1Sam 14:1 Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison, that is on the other side. But he told not his father. 2 And Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree which is in Migron: and the people that were with him were about six hundred men; 3 And Ahiah, the son of Ahitub, I-chabod's brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the LORD's priest in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people knew not that Jonathan was gone. 4 And between the passages, by which Jonathan sought to go over unto the Philistines' garrison, there was a sharp rock on the one side and a sharp rock on the other side: and the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh. 5 The forefront of the one was situate northward over against Michmash, and the other southward over against Gibeah. 6 And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few. 7 And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart. 8 Then said Jonathan, Behold, we will pass over unto these men, and we will discover ourselves unto them. 9 If they say thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up unto them. 10 But if they say thus, Come up unto us; then we will go up: for the LORD hath delivered them into our hand: and this shall be a sign unto us. 11 And both of them discovered themselves unto the garrison of the Philistines: and the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves.
The National state of affairs was very bleak for all of Israel. They were surrounded by the Philistines and heavily outnumbered. Jonathan was already successful in battle; And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear. And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal. Note that Jonathan smote the garrison with a thousand men but Saul is given the credit for the victory. What Jonathan had done was to stir the pot and now Israel was about to face 30,000 chariots and 6,000 soldiers a number like the sands of the beach. Maybe it was jealousy that made Saul so willing to have Jonathan put to death. 1 Sam 13:4, 5And the Philistines gathered themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the sea shore in multitude: and they came up, and pitched in Michmash, eastward from Beth-aven. Israel was concerned and had come to the end of hope. They did not have a prayer of defeating the aggressive Philistines that had chosen to surround them and destroy their present existence. Yet, Jonathan and his armor bearer walked along the edges of the enemys camp and found a place to attack. 1 Sam 14:4And between the passages, by which Jonathan sought to go over unto the Philistines' garrison, there was a sharp rock on the one side and a sharp rock on the other side: and the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh. They had found a passage, a way out by the spirit whereby they might move against the people that sought their demise. This was a path of faith. The two rocks Bozez and Seneh depict what must be done to move in God. Look to the rock of ages, First Bozes means a white rock. We must look to the rock that is pure to move in God. When we know our motives are pure we can be Seneh motivated to move in the spirit toward the goal of victory.
1Sam 14:13 And Jonathan climbed up upon his hands and upon his feet, and his armourbearer after him: and they fell before Jonathan; and his armourbearer slew after him. Like two unexpected animals they crawled up the hill but when they got to the top and rose up on two feet they became men of war. Jonathan was so full of the spirit the enemy fell before his feet. No Philistine could remain standing before Jonathan. Such was the power of God through Jonathan allowing the armourbearer to wield the sword and cut down twenty Philistines. A half acre of land which a yoke of oxen might plow in a day alludes to the fact that the work of man does not compare to a work of God. Jonathan was able in a short time to do what all of Israel couldn't do in a day. What man cant do in day, God can do in seconds. What man can't do in a thousand years God can do in one day. What the church has not been able to do for two thousand years, God can do all the work in one day through anyone who is willing to follow his plan. Not the plan of man. Greater works shall you do because I go to the Father.
The church has resorted to its own programs led by progressives and social justice groups that have been quietly rendering and substituting programs of men rather the power of the Holy Spirit. Saul represents the order of man. 1 Sam 13:7As for Saul, he was yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling.1Sam 14:2 And Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree which is in Migron: and the people that were with him were about six hundred men; 3 And Ahiah, the son of Ahitub, I-chabod's brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the LORD's priest in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people knew not that Jonathan was gone. Saul had a large crowd around him. They were a mega church all trembling sitting around with one sword among 6,000 while the Hell-boys, the Philistines were ready to lift their heads off their shoulders in a few moments. They were under the shade of the pomegranate tree, perhaps they were waiting for the rapture? Israel did not even know that God had departed from them as was represented by I-cabods birth. Ahiah could not hear from God no matter how many ephods he was wearing. They had a form of godliness but without power for they may have been on a hill (Gibeah) under a tree (a high place) but they were spiritually in Migron a place of terror. While Saul was talking to the priest, the tumult in the Philistine camp increased more and more. 1Sam 14:19
There were only two men who delivered Israel that day. Two men in all of Israel filled with the power of God did what an army of 6,000 could not do. If two or more are gathered in my name there I am in their midst. Oh, believers lost in the sea of unbelieving, faith lacking Christians know you can rise up anywhere and defeat this unbelief that has come into the churches these last two decades. To save by many or to save by few is the prerogative of the Lord, blessed is his holy name.
