14:131 Samuel 14:13

The verse shows Jonathan climbing a steep, difficult cliff on his hands and upon his feet to reach the Philistine garrison and camp, with his armor-bearer climbing after him.Lt 16, 1897, par. 37–48+3 The surprised Philistine sentries fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer coming behind him struck them down and killed them.Lt 16, 1897, par. 37–48+3

The climb and attack were not human rashness or presumption but an act of faith, undertaken after prayer and seeking counsel of God and waiting for the agreed sign.Lt 16, 1897, par. 37–48+2 When the Philistines' response confirmed the sign they had sought, Jonathan moved forward with a fearless heart trusting in God's power alone to save.Lt 16, 1897, par. 37–48+2 He believed and trusted that the Lord was able to work and save and deliver Israel by many or by few, through only a few men and a small number of faithful people.Lt 16, 1897, par. 37–48+4

God gave the honor of defeating the Philistines in this action not to Saul because of his presumptuous offering, but to Jonathan and his armor-bearer, so that His own name alone would be magnified.SG4 70.1–71.1 God used the two men to begin and effect Israel's deliverance and the subduing of the Philistines, aiding them by the heavenly host.Lt 16, 1897, par. 37–48+2 He sent angels to protect and shield Jonathan and his armor-bearer from death, and angels fought by Jonathan's side so the Philistines fell all around him.1SP 358.2–359.2+1

Jonathan and his armor-bearer and even the Philistine host knew from this combat that the Lord was working for the deliverance of the Hebrews.SG4 70.1–71.1 The Lord wrought deliverance for Israel for His own name's glory, lest the heathen army triumph over His people and exalt themselves against God.SG4 70.1–71.1 When it was seen that God was fighting for Israel, those Israelites who had hidden themselves and those who had joined the Philistines united with Saul and Jonathan to pursue the enemy.SG4 70.1–71.1