1 Samuel 14 - Summary

The Lord can save by many or by few.

Outline

v1-5

While Saul and the Israelites were sitting around, Jonathan unilaterally went up toward the Philistines, with his armor bearer, through a passage between two sharp rocks

v6-7

Jonathan had the faith in the Lord to attack even though it was just him and his armor bearer

v8-10

Jonathan watched for a sign to what the Lord would do

v11-12

Come up here, and we'll show you something...

v13-16

the people shook, the earth quaked, and the multitude melted away

v17-23

the rest of Israel joined the battle and the Lord saved Israel that day

v24-30

Saul told the people they would be cursed if they ate anything that day, but Jonathan did not know, and he ate

v31-37

because the people had been fasting, they sinned in their haste to eat

v38-45

Saul blamed Jonathan for eating, and wanted to kill him, but the people wouldn't let him

v46-52

Saul had battles against different kingdoms here and there

Key

v6

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.

Jonathan was brave because he believed that the Lord can use only a few people to save people, just as well as He can use many people to do it. I thought that was a good example of believing that the Lord really exists, ...and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (From Hebrews 11:6b). We should have confidence in the Lord like Jonathan did.

Application

If we know that the Lord wants us to do something, even if some of those things seem like big hard things to do, we should have the faith to do it, relying on Him. I'll have the confidence to add some things that I believe the Lord wants me to, to my schedule, believing that if it is what He wants me to do, He will provide the time and everything I need to be able to do them.

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