Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Samuel 14:1. It's a really dramatic moment in Samuel’s plan to remove Saul from power and put David in charge. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Saul is King: We know Saul was the king of Israel, and he was facing serious problems – he was being hunted by the enemy (the Philistines). Jonathan Speaks: Jonathan, Saul's son, is present. He’s instructing a young man who has his armor laid out. The Plan: Jonathan wants to move the young man into the Philistine territory – a place that’s far away and difficult for the enemy to reach. He’s essentially telling him to go with him. The Secret: The crucial part is that Jonathan doesn't tell his father, Saul . What it’s about – A Story of Strategy & Deception: This verse tells us about a clever plan Jonathan devised. He knew that Saul was very dangerous and wouldn't let the Philistines easily attack him. To protect himself and David, he decided to deceive Saul into going with them. Here’s the gist of it: Jonathan is using a tactic – a kind of trick – to get Saul to agree to go with him. He’s essentially saying, "Come with me; we'll go to a place where you won't be able to easily fight us." He's setting up a situation where Saul feels obligated to follow him. Why it's important: This action highlights several key themes: Prudence and Planning: Jonathan is very thoughtful and strategic, anticipating potential dangers. Manipulation: He’s using deception to achieve his goal – protecting himself and David. Understanding Human Nature: It shows that he understands Saul’s personality and how he might react to being tricked. In short, this verse describes a moment of calculated maneuvering where Jonathan used trickery to ensure his own safety and the safety of David. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of 1 Samuel? Discuss the significance of this passage in the larger story of the Old Testament?

Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 14:10. It’s a really interesting passage about David and his situation with Saul. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Saul is King of Israel: We know this because we read it in the Bible! Saul was the king of Israel, and he had a very difficult problem – he was being hunted by the Israelites’ army. The Army Attacks: The Israelites were marching towards David's city, Jerusalem. Their leader, Saul, was trying to capture David. What David Does: David, feeling threatened, decides to do something incredibly bold and strategic. He convinces Saul that he wants to leave with the army. The Promise & The Sign: “But if they say thus, Come up unto us; then we will go up…” - David is essentially saying, “If they tell me to come to you, I’ll go.” “…for the LORD hath delivered them into our hand:” – This is a crucial part. David says, "The Lord has saved them." It means he believes God has intervened and protected them from Saul's army. “and this [shall be] a sign unto us.” - David then explains that this situation will demonstrate God’s power and faithfulness to him. He anticipates it will be a powerful demonstration of God’s protection. So, in short: David is using this situation as a test of faith and a way to show his gratitude to God. It's a moment where he acknowledges God's role in protecting him from danger. What does it mean practically? It shows us that David was incredibly resourceful and willing to take risks to protect his people. It highlights the idea that sometimes, we need to trust in God even when things seem scary or uncertain. Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss its significance in a broader context?

Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 14:11. It's a really dramatic moment in a story about David and his enemies! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, David was escaping capture. Let’s unpack it: “And both of them discovered themselves unto the garrison of the Philistines”: This is key. David wasn’t just hiding; he realized he was being watched by the Philistine soldiers stationed nearby. “And the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves.” This is what happened next. The Philistines were expecting David to be hidden and they saw him emerge! They shouted, "Look! The Hebrews are coming out!" So, what does it mean in a nutshell? David was cleverly using a trick – he pretended to turn around and walk away from the fortified area. He essentially vanished into a hole or gap so the Philistines wouldn’t be able to see him. Why is this significant? This story shows David's incredible cunning, his ability to think ahead, and his strategic brilliance. It demonstrates that he wasn't just a skilled warrior; he was also remarkably adaptable. It’s a really important moment in the Bible because it sets the stage for him to eventually defeat Goliath! Does this story have a deeper meaning? Absolutely! It highlights themes of: Deception: David uses a clever trick to avoid capture. Intelligence and Strategy: He anticipates his enemies’ moves. Divine Providence: The story shows that God is involved in events, even when we don't see it. Do you want me to explain anything else about this verse or the story of David and Goliath? For example, I could tell you more about: The context of the story (the battle between the Philistines and the Israelites) What David was trying to accomplish by escaping

