“God Provides”

 “Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines’ garrison, that is on the other side. But he told not his father.” (1 Samuel 14:1)

Saul is sitting under a pomegranate tree safe and sound in Gibeah. He is protected by 600 men and a priest of Israel.

“2And Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree which is in Migron: and the people that were with him were about six hundred men;

3And Ahiah, the son of Ahitub, Ichabod’s brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the LORD’S priest in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people knew not that Jonathan was gone.” (1 Samuel 14:2-3)

Jonathan, like many children do, had decided to attack the Philistines, but not tell his father. Likewise, Saul is just sitting around making no decisions at all.

Jonathan’s Story

Jonathan and his armor bearer heads towards the Philistine’s garrison.

“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.” (1 Samuel 14:6)

Jonathon is on a two man mission to sneak into the Philistine garrison. Then when in the middle of the garrison they will reveal themselves. And that is exactly what happens.

“And Jonathan climbed up upon his hands and upon his feet, and his armourbearer after him: and they fell before Jonathan; and his armourbearer slew after him.” (1 Samuel 14:13)

Saul’s Story

Saul, and the people around him hear a great noise and the Earth quaked. What they see is the Philistines attacking each other. The people of Israel who had been hiding from the Philistines now came out and chased them.

“And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food.” (1 Samuel 14:24)

This causes a real problem. Old adage, “Armies travel on their stomach”. The chase is on to the point that Israel is becoming weaker the further they go. They are following the rules of Saul, slowing down in the process.

Israel’s Story

Israel is stuck in a commandment from Saul that they can not eat while chasing the Philistines. It can be argued that Saul used the lack of food to keep Israel from extending the battle too far from the safety of the camp. That may seem a reasonable decision, but it did not come from God.

Saul’s command turned a victory into a sinful nature. Struck with hunger the Israelis are now eating meat that included the blood. Eating blood was a sin. (Leviticus 17:12) Saul pitted Israel against God.

God’s Story

God revealed in Jonathan’s mind that he would protect Jonathan during the raid on the Philistines. This simple act resulted in the Philistines killing each other. This paved the way for Israel to chase them and destroying them along the way.

“And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day.” (1 Samuel 14:37)

Why didn’t God respond to Saul? God didn’t have to, the result of God’s power over the Philistines was already evident. Saul had also given an order to Israel that did not come from God.

God provides what we need when we need it.

Stay Tuned…