Let's continue to observe the battle. Note the that first slaughter set off a trembling in the Philistines army. Then panic struck the whole army--those in the camp and field, and those in the outposts and raiding parties--and the ground shook. It was a panic sent by God. They found the Philistines in total confusion, striking each other with their swords. saw the army melting away in all directions.
The Philistines were a fierce people and probably looked like Hell-Boys. There name in the Hebrew is a people who roll in the dust. They certainly represent in this story the power of Satan. Though they may not have rolled around in the dust they were certainly a boorish and fierce people. But still they were only dust to the power of God. Dust is serpents food. Gen. 3:14And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:
What a sad state of affair for a newly appointed King. Saul had a nation of trembling men. Most of the Israelites were in caves, had dug holes to hide-in and some had joined with the enemy, Hebrews fighting with the Philistines.1Sam 13:7And some of the Hebrews went over Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. As for Saul, he was yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. There was no faith found in the nation. Only Jonathan contended for the faith and refused to walk in the programs of men. Is there not a sect today that has not put on the armor of the Philistines and chosen to use the wisdom of man for their churches? Like Saul we have Christians today waiting for the rapture in hopes of escaping the battle. Like Saul we have many who hide in the caves and holes of unbelief. And like Saul many lean on the arm of flesh. Sauls army was simply a group who had banded together in unbelief and instead of putting on the armor of God they walked in the programs of men to join with the arm of flesh.
Brothers and sisters, this hour may look bleak but the day of visitation of our God in not far off when we will see many Jonathans break away from the corrupt religious system within and move where God moves them from within. Eph. 4:14
by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; This is an hour of deception; the church is overrun by manmade programs infiltrated by purpose-driven doctrines not embracing the way of the spirit. It is not by mans might but by the power of the spirit says the Lord. Prayer and fasting and waiting on the Lord are the only accepted ways for those who are led by the Spirit, for those who are let of the spirit are the sons of God. And do not marvel if the present religious world tries to kill you like Saul try to kill his own son. It is time for the people to wake up within the present church system and throw out the money changers and Say, "Our house shall be a house of prayer." Luke 19:46 Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves. Why tolerate false doctrines, false methods and unscriptural singing in our congregations? Why tolerate false teachers even if they have titles like Reverend or Pastor? This is none other than Saul trying to kill Jonathan. We must not tolerate this anymore. 1Sam. 14:45And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: as the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not. Do you see who is really in control? It is it the people, the body of Christ in the earth. There are enough elders in every congregation to throw out the money changers and take back the temple.
When God moved in the midst through Jonathan what happen to those who trembled? Who was it that came out of the holes to fight? And what about those who fought with the Philistines?1 Sam 14:21 Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp from the country round about, even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan.1Sam 14:22Likewise all the men of Israel which had hid themselves in mount Ephraim, when they heard that the Philistines fled, even they also followed hard after them in the battle. Once there is a clear sound of the trumpet the people will rally not around a man but to the lord.
