Jonathan's Victory

As Israel was preparing for battle against the Philistines, Jonathan and his armor bearer decided to investigate the Philistine camp to see if God would favor them in launching an attack. Jonathan trusted God, and God used Jonathan and his servant to conquer the entire camp. But Saul, wanting to seize the momentum, made the Israelites under his camp vow not to eat anything until the rest of the Philistines had been driven out. Knowing nothing of this vow, Jonathan disobeyed his father, who would have killed him if not for the people of Israel who interceded.

In our previous story, we heard of Saul’s growing pride and how it led him to dishonor God with a thoughtless sacrifice. When confronted by Samuel about his disobedience, Saul chose to make excuses and try to justify himself rather than repent and seek forgiveness. This would tragically become a pattern for Saul. Today we’ll see a contrast between this prideful and insecure king in his own son Jonathan. We’ll hear how Jonathan faces the Philistines and emerges victorious, while Saul struggles to do things his way, causing his own men to suffer unnecessarily. Father and son will clash, and loyalties will be tested.