1 Samuel 14:1-23 Jonathan's Confidence in God's Deliverance

Jonathan's Confidence in God's Deliverance

Nathan Wakefield / Youth Group

1 Samuel 14:1–23

The Background

Some Review

Who were the Israelites facing in 1 Samuel 13:1-7?

What foolish action had Saul taken in 1 Samuel 13:8-15?

Setting the Stage

1 Samuel 13:16-18

The Philistines sent out an army which split into three companies.

1 Samuel 13:19-23

What is the significance of Israel’s armament?

The Israelites were at a disadvantage because they not only lacked weapons but they lacked the skill to build weapons.

Now break into teams and work together to answer the questions on Jonathan’s Decision, Jonathan’s Confidence, Jonathan’s Battle, and The Victory.

The Events

Jonathan’s Decision (14:1-5)

What did Jonathan ask his armor bearer to do?

Jonathan asked his armor bearer to cross over into enemy territory.

How many men did Saul have with him?

Saul had 600 men with him.

Jonathan’s Confidence (14:6-12)

According to verse six, what gave Jonathan his confidence?

Jonathan’s confidence was in God. He explicitly states that a small force or a large force doesn’t really matter because God can save them regardless.

What plan did Jonathan devise in order to decide if he should go down into battle or stay put?

He planned to cross over to the Philistines and reveal himself to them. If they invited him to come down to them then he would attack.

How did the Philistines respond to seeing Jonathan?

The Philistines mocked Jonathan and his armor bearer and then proceeded to ask them to come down to them.

Jonathan’s Battle (14:13-14)

Upon being invited to come down to the Philistines, how did Jonathan respond?

Jonathan and his armor bearer began killing the philistines.

How successful was the attack that Jonathan and his armor bearer made?

They were able to kill about 20 men.

The Victory (14:15-23)

According to verse 15, what was the result of Jonathan’s attack?

Jonathan’s attack led to confusion and panic among the Philistines.

Meanwhile, back in the camp, what did Saul’s camp notice was happening with the Philistines?

Saul’s camp noticed that the Philistines were dispersing.

How did Saul and all his people respond when they noticed that the Philistines were in disarray?

In verse 20 we see that they went into battle.

How did the battle go for the Israelites?

We see that the victory was total. So much so that those who had deserted and who were hiding even joined in.

Conclusion

So how does this apply to me?

What are some of the things that you are tempted to place your confidence in?

Have you ever had an experience where God provided for you in an unexpected way?

How can you be prepared to step out in faith when God calls you to take such a step?

Characteristics of True Inspiration.

1. It is Distinguished by Individuality

2. It Contemplates an End Conformable to the End for Which Christ Died

3. It is Characterized by Freedom from Personal Vanity

4. It is Marked by Implicit Dependence on the Power of God

5. It is Marked Also by the Buoyancy of Hope

H. D. M. Spence-Jones, ed., 1 Samuel, The Pulpit Commentary (London; New York: Funk & Wagnalls Company, 1909), 247.