February 26, 2024

Jonathan, Saul's son, seemed to understand God better than Saul. Saul had set up camp under a pomegranate tree with his motley crew of 600 men. After fearing the Philistines with their vast army, the rest had headed to the mountains and caves. Jonathan and his armor-bearer snuck out of the camp to find a garrison of Philistines. He and his companion agreed that God could use the two of them because they trusted in His power. They were right! Jonathan met the leaders of the Philistines and spoke the words they needed to hear to signal them. The two of them killed twenty men, and then God made them turn on each other, and a multitude fell that day. Jonathan and his armor were victorious by the hand of God. The Lord had saved Israel that day. 

For some reason, Saul made the entire army not eat that day, and if they did, he would kill them. They were hungry but feared for their life and didn't eat. They happen upon some honey on the ground; no one except Jonathan ate. He had yet to hear what his father said about eating. They cast lots to find out who had eaten, and Jonathan was chosen. He admitted it, and Saul said that he should surely die, but the other soldiers rescued him from Saul's hand. This chapter was long and had many lessons, but I chose this one because of Jonathan's faith in the power of God's hand. He trusted God, and God gave him the victory. Saul continued in his destructive leadership; rather than honoring God's children, he oppressed them. You can see God's hand at work, especially saving Jonathan from Saul's hand. Trust God even when facing an army of evil beings, and watch how He handles them. God is amazing, and we must trust him. He is powerful!

And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: as the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not. 1 Samuel 14:45