Now there was a great battle taking place and Saul gave an edict that cursed any man that should eat before evening: 1Sam 14:24And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food and became weak during the battle. This is going on in many churches today. The people have been forbidden to eat of the word of God. The very honey that would sustain them for this hour and the hours yet to come upon us has been watered down by poor translations and paraphrases of the Bible and by many sermons from self-improvement books and not the word of God. Leaders must learn that if they continue to deny the people food they will eventually turn and ravish what should not be eaten. Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways! I should soon have subdued their enemies, and turned my hand against their adversaries. The haters of the LORD should have submitted themselves unto him: but their time should have endured forever. He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee. Ps. 81:13 P>
The ministries in many of the fundamentalist churches have infiltrated the very foundation of the word of God taking out the honey of the word, the wisdom of God and replaced it with pagan traditions, mans programs and falsehoods. These pastors have crept in unawares in countless congregations all over the world methodically replacing the Word of God with doctrines of devils; pantheism, self-improvement, heresies, manmade sermons, manmade programs, collective salvation, green ideologies, doctrines mixed with Mormonism, Islam and other false religions, etc. These words will not sustain us in the battles of faith we have to face in these days. These false words will not give us the strength to live a Christ-centered life. Already the senses of Christians have been dulled so they cannot discern from good and evil. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.Heb 5:12-14there is great falling away from the foundation of the Lord. Pray that you may escape; See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:Heb. 12:25P>
1 Sam 14:31And they smote the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon: and the people were very faint. 32 And the people flew upon the spoil, and took sheep, and oxen, and calves, and slew them on the ground: and the people did eat them with the blood. 33 Then they told Saul, saying, Behold, the people sin against the LORD, in that they eat with the blood. And he said, Ye have transgressed: roll a great stone unto me this day.
This is one of the saddest and most disturbing portions of scripture recorded. An edict by the king that caused his subjects to sin against God was issued during the heat of the battle. This king is so like those in office today; they have no sense or understanding concerning the things of life. They are unable to lead because they have never led before during hard times. This was Sauls first battle and he was not prepared to lead and he had already missed it with God.1 Sam 13:11And Samuel said, "What have you done?" And Saul said, "When I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered together at Michmash, 12 then I said, 'The Philistines will now come down on me at Gilgal, and I have not made supplication to the LORD.' Therefore I felt compelled, and offered a burnt offering." 13 And Samuel said to Saul, "You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the LORD your God, which He commanded you. For now the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. 14 But now your kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you." 15 Then Samuel arose and went up from Gilgal to Gibeah of Benjamin. And Saul numbered the people present with him, about six hundred men. Saul made a program to keep the people together. A king is only made great if he has a kingdom. This is why he was compelled to offer a burnt offering. Ministries today will do anything to rally the troops behind them and keep their subjects together. This is why there are so many programs in the camps today. It is all about numbers. Note that Saul numbered the people about 600 and later there were 6,000. The number 6 is the number of man and represents mans ability to increase numbers through his own ability. What it doesnt prove is that God was behind or blessing Saul. Numbers will never compare to the blessing of the Lord or attest to the leadership of the Holy Ghost. Yet, in the circles of Christendom this is the only proof man accepts as the underlying truth of the anointing of God. But what about Jonathan who chased away 20 and led Israel to victory? One man of God led by the spirit of God is worth more than 6,000 trembling soldiers or a congregation that doesnt really know the Lord. This is todays SELL OUT-- caring more for appearance than desiring the power of God in our midst. Wood, hay and stubble will only burn in the fire. The days we face will require sons of God and the only thing that will save us is those who are led of God are the Sons of God. Only the men and women who know their God will do exploits.
1 Sam 12: 23 Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way. 24 Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you. 25 But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king."
What must we do as the sons of God right now? The major thing is to pray for the people. The key is when the people rise up and say, No more! When the people see that the victory comes from the Lord then they will rise up out of the sea and declare, God is our God and as the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not
You see there still remains the responsibility on those who have a prophetic mantel to continue to pray and whenever possible to teach the good and the right way. As truly as the Lord lives we shall see the greatness of our God who will deliver us from this bondage of death buried with the present day churches.
Readers may direct questions and comments to: hiswinepress@live.com
return
JONATHIN EXPERIENCE: