Study 17: 1 Samuel 13: 24 , 14: 1-14: Trent Evans

This sermon from 1 Samuel 13:23–14:14 invites listeners into a deeper understanding of how God works through unlikely people in overwhelming circumstances. The focus centers on Jonathan’s courageous initiative to confront a superior Philistine force, armed with only one sword and accompanied by a young, unnamed armor bearer. Through Jonathan’s quiet obedience and bold faith, we’re shown that God is not limited by numbers or strength—His victory can come “by many or by few.” The passage emphasizes that courage often grows in the company of fear and that faithfulness sometimes requires walking thorny, slippery paths with no public affirmation. This study challenges believers to trust God’s leading even when the terrain is harsh and victory seems improbable, reminding us that spiritual bravery is rooted not in our own strength but in God's unfailing power and presence.

Sermon Outline

1. Context of Conflict

Timestamp: 00:56–05:14

Scripture: 1 Samuel 13:1–23

Key Points:

• Jonathan's early attack on a Philistine outpost triggered a massive enemy response (13:3–5).

• Israel was outnumbered and underarmed—only two swords existed: Saul’s and Jonathan’s.

• God's people often face seemingly impossible odds, setting the stage for divine intervention.

2. The Enemy’s Strategy

Timestamp: 08:13–11:42

Scripture: 1 Samuel 13:16–18

Key Points:

• The Philistines surrounded Israel from three sides, attempting to cut them off from help.

• This reflects Satan’s tactic of isolation: separation from support breeds vulnerability.

• Believers must be aware of spiritual strongholds and blockades in their own lives.

3. The Geography of Courage

Timestamp: 11:45–13:09

Scripture: 1 Samuel 13:23–14:1

Key Points:

• Jonathan initiates a bold move to go toward the enemy at Michmash.

• This action occurs through a narrow mountain pass—a symbol of risk and decision.

• Faith steps often occur in transitional or constrained places.

4. The Power of “One Day”

Timestamp: 13:14–15:09

Scripture: 1 Samuel 14:1

Key Points:

• “One day” Jonathan acted—obedience doesn’t always come with warning or ease.

• A single day of obedience can shift the entire story of your life.

• God doesn’t require a crowd—He uses those willing to act.

5. The Young Armor Bearer

Timestamp: 15:09–18:15

Scripture: 1 Samuel 14:1–7

Key Points:

• Though unnamed, the armor bearer models loyalty, courage, and spiritual alignment.

• He was inexperienced, unequipped (no sword), but tethered in purpose.

• Faithful companionship amplifies courage and clarity in obedience.

6. Jonathan’s Bold Faith

Timestamp: 18:32–23:00

Scripture: 1 Samuel 14:1, 6

Key Points:

• Jonathan avoids consulting Saul due to his father’s lack of spiritual resolve.

• Courageous obedience often creates tension with passive leadership.

• Not everyone will support or understand faith steps—walk in obedience anyway.

7. Courage Without Applause

Timestamp: 23:00–27:00

Scripture: 1 Samuel 14:3

Key Points:

• Jonathan acts without the knowledge or support of the 600 men or the king.

• God calls us to live for an audience of One—obedience over visibility.

• True courage is born from conviction, not crowd affirmation.

8. Slippery and Thorny Paths

Timestamp: 29:12–33:29

Scripture: 1 Samuel 14:4–5

Key Points:

• Jonathan climbs between two cliffs named Bozez (slippery) and Seneh (thorny).

• Obedience doesn’t promise ease. Sometimes God's will leads through hardship.

• Growth and breakthrough often occur in terrain that requires endurance.

9. Faith-Fueled Strategy

Timestamp: 40:35–44:50

Scripture: 1 Samuel 14:8–10

Key Points:

• Jonathan offers a fleece to discern God's will: “If they say come up…”

• God honors faith that seeks His guidance and then moves forward with courage.

• Even those with fear can be used mightily when faith overrides hesitation.

10. Victory by Few

Timestamp: 47:46–54:18

Scripture: 1 Samuel 14:11–14; Leviticus 26:8

Key Points:

• Jonathan and his armor bearer defeat 20 Philistines—one sword, two men, half an acre.

• God's power is not diminished by small numbers.

• Referenced Leviticus 26:8: “Five will chase a hundred... your enemies will fall by the sword.”

• Application: Obey God, even when outmatched—He brings the victory.

Scripture References

1 Samuel 13:1–7

Timestamp: 02:13–04:14

Context: Sets the historical stage. Jonathan attacks a Philistine outpost; the Philistines retaliate with a massive force. Israel is vastly outnumbered and under-equipped.

Use: To show the odds against Israel and set up the need for divine courage.

1 Samuel 13:22

Timestamp: 04:14

Context: Only Saul and Jonathan had swords among 600 Israelites.

Use: To emphasize Israel’s material disadvantage, setting the stage for God’s supernatural provision.

1 Samuel 13:23

Timestamp: 07:26

Context: The Philistines take a strategic position at Michmash.

Use: Introduces the looming conflict and tension. A turning point leading into Jonathan’s initiative.

1 Samuel 13:5 & 13:16–18

Timestamp: 08:56–11:24

Context: Describes the overwhelming Philistine army and their strategic deployment to isolate Israel.

Use: Illustrates how the enemy cuts off aid—mirroring how spiritual enemies attempt to isolate believers.

1 Samuel 14:1

Timestamp: 13:09–15:09

Context: Jonathan tells his young armor bearer, “Come, let’s go over…”

Use: Emphasizes that courageous obedience can begin “one day” and turn the tide.

1 Samuel 14:6

Timestamp: 36:45–38:09

Context: “Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.”

