MPV Commentary

Jonathan Miraculously Smites the Philistines' Garrison.

The Philistine garrison was stationed at Michmash, in a strategic location that controlled access to the region (1Sa 13:23). This fortified camp was situated near the passage of Michmash, where the road breaks through a ridge and forms steep walls on either side. The terrain made it an ideal location for a military outpost.

Saul, however, remained at the far end of Gibeah, entrenched with Samuel and Ahiah the high priest on one of the conical hills in the Benjamite territory (1Sa 13:16). This hill was called Migron, which means "a precipice."

Jonathan wanted to infiltrate the Philistine garrison, a distance of about three miles between two jagged points. The terrain presented a challenge, with sharp rocks on both sides - Bozez ("shining") and Seneh ("the thorn"). These were the only such rocks in the area, and Jonathan's armorbearer accompanied him as they made their daring approach up the steep rocky sides of this isolated eminence.

Jonathan's motivation was not driven by a doubt about God's involvement but rather an acknowledgment that success depended on divine intervention (1Sa 14:6). He believed that if God were to work in their favor, they would be successful. This expression signified that Jonathan recognized the limitations of human power and expected success from God alone.

Jonathan proposed a plan where he and his armorbearer would approach the Philistine garrison under the guise of deserters (1Sa 14:9-10). If the sentries asked them to come up, they would comply. This was not a reckless decision but rather one guided by faith in God's will. Jonathan had received a sign or token from God that indicated their success.

The sentries, assuming these two men were Israelite deserters, did not attempt to stop them (1Sa 14:11). As a result, Jonathan and his armorbearer made the first strike, killing about twenty men within an area of approximately half an acre. This was a significant achievement, considering the terrain and the enemy's numbers.

The success of this adventure was aided by a panic that struck the Philistines, likely caused by a sudden surprise and an earthquake (1Sa 14:15). The feat was accomplished through Jonathan's faith, and God was behind their victory. The watchmen on Saul's side saw the wild disorder in the enemy camp and heard the noise of dismay from the heights of Gibeah.

Saul then ordered his people to count those who were missing, thinking that perhaps one of his own men had been involved (1Sa 14:17-19). He also asked Ahiah to bring the ark of God, which was not present at this time. Instead, Saul requested the ephod, a priestly cape worn by Ahiah when consulting the oracle.

Saul then instructed the priest to withdraw his hand, indicating that the opportunity for consultation had passed (1Sa 14:19). The season for seeking guidance from God was over; it was now time for action. With this, Saul and all the people rushed into the pursuit, which became a hot and bloody battle.

The Lord saved Israel on that day, and the battle shifted to Beth-aven (1Sa 14:23), passing through the forest and then over to the other side of Michmash. The Philistines were eventually driven out of the land of Israel, and Saul's army had successful incursions against their neighbors.

However, Saul's impulsive decision to swear an oath that no one would eat until evening led to a series of problems (1Sa 14:24). The people became faint and famished, leading them to devour the cattle they had taken raw, defiling themselves by eating blood or living animals. To rectify this situation, Saul ordered a stone to be rolled, and those who slaughtered the oxen were instructed to cut their throats on that stone.

Later, when Saul discovered that Jonathan had eaten honey from the forest without his knowledge (1Sa 14:45), he was about to put him to death in accordance with his vow. However, the people intervened, preventing the king's rash decision and saving Jonathan's life.

Saul then went on to fight against all his enemies on every side, achieving a significant triumph over the Philistines (1Sa 14:47-48). This victory was followed by successful incursions against various hostile neighbors whom Saul harassed but did not subdue.