Bible Strands
1 Samuel 14:1
One day Jonathan son of Saul said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.” But Jonathan did not tell his father.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jonathan son of Saul addresses his armor-bearer, proposing they cross to the Philistine outpost opposite them. He makes this move without informing his father, Saul, who is stationed at Migron with six hundred troops.
The words — The Hebrew phrase הַ/יּ֗וֹם (ha/yom) literally means "the day," marking a specific, unrecorded moment. The verb וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר (va/i.Yo.mer) translates as "and he said," introducing Jonathan's direct command to his attendant.
The thread — This pattern of unilateral action without parental notification parallels Gideon's secret preparation in Judges 6:27. It also echoes the Spirit-empowered initiative seen in Judges 14:6, contrasting with Saul's earlier military reorganization in 1 Samuel 13:2.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that decisive action often requires bypassing established authority when it hinders obedience. It asks the reader to examine where personal initiative or secret rebellion might be masking spiritual conviction.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Judges 6:27 So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the LORD had told him. But because he was too afraid of his father’s household and the men of the city, he did it by night rather than in the daytime.
- Judges 14:6 and the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him, and he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as one would tear a young goat. But he did not tell his father or mother what he had done.
- 1 Samuel 13:2 He chose for himself three thousand men of Israel: Two thousand were with Saul at Michmash and in the hill country of Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin. And the rest of the troops he sent away, each to his own home.
- 1 Samuel 13:22 So on the day of battle not a sword or spear could be found in the hands of the troops with Saul and Jonathan; only Saul and his son Jonathan had weapons.
- 1 Samuel 14:39 As surely as the LORD who saves Israel lives, even if it is my son Jonathan, he must die!” But not one of the troops said a word.
- 1 Samuel 18:1 After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself.
- 1 Samuel 25:19 and said to her young men, “Go ahead of me. I will be right behind you.” But she did not tell her husband Nabal.
- 2 Samuel 1:4 “What was the outcome?” David asked. “Please tell me.” “The troops fled from the battle,” he replied. “Many of them fell and died. And Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead.”
- 2 Samuel 1:25 How the mighty have fallen in the thick of battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights.
- Micah 7:5 Do not rely on a friend; do not trust in a companion. Seal the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms.