Jonathan was acting independently of his father. Saul was on the outskirts of Gibeah, and had a priest, Abijah, with him.
Jonathan went on his escapade with his armour-bearer. He was acting in faith, so his armour-bearer was committed to him. When we truly act in faith (not made up pretend faith) people will recognise something of God in us. There will be those who oppose us, but also those who will support us.
Jonathan looked for a sign that God wanted him to attack and duly received the sign. So he killed twenty Philistines.
The Philistine army was then thrown into panic by the Lord and started to melt away. When we take small actions in faith the Lord Himself will turn these into bigger actions, but we need to take the steps of faith. Our steps of faith are essential, but they are only the start.
Saul and his army saw what was happening and joined in the battle.
Now Saul made an oath cursing anyone who ate food before evening. Jonathan had not heard this command, and so quite innocently are honey. The oath caused the people to be weary. When told of his father's oath, Jonathan had contempt for his father.
The men who attacked the Philistines ate sheep with blood still in the meat, directly against the law. So we see here an instance where a "pious"sounding command has caused nothing but trouble, and may even have led the people to sin against the law. We need to be careful about making "extra" commands.
Saul was about to admonish Jonathan for eating honey, but the people stopped him. Saul is not acting as a wise or spiritual man. However, he still achieved a number of victories.
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