14:1
The battle against the Philistines (and others) now begins with Israel gaining victory. Some of these are down to Saul, but Saul’s many weaknesses and failings are brought to the fore again. Contrary to this, Jonathan is presented in a very favourable light. Indeed, it is Jonathan’s initiative that marks the turning point in Israel’s battles. It is interesting that so many sons of faithful men (like Samuel, and even David) turned out bad, but the son of an unfaithful man, Saul, turns out good. Jonathan is acting without his father’s knowledge, working together with his armour- bearer.
14:2,3
While Jonathan was starting to take action, Saul is pictured as doing not very much at all. He is under a pomegranate tree, which gives a lot of shade, with his “army” and Ahijah the priest. Ahijah descended from Eli. They were totally unaware of Jonathan’s departure.
No comments:
Post a Comment