# 1 Samuel Chapter 14 (Part 1) --- ## Summary Jonathan, son of Saul, leaves the Israelite camp to attack the Philistine garrison. They climb rocky ground to access the Philistines who mistake them for a much larger force. Jonathan places his life, and that of his amour bearer, in the hands of the Lord. Recognising that victory comes from the Lord. The armour bearer follows and between Jonathan and the armour bearer they kill 20 men. There is a great panic in the camp which is exacerbated by an earthquake seemingly from the Lord. Saul and his men observe that the Philistine multitude is dispersing and are confused seeking to identify who has left the Israelite camp, to clarify who is missing. It is recognised Jonathan is missing and the disruption in the Philistine camp increases until Saul and the Israelites fight and win a victory being saved that day by the Lord. ## Meditatio `Now while Saul was talking to the priest, the tumult in the camp of the Philistines increased more and more. So Saul said to the priest, “Withdraw your hand.” ` (v9). This verse really struck me in the sense that it's an odd thing to say. Saul has called for the Ark of the covenant that goes with the people to be brought forward so why withdraw his hand? We know that no-one is permitted to touch the Ark so *presumably* the priest is not touching the Ark. What then is this guy doing with his hands? One suggestions has been that this relates to the Priests attempts to utilise the Urim and Thummin as a means to enquire of God[^1]. These being two stones either affixed to the breastplate of judgement that the high priest wore or kept in a pouch over the priests heart. Now I have been a believer for 25+ years and have *never* heard of the Urim and Thummin which has me somewhat confused. I am pleasantly surprised to discover these were stones. Apparently sacred objects utilised by the high priest in ancient Israel to seek divine guidance on matters of particular importance. The exact manner in which they functioned is not described in detail in the Bible, leaving much of their nature and use to speculation. Introduced in [Exodus 28:30](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+28%3A30&version=ESV) the Urim and Thummin rest over the heart of the high priest on the breast piece. They were intended to be the means by which the high priest would enquire of God specific answers; In some way then a form of divination. Some have speculated that when facing the Ark words or lights would appear, but it is not known how they functioned. I mention this as it would seem to make sense why Saul would then call for the Ark. Given the absence of any clear indication how these stones work there has been much speculation. Some believe Urim and Thummin translates to "Light and Truth", other "Yes" and "No", others "Guilty" and "Innocent". Frankly wherever I looked for information about this I found a different answer suggesting our current knowledge is presently wanting on this topic. Why might this be relevant? We begin to see how Jonathan is not like his father. Firstly Saul began from a place of fear, offering a Sacrifice on his own terms to the Lord out of desperation. Jonathan on the other hand begins from a place of trust, voluntarily committing his life into a desperate situation for the Lord. Secondly Saul despite observing the Israelites advantage seeks confirmation from the Lord before acting. Using all the methods at his disposal and only acting when he see's things have turned in his favour. Jonathan however acts before he has divine confirmation trusting the Lord will preserve him and grant victory. So is the object lesson here to act irrationally before we have all the information at our disposal? I don't believe so. This is a nuanced point. Jonathan is being juxtaposed with his father demonstrating the contrast between those that believe and those that do not. We should not forget Saul appears to be a fearful person; was he not found hiding in the baggage? He evidently has been pretty measured in his approach, whereas Jonathan has trusted in the Lord. Considered allegorically we might consider that God is still able to draw victory out of our greatest failures. Saul has fathered in Jonathan a devotion to the Lord that he himself was unable to master, and that even David (a man after the Lords own heart) was unable to instil in his own children. The Lord can turn even a dishonoured King into a proud father. [^1]: See [this commentary](https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/1-samuel-14/), and the wonderful world of [Wiki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urim_and_Thummim).