![jonathan son of saul jonathan son of saul](https://present5.com/presentation/d26540cc96400c816cbc2dc08755bec8/image-4.jpg)
( 2 Chronicles 16:9) Second, Jonathan sought evidence of Jehovah’s approval before he took action. He knew that God Almighty does not depend on human strength in order to accomplish his purposes, yet Jehovah delights in blessing faithful humans who serve him. First, he had profound awe for his God, Jehovah. With that approval secured, Jonathan fearlessly forged ahead. In faith, then, Jonathan let Jehovah determine whether he and his armor-bearer should attack the outpost he chose a sign by which Jehovah could signal approval. ( Judges 3:31 4:1-23 16:23-30) So Jonathan knew that it was neither the numbers nor the strength nor the weaponry of God’s servants that mattered it was their faith. Sometimes He had even used a single individual to bring victory. He no doubt knew that in the past, Jehovah had helped his people defeat enemies who vastly outnumbered them. The armor-bearer readily agreed, perhaps moved by Jonathan’s powerful words: “Nothing can hinder Jehovah from saving by many or by few.” ( 1 Samuel 14:6-10) What did he mean? If the Philistines challenged the two of them to come on up against them, this would be a sign that Jehovah would help his servants. They would show themselves plainly to the Philistine soldiers up there. As they approached the Philistine outpost at Michmash, Jonathan revealed his plan to his armor-bearer. On the day described at the outset, Jonathan decided to slip away with only his armor-bearer at his side. Some ran off and hid, and a few even switched sides! But Jonathan’s courage never faded.- 1 Samuel 13:2-7 14:21. In response, however, the Philistines amassed a huge force. Poorly armed though his men were, with Jehovah’s help Jonathan won the day. Soon after Saul became king, he appointed his son to command 1,000 soldiers, and Jonathan led them to attack a Philistine garrison at Geba. The Philistines, corrupted by the worship of such gods as Dagon, often tried to oppress or even destroy Jehovah’s chosen people.įor men like Jonathan, then, fighting was a matter of loyal service to Jehovah God. Back then, Jehovah chose the nation of Israel to represent him, and it was under constant attack by nations that worshipped false gods. Those wars were not like the nationalistic clashes of today.
![jonathan son of saul jonathan son of saul](https://lafayettecc.org/blogs/kidopolis/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/02/u10s4photo.png)
Jonathan must have felt honored to fight under his father’s command against the enemies of Jehovah’s people. Even the prophet Samuel said that there was no one like Saul in the land!- 1 Samuel 9:1, 2, 21 10:20-24 20:2. Jonathan could see why Jehovah chose Saul to be king. In those early days, Jonathan knew his father not only as a tall, handsome man and courageous warrior but also as something much more important-a man of faith and humility. It seems that Jonathan maintained a close bond with his father, who would often confide in his son. When Saul was anointed as king, Jonathan was already a man, perhaps 20 years of age or even older. Jonathan was the eldest son of Saul, the first king of Israel. To understand why Jonathan charged against that outpost, we need to look at his background. Though we do not engage in physical warfare, we can learn a great deal from Jonathan about the courage, loyalty, and selflessness that we need in order to build genuine faith.- Isaiah 2:4 Matthew 26:51, 52. His name was Jonathan, and his story is alive with lessons for true Christians today. He was not mad he was a man of great faith. But was he actually leading a two-man attack on an entire garrison? Was the man mad? It was so steep that they had to use their hands and feet, but they kept coming, scrambling over the rocks, heading straight toward the outpost! ( 1 Samuel 14:13) The Philistines could now see that the man taking the lead was armed his armor-bearer followed. The two Israelites ran down the ravine, crossed it, and then began climbing up the near side. In fact, a lesson was in the making, but those Philistines would find themselves on the receiving end of it. Furthermore, these are only two men! Even if they were armed warriors, what harm could they possibly do? Sneering, the Philistines call out: “Come up to us, and we will teach you a lesson!”- 1 Samuel 13:19-23 14:11, 12. Israelite soldiers are thus poorly armed. The Philistines have long dominated the Israelites, who cannot even get their metal farm implements sharpened without going to their Philistine enemies for help.
![jonathan son of saul jonathan son of saul](https://images.saymedia-content.com/.image/ar_4:3%2Cc_fill%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:eco%2Cw_1200/MTc2MjczMzkyNTExNjI0Mzgy/lessons-you-can-learn-from-mephibosheths-life.jpg)
The soldiers are amused-they see no threat there.
![jonathan son of saul jonathan son of saul](http://17rg073sukbm1lmjk9jrehb643-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/saul5.jpg)
The Philistine soldiers posted there have found something of interest in the monotonous view: Two men, Israelites, are standing in plain sight across the ravine. Picture a solitary military outpost overlooking an arid and craggy landscape.