What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 14:10? But if they say - Jonathan is laying out a very specific condition. By stating, “But if they say,” he shows that he expects God to speak through the ordinary words of the Philistines (1 Samuel 14:9-10). - Scripture often records believers asking God for unmistakable clarity before acting. Compare Gideon’s fleece in Judges 6:36-40 and David’s inquiry in 2 Samuel 5:23-24. - The condition is not doubt-driven but discernment-driven; Jonathan believes God can guide through human speech just as easily as through a prophet. ‘Come on up’ - The Philistines’ invitation would look, humanly speaking, like a challenge to fight on their own high ground—an apparent disadvantage. - God delights in turning apparent disadvantages into victories (Exodus 14:13-16; 1 Corinthians 1:27). - Jonathan’s request focuses on words, not circumstances. He is listening for God’s cue, not reading the terrain. then we will go up - Immediate obedience is assumed. Once the pre-arranged sign occurs, there is no need for further debate. - Obedient action always follows genuine faith (Genesis 22:3; James 2:17). - Jonathan’s “we” includes his armor-bearer, illustrating how faith can inspire others to join in courageous obedience (1 Samuel 14:7). because this will be our sign - Jonathan expects supernatural confirmation in a very natural form. Signs in Scripture often attach to everyday realities: a baby wrapped in cloths (Luke 2:12) or rustling treetops (2 Samuel 5:24). - He is not testing God arrogantly; he is seeking the Lord’s predetermined indicator so that the glory clearly rests with Him (Isaiah 42:8). that the LORD has delivered them into our hands - The victory is declared before the battle begins. Using the perfect tense (“has delivered”) reflects absolute confidence in God’s sovereignty (Judges 7:9; 1 Samuel 17:46). - “The battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15). Jonathan’s words echo this enduring truth. - The phrase underscores a biblical pattern: God grants triumph so His people may acknowledge His power, not their own skill (Psalm 44:3; Romans 8:37). summary 1 Samuel 14:10 shows Jonathan setting a simple, God-directed condition: if the Philistines call him up, he will climb, knowing the LORD has already secured the outcome. The verse illustrates discernment, immediate obedience, and unwavering confidence that victory belongs to God alone. |
    |