1 Samuel 14:12

_AND THE MEN OF THE GARRISON ANSWERED JONATHAN AND HIS ARMOURBEARER, AND SAID, COME UP TO US, AND WE WILL SHEW YOU A THING. AND JONATHAN SAID UNTO HIS ARMOURBEARER, COME UP AFTER ME: FOR THE LORD HATH DELIVERED THEM INTO THE HAND OF ISRAEL._ NO JFB COMMENTARY ON THIS VERSE....

1-15 Saul seems to have been quite at a loss, and unable to help himself. Those can never think themselves safe who see themselves out of God's protection. Now he sent for a priest and the ark. He hopes to make up matters with the Almighty by a partial reformation, as many do whose hearts are unhumbled and unchanged. Many love to have ministers who prophesy smooth things to them. Jonathan felt a Divine impulse and impression, putting him upon this bold adventure. God will direct the steps of those that acknowledge him in all their ways, and seek to him for direction, with full purpose of heart to follow his guidance. Sometimes we find most comfort in that which is least our own doing, and into which we have been led by the unexpected but well-observed turns of Divine providence. There was trembling in the host. It is called a trembling of God, signifying, not only a great trembling they...

Verse 1 Samuel 14:12. _COME UP TO US, AND WE WILL SHOW YOU A THING._] This was the favourable sign which Jonathan had requested. The Philistines seem to have meant, Come, and we will show you how well fortified we are, and how able to quell all the attacks of your countrymen....

WE WILL SHOW YOU A THING - Said mockingly....

EXPOSITION JONATHAN SMITES THE PHILISTINE GAR-BISON (1 Samuel 14:1). 1 SAMUEL 14:1 NOW IT CAME TO PASS UPON A DAY. Literally, "And there was a day, and Jonathan," etc.; or, as we should say, And it happened one day that Jonathan. The phrase means that Jonathan's brave feat took place not many days after the garrison had occupied the cliff, probably only two or three, but without definitely stating how many. HE TOLD NOT HIS FATHER. Not only because Saul would have forbidden so rash an enterprise, but because secrecy was essential to any chance of success: probably too the purpose came upon him as an inspiration from above....

AND THE MEN OF THE GARRISON ANSWERED JONATHAN AND HIS ARMOURBEARER,.... The guards that were set to watch the garrison, who descrying them, called to them, and said: COME UP TO US, AND WE WILL SHOW YOU A THING; we have something to say to you, a pretty thing to show you, when you shall pay dear for your boldness and impudence, in daring to come so near; not imagining that they could come, or would dare to attempt to come any further: AND JONATHAN SAID UNTO HIS ARMOURBEARER, COME UP AFTER ME; follow me, and never fear but we will find a way to come up to them, however difficult it may be: FOR THE LORD HATH DELIVERED THEM INTO THE HAND OF ISRAEL; he knew by their language that God had given them a spirit of fear, that they durst not come out of their hold, and come down to them; and that he had cast them into a spirit of security and vain confidence, that they could never come at them,...

7. JONATHAN'S HEROIC DEED OF FAITH CHAPTER 14 _ 1. Jonathan's victory (1 Samuel 14:1)_ 2. Saul's adjuration and Jonathan's deed (1 Samuel 14:24) 3. Saul's first altar and unanswered inquiry (1 Samuel 14:33) 4. Jonathan condemned and saved (1 Samuel 14:38) 5. Saul's battle and success (1 Samuel 14:46) 6. Saul's family (1 Samuel 14:49) Jonathan, one of the most beautiful characters

1 SAMUEL 13:23 TO 1 SAMUEL 14:15. The ancient narrative, continuing 1 Samuel 13:18. Saul was at Geba (see on 1 Samuel 13:2), having with him the priest Ahijah, carrying the ephod here not a garment, but some article used in casting the sacred lot (see 1 Samuel 2:28 *, Judges 8:27). A valley lay between the two camps, dominated on either side by a steep crag, called respectively Bozez, Shining, and Seneh, Thorny. Unknown to Saul and the Israelites, Jonathan and his

SHEW YOU. THING. tell you something....

_we will shew you a thing_ Either, "give you some information;" or, "teach you a lesson." Cp. Judges 8:16. Perhaps a colloquial phrase, used of course contemptuously....