Prepare: Too often we are quick to seek God's forgiveness for ourselves but slow to grant forgiveness to others.
Read: 1 Samuel 14:16-30
Five things happened to the Philistines, when the Lord was at work. 1. They trembled 2. melted away 3. beat one another down 4. tumult in the camp and 5. a great confusion. It must be the result of something supernatural when sane, normal men of a common cause begin destroying one another.
In verse 21, the word Hebrews is used to distinguish the Israelites from the Philistines among whom they lived. It implies that many Israelites joined the Philistines against their brethren in order to escape death. But now, since God was giving His people deliverance, they rejoined their brethren. Like many today, they wished to go along with the victors and the majority, then change again when it was convenient.
Saul had pronounced a curse upon anyone who would eat that day before evening. This was a great hindrance to his own purpose, for had the people eaten freely, they could have fought better and there would have been a great slaughter among the Philistines. Saul tried to impress people with an oat, but Jonathan did what was necessary to fight the battle. Saul weekend the army; Jonathan strengthened the army and led it to new victories. Saul's lack of judgement and concern for the soldiers, was revealed by his oath and the whole army was in distress.
It was a wonderful day and had there ever been any day like that in all history a day when two men routed the whole army of one of the world's great powers.
Respond: Father help us stay committed when the going gets tough.
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