1 Samuel 14:1-23

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Jonathan’s Victory Over the Philistines

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. God can bring victory against all odds.

  2. God can cause confusion in the enemy camp.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Thank the Lord for the armor bearers He provides.

QUESTIONS

  1. Where was King Saul’s capital in Israel?

  2. What was the Israelites latest problem with the Philistines?

  3. What sign did God use to direct Jonathon and his armor bearer?

  4. What is one interpretation of verse 19?

  5. Who were the “Hebrews” of verse 21?

ANSWERS

  1. Saul’s capital was in Gibeah, a few miles north of Jerusalem.

  2. The Philistines in Michmash were sending out raiding parties in all directions and attacking the towns and villages of Israel.

  3. If when they exposed themselves to the Philistines they were invited to come across the steep valley, they would know that God was directing them to move out by faith.

  4. The confusion was so great in the enemy camp that Saul told Abijah the priest not to bother consulting the Urim and Thummin, because it was obvious that God was directing Israel to attack the Philistines.

  5. They were Hebrew mercenaries who had been wrongly fighting for the Philistines. Now they turned back and fought for Israel.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Recall other events in Israel’s history where God gave them victory against great odds.

  2. God gives victory against great odds in spiritual warfare as well. Discuss examples of this from history and your own life.

CHALLENGE

  1. Jonathon had a willing and courageous armor bearer to go into the battle with him. Who has God provided as an “armor bearer” to support you in your Christian ministry today?

KEY VERSES

  • “For nothing restrains the LORD from saving by many or by few.” 1 Samuel 14:6

  • “So the LORD saved Israel that day, and the battle shifted to Beth Aven.” 1 Samuel 14:23

1 Samuel, Old Testament, TalksRon Reid1 SAMUEL 14:1-23