushed over to the battle, and when they arrived they noticed that the Philistines were fighting each other! So the Israelites in the camp, those with Saul, and even those that had fled, all came back to run the Philistines off. Somehow, the Lord had turned the enemies against each other.

So the Lord saved Israel that day: and the battle passed over unto Beth-aven. I Samuel 14:23

However, Saul’s army became faint because he said, “Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies.” (I Samuel 14:24b) So the people were weak, but would not eat because they feared Saul’s oath. Jonathan, however, did not hear what his father said, and when they came upon some honey, he tasted it and his eyes were enlightened.

After the Israelites took out the rest of the Philistines from Michmash to Aijalon, the people were so hungry that they flew upon the spoil; sheep, oxen, and calves. They ate even the blood, which is sin, all because of Saul’s oath for revenge. When Saul decided to battle against the Philistines all night, the priest suggested that they seek the counsel of God, but God did not give an answer to Saul that day. When lots were cast to see who had sinned, Jonathan was chosen, and Saul demanded to know what he had done. When Jonathan told him that he had tasted a little honey Saul said, “God do so and more also: for thou shalt surely die, Jonathan.” (I Samuel 14:44)

Should Jonathan die because he violated Saul’s vengeful oath, and out of ignorance at that?

Saul was willing to put his own son to death because of his own oath of vengeance, but he was unwilling to repent of his own sin.  Well, the people kept Jonathan out of harm, as he was a great warrior who had fought valiantly that day. Jonathan was not put to death, and the battles raged on, as Saul would continue to fight against the Philistines all of his days.

Dave Earley

Faith Like A Mustard Seed

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