King Saul had a son, Jonathan. In 1 Samuel 14, we get a glimpse of his character. While his father sat under a pomegranate tree with his 600 men, Jonathan, with his young armourbearer, went secretly to the Philistine garrison opposite them. In this historical drama, we learn of Jonathan, the son of King Saul, who was a man of vision, action, and results.
A Man of Vision
Jonathan was a man of vision, fuelled by faith. In conversation with his armourbearer, he suggested going over to the Philistine garrison. He knew God could save them, whether there were 1,000 of them or two. Acting on his belief that God could work for them, he set out a plan by which to learn God’s direction in the matter. They would show themselves to the Philistines. If they said, wait and we will come to you, we will stay put, but if they say, “Come on up,” we will know God is delivering them into our hand.
A Man of Action
With the support of one man, his young armourbearer, Jonathan sprung into action. The Philistines saw them and thought the Israelites were coming out of their hiding spots. “Come up to us and let us show you something.” The response told Jonathan God would give them victory. In a territory of about ½ of an acre, they killed twenty men. Great terror fell on the Philistines, so much so that the raiders and the garrison trembled, a trembling that caused the earth to quake.
The Result
The watchmen in Gibeah saw the multitudes were melting away. Therefore, Saul did a roll call and discovered that Jonathan and his armourbearer were missing. Then he asked for the Ark of the Covenant to be brought to him. While he talked to the priest, the noise from the enemy camp increased. Saul and those with him assembled and went to battle. The Hebrews in the Philistine camp came alongside and those hiding in the caves joined them. The news that the Philistines had fled drew them into battle. The LORD saved Israel that day. In this historical drama, we learn of Jonathan, the son of King Saul who was a man of vision, action, and results.