Definition: And the men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armourbearer, and said, Come up to us, and we will shew you a thing. And Jonathan said unto his armourbearer, Come up after me: for the LORD hath delivered them into the hand of Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from 1 Samuel 14:12. It’s a really dramatic and exciting moment in the story of David’s time with Saul! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Saul is King: We know this verse comes after Saul, the king of Israel, has been captured by the Philistines. He's been imprisoned and feels very vulnerable. A Group of Soldiers Arrives: A group of soldiers, led by a man named Ben-Oni, arrives at his prison. They’re trying to get him to come with them. They Offer a Deal: The soldiers present David with a proposition: "Come up to us, and we will show you a thing." Basically, they're offering him a chance to escape or to be rescued. David Says Yes: David, who is feeling very desperate and trusting in God, agrees to come with them. What’s Happening – It's about a Miracle! The key part of the verse is: “And Jonathan and his armourbearer, and said, Come up to us, and we will shew you a thing.” This means David, along with his loyal friend Jonathan, are being led up to a special place. The Meaning – It’s about God's Protection: This is where it gets really powerful. The verse describes God actively intervening in the situation. It's saying: God is Protecting David: God has chosen to protect David, and he’s sending his forces to rescue him. The Soldiers are Acting on God’s Command: The soldiers aren’t just offering a deal; they’re doing what God wants them to do . They’re acting as instruments of God's will. In essence, the verse highlights God’s sovereignty and His power over events. It shows that even when we feel vulnerable and are in a difficult situation, God can work miracles and protect those who trust Him. Think of it like this: It's a story about a desperate man trusting in God to deliver him, and God using his people to achieve that goal. --- Would you like me to: Explain another part of the story? Discuss why this passage is significant in the Bible?

Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly dramatic passage from 1 Samuel 14:13. It's a really intense scene! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: King Saul of Israel was facing a terrible threat – his son, Ish-Azaroni, had escaped captivity and is now plotting to overthrow him. Saul is terrified and desperate. He decides to do something incredibly risky - he orders his most trusted soldier, Jonathan, to climb onto his hands and feet, and then his armourbearer to follow. What’s Happening: Jonathan & His Armourbearers: Saul puts them in a position of extreme vulnerability – they're on top of him, with his armor beneath them. The Attack: Ish-Azaroni, seeing this, rushes forward and attacks Jonathan and his armourbearer. They fall down before Saul. Jonathan’s Action: After the initial attack, Jonathan bravely kills the armourbearer. What it's about – A Moral Story: This passage isn’t just about a battle; it's about bravery, faith, and protecting your family. It illustrates a few key ideas: David’s Strength: It shows David’s incredible strength and his willingness to take the most dangerous position to protect his son. Faith & Trust: Jonathan demonstrates unwavering faith in Saul and his protection. Sacrifice: He chooses to sacrifice his own life, putting himself at risk for his family. Important Note: The text implies a moment of intense fear and desperation on Saul’s part. It's a dramatic story meant to illustrate the power of faith and courage in the face of overwhelming danger. Do you want me to: Explain why this passage is significant? Discuss the symbolism behind it (e.g., the image of climbing on top of a king)?

Definition: And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armourbearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were an half acre of land, [which] a yoke [of oxen might plow].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 14:14. It’s a really interesting and dramatic passage about David and his enemies. Here's the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Situation: David is facing a significant threat – his enemy, Ish-bosheth, is trying to trick him into giving up his kingdom. He's ordered his men to kill a group of young men, who are essentially his personal guards and lieutenants. What Happened: Twenty Men: The men tasked with this killing were actually just twenty people total – a small group. Half an Acre: They were given a huge piece of land (about half an acre). Yoke of Oxen: This is the really key part. They were told to use oxen (like animals) to plow this land. The Meaning - It’s About Strategy & Avoiding a Fight: David, instead of fighting these men head-on, decided to trick them into a situation where they would be forced to leave their land. He ordered the oxen to plow the land, effectively making it unusable for them. This was a strategic move – he wasn’t trying to kill them; he was forcing them to surrender and move on. Why is this important? It shows David's intelligence and his ability to think outside the box. He used a clever plan that avoided a direct confrontation, saving him a lot of trouble and potentially preventing a war. In short: This verse describes a seemingly simple act (killing young men) that ultimately led to a brilliant and resourceful solution – David using a land-plowing strategy to outwit his enemies. Do you want me to delve deeper into any aspect of this verse, like its context in the story or what it reveals about David’s character? For example, would you like to know: More about the significance of the oxen? How this relates to a larger theme in the book of Samuel?

