IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JONATHAN -Loyal Son and Brave Soldier

To  understand why Jonathan charged against that outpost, we need to look at his background.  Jonathan was the eldest son of Saul, the first king of Israel.  When Saul was anointed as king, Jonathan was already a man, perhaps 20 years of age or even older.  It seems that Jonathan maintained a close bond with his father, who would often confide in his son. In those early days, Jonathan knew his father not only as a tall, handsome man  and courageous warrior but also as something much more important-a man of faith and humility.  Jonathan could see why Jehovah chose Saul to be king.  Even the prophet Samuel said that there was no one like Saul in the land! - 1 SAMUEL 9:1, 2, 21; 10:20-24; 20:2.

Jonathan must have felt honored to fight under his father's command against the enemies  of Jehovah's people.  Those wars were not like the nationalistic clashes of today.  Back then, Jehovah chose the nation of Israel to represent him, and it was under constant attack by nations that worshipped  false gods.  The Philistines, corrupted by the worship of such gods as Dagon, often tried to oppress or even destroy Jehovah's people.

For men like Jonathan, then fighting was a matter of loyal service to Jehovah God.  And Jehovah blessed Jonathan's efforts.  Soon after Saul became king, he appointed his son to command 1,000 soldiers, and Jonathan led them to attack a Philistine garrison at Geba. Poorly armed though his men were, with Jehovah's help Jonathan won the day.  In response however, the Philistines amassed a huge force.  Many of Saul's soldiers were terrified.  Some ran and hid, and few even switched sides!  But Jonathan's courage  never faded. - 1 SAMUEL 13:2-7; 14:21.

On the day described at the outset, Jonathan decided to slip away with only his armor-bearer  at his side.  As they approached the Philistine outpost at Michmash, Jonathan revealed his plan to his armor-bearer.  They would show themselves plainly to the Philistine soldiers up there.  If the Philistines  challenged the two men to come up against them, this would be a sign that Jehovah would help his servants.  The armor-bearer  readily agreed, perhaps moved by Jonathan's powerful words:  "Nothing can hinder Jehovah from saving by man or my few." (1 Samuel 1:6-10)  What did he mean? 

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JONATHAN- Conclusion of Loyal Son and Brave Soldier

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