1 Samuel 14:1
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. 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.
On his own initiative Jonathan proposed to his armor-bearer that they cross over to attack the Philistine garrison on the other side, without telling his father Saul. This was after Saul had been set aside because of his sin in his presumptuous offering, so that the Lord would not give Saul the honor of commanding Israel in battle, and Jonathan instead was chosen to begin Israel's deliverance. Jonathan was a righteous man of integrity who put the Lord first, and the Lord moved on his heart and prompted his plan.
In faith he believed God was able to work for them and to save and deliver Israel by few as well as by many. He acted in dependence on God alone rather than on human strength, military advantage, or his own courage and strength. He did not rush up presumptuously but sought and asked counsel of God, then moved forward with a fearless heart trusting in Him alone.
God protected the two men and shielded them from death, sending angels to protect them and to fight by Jonathan's side so that Philistines fell around him. Through these two men the Lord threw the Philistine host into fear and confusion and accomplished the subduing of the Philistines to deliver Israel. The victory magnified His own name alone and brought glory to God rather than credit to Israel's righteousness, valor or wisdom. In this He kept the heathen army from triumphing over His people and exalting itself against God.
Great fear seized the Philistine host in field and garrison and terrified the spoilers, and the earth trembled as though a great multitude with horsemen and chariots was ready for battle. So Jonathan, his armor-bearer and even the Philistines knew the Lord was working for the Hebrews' deliverance. The perplexed Philistines slaughtered their own armies, and when Saul and Israel perceived that God was fighting for them, those who had fled and hidden and those who had joined the Philistines united with Saul and Jonathan in pursuit. Thus the Lord wrought deliverance for Israel for His own name's glory.