Description

Jonathon’s Courage

Before David faced Goliath, there was another hero who faced down the Philistines. His name was Jonathon. The trumpet sounded throughout all Israel. The Philistines were angry and gathered for war against Israel. They were huge in number. When the men of Israel saw what a tough spot they were in, they ran and hid themselves in “caves, and in thickets, in rocks…, and in pits;” some even left the country. It was a time of national panic. Those who remained with Saul the King, only 600, trembled with fear. Fear is defined as a feeling of anxiety, concern, or dread that makes us want to avoid or run from a problem.

Seeing all this, Jonathon, the King’s son, came up with a bold plan. Telling no one, he and his armor-bearer quietly slipped out of camp and climbed a pass overlooking the Philistine garrison.

Jonathon said as he looked down on them, “Let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised (that means not of the covenant); it may be that the Lord will work for us; for it is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few.”

His armor-bearer said in reply, “Behold I am with thee.”

Courage is defined as a quality of heart that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, or pain. Often it is to act in accordance with one’s convictions despite opposition. They made themselves known to the Philistines who then said something like this, “Oh look, the Hebrews have crawled out of their holes. Come here, boy and we will show you a thing or two.”

Jonathon waded into the Philistines with the fury of faith—his armor-bearer right behind him, and the Philistines fell. Against the odds they slew twenty men scattered over a half-acre of ground.

Strength is defined as showing forth great power, vigor, and force of will against the opposition. It is to show oneself able.

The courage of the Philistines turned to dismay. It melted into panic and they began to run. Saul rallied his 600 and gave chase, slaughtering as they went. Even Israel’s deserters saw the rout and came back to join in. That day, “the Lord saved Israel.’

When the Lord said to Joshua, “be strong and of a good courage. Be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed,” this is what he meant. Courage and strength come of faith, and in no other way. Faith is the moving cause of all action. Thank the Lord there are those with the morals and faith of Jonathon among us still.

Sources:

1 Samuel 13:3
1 Samuel 13:5
1 Samuel 13:6
1 Samuel 14:6

1 Samuel 14:7
1 Samuel 14:14
1 Samuel 14:23
Joshua 1:9