Use: Central verse of the sermon. Highlights Jonathan’s faith and trust in God’s sovereignty over numbers.

1 Samuel 14:7

Timestamp: 39:42–40:35

Context: The armor bearer responds, “Do all that you have in mind. I am with you heart and soul.”

Use: Shows the power of unity and shared courage in godly purpose.

1 Samuel 14:8–10

Timestamp: 40:42–42:05

Context: Jonathan’s fleece: if the Philistines say “come up,” it’s a sign from God.

Use: Demonstrates discernment and submission to God’s will even in bold action.

1 Samuel 14:11–12

Timestamp: 45:00–45:43

Context: The Philistines invite them up—signaling God’s approval to engage.

Use: Confirms God’s leading through circumstances; affirms God responds to faith-filled initiative.

1 Samuel 14:13–14

Timestamp: 48:52–51:08

Context: Jonathan climbs using his hands and feet, engages the enemy with his armor bearer, and kills 20 men.

Use: Underscores that obedience involves real, effort-filled action—not passive waiting.

Leviticus 26:8

Timestamp: 52:27–53:47

Quote: “Five of you will chase a hundred, a hundred of you will chase ten thousand…”

Use: Reinforces God’s principle that He multiplies the power of the faithful. Even one sword is enough with God.

Implied Reference – Hebrews 11:6 / Joshua 1:9

Timestamp: 54:18–56:47

Context: Calls to courage and faith in the face of conflict.

Use: Though not cited directly, themes echo these verses—calling listeners to be “brave, courageous, and walk it out” even when facing fear.

Implied Reference – Psalm 23 / Isaiah 43:2

Timestamp: 57:43–1:03:30

Context: God walks with us through slippery and thorny passes; He doesn’t abandon us in our trials.

Use: Offers comfort and assurance of God’s presence during suffering.

Word Study

1. Courage (Hebrew: אָמֵץ – ʾāmats)

• Language: Hebrew (Old Testament)

• Strong’s Number: H553

• Pronunciation: aw-mats’

Definitions

• Simple: To be strong, alert, courageous, brave.

• Extended: To show firmness or boldness in the face of danger or challenge; to strengthen oneself or others with confidence in God.

Synonyms:

• Chazaq (חָזַק, H2388) – to strengthen, make firm

• Gibor (גִּבּוֹר, H1368) – mighty, valiant warrior

Antonyms:

• Yare (יָרֵא, H3372) – to fear, be afraid

Other Key Uses:

• Joshua 1:9 – “Be strong and of a good courage...”

• Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not...”

• Psalm 27:14 – “...He shall strengthen your heart...”

Sermon Connection:

Jonathan’s initiative embodies āmats—a boldness that isn’t born of numbers or advantage but of God-centered trust. The call to “be courageous” is a spiritual posture, not a personality trait, and Jonathan models how courage can move history through faithful obedience

2. Save / Deliver (Hebrew: יָשַׁע – yashaʿ)

• Language: Hebrew (Old Testament)

• Strong’s Number: H3467

• Pronunciation: yaw-shah’

Definitions

• Simple: To deliver, save, rescue.

• Extended: Often used in military or divine contexts, it refers to God intervening to rescue His people or a servant from danger, distress, or destruction.

Synonyms:

• Palat (פָּלַט, H6403) – to escape, be rescued

• Natsal (נָצַל, H5337) – to snatch away, deliver

Antonyms:

• Shamad (שָׁמַד, H8045) – to destroy, annihilate

Other Key Uses:

• Psalm 34:6 – “This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him...”

• Isaiah 33:22 – “...He will save us.”

• 1 Samuel 14:6 – “Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.”

Sermon Connection:

Jonathan's declaration in 1 Samuel 14:6 reflects his theology: yashaʿ is not dependent on human might but divine will. The sermon presses this truth—salvation belongs to God, and even two faithful servants can secure victory when aligned with His will.

3. Faith / Trust (Hebrew: בָּטַח – batach)

• Language: Hebrew (Old Testament)

• Strong’s Number: H982

• Pronunciation: baw-takh’

Definitions

• Simple: To trust, feel safe, be confident.

• Extended: To place one’s full confidence in the reliability, presence, and promises of God—especially in times of uncertainty or fear.

Synonyms:

• Aman (אָמַן, H539) – to believe, to be firm

• Chasah (חָסָה, H2620) – to seek refuge

Antonyms:

• Pachad (פָּחַד, H6342) – to be terrified, dread

Other Key Uses:

• Proverbs 3:5 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart...”

• Psalm 56:3–4 – “When I am afraid, I will trust in you...”

• Isaiah 26:3–4 – “...because he trusts in you.”

Sermon Connection:

The armor bearer’s response—“I am with you heart and soul”—echoes deep batach. This word undergirds the call to follow God even without guarantees, especially in “slippery and thorny” terrain. Trust is shown not in comfort, but in movement through discomfort.

Questions for Deeper Study

1. Where in your life is God calling you to act with courageous faith, even though the odds feel overwhelming?

   Read: 1 Samuel 14:6, Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:9➤ How might God be inviting you to trust Him beyond your resources, experience, or comfort?

   
   

2. What “slippery and thorny” paths are you currently navigating, and how does Scripture encourage you to persevere through them?

   Read: 1 Samuel 14:4–5, Romans 5:3–5, 2 Corinthians 4:17➤ What spiritual growth or breakthrough might be on the other side of your obedience?

   
   

3. Who are the “armor bearers” in your life—or who are you walking beside in spiritual battle?

   Read: Ecclesiastes 4:9–12, Philippians 2:1–4, Galatians 6:2➤ How can you walk in unity, trust, and mutual purpose with those God has placed around you?