15: Jonathan’s courageous faith vs Hesitant Saul ( 1Samuel 14:1 – 23)

While Saul passively sat under a tree, observing the troops' movements, Jonathan boldly trusted the Lord and attacked the Philistine outpost.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Read 1Samuel 14:1 - 23


Q1. While Saul was sitting under a (                    ), (              ) attacked a Philistine garrison without letting his father (             ). Saul had Ahijah carrying an (              ) for the purpose of divination.

While Saul was sitting under a ( pomegranate tree  ), ( Jonathan  ) attacked a Philistine garrison without letting his father ( know ). Saul had Ahijah carrying an ( ephod  ) for the purpose of divination.

Why didn’t Jonathan report this attack to Saul? Likely because Saul had no intention of provoking a battle. Even when the Philistines began raiding Israelite towns (13:15–18), Saul took no action. The Bible simply states that he was sitting under a tree. However, Jonathan had attacked the Philistine outpost, stirring up the Philistine army (13:3), and here again, tries to attack the Philistine outpost.



Q2. Jonathan said, “Come on, let’s go over to the garrison of these (                        ) men. Perhaps (             ) will intervene for us. (              ) can prevent the Lord from delivering, whether by (            ) or by (                ).” 

Jonathan said, “Come on, let’s go over to the garrison of these ( uncirmcumcised ) men. Perhaps ( the Lord  ) will intervene for us. ( Nothing  ) can prevent the Lord from delivering, whether by ( many ) or by (  a few  ).”

Jonathan was troubled that the Philistines had taken control of the Lord's inheritance. His unwavering trust in God's power contrasts with Saul’s dependence on the size of his army. While Jonathan acted in faith, Saul panicked when his soldiers scattered and resorted to offering a sacrifice.



Q3. Jonathan trusted in (                ) and climbed up a cliff called (               ) to a Philistine garrison post. He and his companion killed (       ) in ½ acre region. Then the Lord's (             ) overwhelmed the Philistines.

Jonathan trusted in ( the Lord ) and climbed up a cliff called ( Bozez ) to a Philistine garrison post. He and his companion killed ( 20 ) in ½ acre region. Then the Lord's ( fear ) overwhelmed the Philistines.




Q4. Why do you think Saul has asked Abijah to draw his hands?

His seeking God was for the victory. As long as the victory was within his grasp. Instead of seeking God's direction, he rushed to attack, believing speed was all he needed to secure success.


Q5. The following explains how 600 men could defeat the army of 3000 chariots and 6000 horsemen. Find supporting verses

- Jonatha's courage and trust in God (verses       )

- Hebrew soldiers in the Philistine army switched back. (verse       )

- Hidden soldiers came out and fought. (verse       )

- Lord delivered them. (verses       )


- Jonatha's courage and trust in God (verses 6 & 12  )

- Hebrew soldiers in the Philistine army switched back. (verse 21 )

- Hidden soldiers came out and fought. (verse 22 )

- Lord delivered them. (verses 15 & 23  )



In 1 Samuel 13, Saul would have seen a great victory if he had trusted God and attacked the Philistines instead of disobeying by offering the sacrifice. God did not require a sacrifice to help him—Saul simply failed to know the Lord. Instead, he treated God as a tool for divination.

Jonathan, on the other hand, exemplified a faithful leader. He took the initiative to defend the inheritance of God’s people, relying on God's power rather than the size of his army.


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