Definition: And there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people: the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth quaked: so it was a very great trembling.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 1 Samuel 14:15. It’s a really dramatic moment in the story of David and his battle with Goliath! Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Core Story: Goliath is coming: The story begins when Goliath, a giant warrior, challenges David to a contest of strength. David’s Hesitation: David is initially scared and hesitant to go into battle. He wants to avoid violence. A Miracle Happens: As the battle draws near, God intervenes. A mysterious angel appears, and Goliath falls dead before the army. What's happening in the verse? The verse describes a tremendous reaction within David’s army – it’s not just fear; it’s a complete shaking of their bodies and spirits! It says: “There was trembling…” : This means everyone felt a strong sense of unease, like something was about to break. “…in the host, in the field, and among all the people:” It wasn't just David; it was everyone . The entire army was gripped by fear. “The garrison, and the spoilers…” : This refers to David’s soldiers who were preparing to fight. The "spoilers" are those who were trying to trick Goliath. “…they trembled, and the earth quaked:” This is the key part! The ground itself seemed to be moving – it was shaking violently. It wasn't just a little wobble; it was a powerful earthquake-like movement. What does this mean? It’s interpreted as a sign that God was working behind the scenes, preparing for a massive, unexpected event. The trembling represents a profound shift in their faith and understanding of what's possible - that God is powerful and can overcome anything. It shows they realized their fear wasn’t just about Goliath; it was about the potential for something much bigger than themselves to happen. In short: The verse describes a moment of intense, overwhelming fear and shaking when the army of David felt God's power firsthand. It’s a powerful illustration of God’s intervention and a demonstration of his ability to overcome challenges. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this story? Discuss what this verse might symbolize in general?

Definition: And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down [one another].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from 1 Samuel 14:16. It’s a really interesting story about David and his situation! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Saul, the King of Israel, was having trouble with a man named Goliath. Goliath was a giant warrior who was challenging Saul to a battle. Saul was worried about losing the battle and wanted to get rid of Goliath quickly. What Happened Next: David, Saul’s incredibly loyal and brave second-in-command, had a clever plan. He sent his men to Gibeah (which is a neighborhood near Jerusalem) – a place where people often lived with a strong connection to the divine. He told them to watch for Goliath. What Did David Do? David and his men started beating down Goliath, essentially harassing and trying to force him to come out into battle. It was like they were trying to push him off his mountain! The Result: As David's men relentlessly pursued Goliath, they melted away – meaning they disappeared or left quickly. It seemed like Goliath had vanished because of the pressure from David’s men! What it Means Figuratively (and maybe a little bit about David): This verse is often interpreted as a sign that God was helping David to become stronger and more powerful. It suggests: God's Favor: David was receiving divine favor because of his actions. Divine Protection: God was protecting him from danger, even though he wasn’t directly involved in the battle. Overcoming Challenges: It symbolizes David overcoming a major challenge (Goliath) through his courage and strategic thinking. In short, it's a story about how God helped David rise to become a powerful leader by guiding him towards a good outcome. --- Do you want me to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this verse? For example, would you like to know: Why the biblical scholars debate its exact meaning? How it relates to David's character development?

Definition: Then said Saul unto the people that [were] with him, Number now, and see who is gone from us. And when they had numbered, behold, Jonathan and his armourbearer [were] not [there].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 14:17. It’s a really interesting story about David and his growing ambition. Here's the explanation in simple terms: Basically, David was worried that someone was leaving his army. Here's what's happening: Saul is speaking to the people: Saul is the King of Israel and he’s addressing the people who are with him. He asks them to count: He wants to know how many people are still in the army. “And when they had numbered, behold, Jonathan and his armourbearer were not there.” This is the key part. Saul says, "When we counted… Jonathan and his armourbearer were not there ." What does this mean? It means that David noticed that Jonathan, a trusted member of his army, had left. Saul was concerned that if he wasn't with them, the army might be vulnerable to attack. Why is this important? This story shows: David’s growing ambition: It highlights how quickly David became ambitious and started to think about his own power and position. The importance of loyalty: It demonstrates that even though David wanted to be powerful, he needed to respect the loyalty of those around him. In short, it's a story about a king worrying about his army's safety and realizing that someone wasn’t there. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage?

Definition: And Saul said unto Ahiah, Bring hither the ark of God. For the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 14:18. It’s a really dramatic and pivotal moment in Samuel's plan to deal with King Ahiah. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Saul is telling Ahiah to bring back the Ark of God. Let's unpack that: “And Saul said unto…” : This tells us we’re talking about Samuel, a leader in Israel, and he’s giving a command. “…Bring hither the ark of God.” : The Ark is a really important religious object – it was believed to be the dwelling place of God and held sacred. “Bring hither” means bring it here . “For the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel.” : This is the key part. The Ark was already in Israel, with the people – meaning it was with them! What's happening? Saul, feeling threatened by the prophet Samuel, decides to trick Ahiah into bringing the Ark back to Egypt. He’s essentially trying to get rid of the threat and the potential for a rebellion. It’s a risky move because it means returning the Ark to a place that might be considered unclean or dangerous. Why is this important? This verse sets up a huge conflict! It's a significant moment in the story because: It shows Saul's ambition and his desire for power. He’s willing to do anything to get rid of a potential problem. It foreshadows the events of the book of 1 Samuel. The story continues with the Ark being hidden, and eventually, it will be taken into Egypt. In short, this verse describes a moment where Saul tries to remove a threat by sending Ahiah back to Egypt, setting the stage for a bigger conflict in the Bible. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage?