Philistines

14:1 he did not tell his father Indicates that this is a covert operation. Saul, who is characterized by fear and doubt, probably would have vetoed a surprise attack.

14:2 pomegranate tree The Hebrew word used here, rimmon, which means pomegranate, could be a place name (e.g., Josh 19:7; Num 33:19) or an obscure reference to a pomegranate tree.

14:3 the brother of Ichabod See 1 Sam 4:19–22.

was carrying an ephod See note on v. 18.

14:6 these uncircumcised This derogatory term highlights that the Philistines were excluded from God’s covenant with Israel.

there is no hindrance for Yahweh to save In contrast to his father, Jonathan provides a model of great faith.

14:8 we will show ourselves to them Eliminates the element of surprise.

14:10 Yahweh has given them into our hand If the Philistines call them up to the garrison, Jonathan will take it as a sign of Yahweh’s support.

14:11 The Hebrews are coming out from the holes A taunt reflecting the Israelites’ tendency to hide in fear (13:6).

14:12 into the hand of Israel Jonathan does not claim the victory for himself; he notes that it will benefit the nation.

14:13 They fell before Jonathan Jonathan probably attacked the garrison and wounded them, and his armor bearer stabbed them to ensure that they died. Alternatively, Jonathan may have killed the soldiers coming at him head on, while his armor bearer killed those who attacked from behind.

14:14 twenty men A sure sign of God’s blessing: Two Israelites killed about 20 Philistines (compare 9:16).

14:15 there was terror in the camp The Philistines likely believed their gods had left the fight or that the Israelite God was stronger.

14:18 Bring near the ark of God The Septuagint, an ancient Greek translation of the ot, has the word “ephod” in place of “ark”; this probably represents the original wording. The high priest wore the ephod (vv. 3; Exod 28:4). Mentions of the ephod in 1 Samuel likely indicate the presence of the Urim and Thummim, which were used to discern God’s will (1 Sam 23:6, 9–12; 30:7–8; see Exod 28:30 and note).

14:19 Withdraw your hand Saul tells the priest to stop inquiring of God with regard to the battle. By interrupting the effort to seek God’s counsel, Saul reveals that he is not fit to lead God’s people.

14:21 all around, even they joined the Israelites Previously, some Israelites had joined with the Philistines. Now, they turn and fight against them. Compare 1 Sam 29:1–7.

14:24 were hard pressed on that day A result of Saul’s rash vow (see note on 13:1–7).

Cursed be the man who eats any food Saul’s vow effectively debilitates his own forces. The extreme physical exertion of battle requires that the soldiers eat to stay energized.

until evening They could eat again in the evening.

I will have avenged myself on my enemies Saul sees the Philistine war as a personal vendetta rather than a holy war.

14:25 there was honey on the surface of the ground The sugar in honey would have provided instant energy (see v. 27).

14:29 has brought trouble on Possibly an allusion to the Achan incident in Josh 7:17–26. Joshua uses the same Hebrew term to describe the sin of Achan (Josh 7:25), who sinned in a time of war and was punished with death (Josh 7).

14:30 the loss among the Philistines If the Israelite forces could have eaten, they probably could have killed more Philistines. However, they ran out of energy.

14:32 ate them all with the blood This was a violation of the law (Gen 9:4; Lev 7:26–27; Deut 12:23–24). Israelites were to elevate the animals they killed so that the blood would drain out.

14:33 a large stone Used to elevate the animals and drain the blood.

14:37 Saul inquired of God By means of the ephod. See note on 1 Sam 14:18.

14:38 so that we find out Saul demands to know whose sin has caused God to remain silent.

14:39 that even if it is in Jonathan Another rash vow (compare v. 24). Saul will kill the sinner even if it turns out to be his son.

14:43 Here I am, I must die Jonathan recognizes that Saul’s oath was made before God. In his piety, he agrees to suffer the consequences of his actions.

14:44 you will certainly die today, Jonathan Saul condemns his own son to death.

14:45 he has worked with God The people save Jonathan by crediting him with carrying out God’s will, leading to victory for Israel.

the army ransomed Jonathan They ransom him from his own father.

14:47 He inflicted punishment Reflects Saul’s divinely appointed mission (9:16; 10:1).

14:49 Ishvi This son of Saul is mentioned only here. It is possible that he is the same person as the later Ish-Bosheth (who is also called Eshbaal). See 2 Sam 2:8 and note.

14:50 Abner The only official named here is Abner, perhaps because he will play a significant role in the later narrative.

14:52 he conscripted him into his service Recalls Samuel’s warning about an earthly king (1 Sam 8:11–12).