1 Samuel 14:11
So the two of them showed themselves to the outpost of the Philistines, who exclaimed, "Look, the Hebrews are coming out of the holes in which they were hiding!"
So the two of them showed themselves to the outpost of the Philistines
This phrase refers to Jonathan, the son of King Saul, and his armor-bearer. Their decision to reveal themselves to the Philistine outpost is a bold and strategic move. In the context of ancient warfare, outposts were critical for surveillance and defense. Jonathan's faith-driven initiative contrasts with the fear and hesitation of the Israelite army. This act of faith can be seen as a precursor to the New Testament teaching of stepping out in faith, trusting in God's deliverance (Hebrews 11:1).

who exclaimed, “Look, the Hebrews are coming out of the holes in which they were hiding!”
The Philistines' reaction highlights their perception of the Israelites as weak and cowardly, hiding in fear. This reflects the dire situation of Israel at the time, as they were oppressed by the Philistines and lacked proper weapons (1 Samuel 13:19-22). The term "Hebrews" is used by the Philistines in a derogatory manner, emphasizing their disdain. This scenario echoes the theme of God using the weak to shame the strong (1 Corinthians 1:27). The imagery of coming out of hiding can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual awakening and courage, akin to the resurrection theme where life emerges from the grave.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jonathan
The son of King Saul, known for his bravery and faith in God. In this passage, he takes initiative to confront the Philistines.

2. Armor-bearer
Jonathan's young companion who faithfully supports him in his daring plan against the Philistines.

3. Philistines
The enemies of Israel, occupying strategic positions and posing a significant threat to the Israelites.

4. Garrison
A military post or fortification where the Philistines were stationed, representing a stronghold of enemy power.

5. Hebrews
Refers to the Israelites, God's chosen people, who were in a state of fear and hiding due to the Philistine threat.
Teaching Points
Faith Over Fear
Jonathan's willingness to confront the Philistines despite the odds teaches us to trust in God's power rather than succumb to fear.

Initiative in Faith
Jonathan did not wait for a large army or perfect conditions; he acted on his faith. We are encouraged to take steps of faith even when circumstances seem daunting.

Support in Ministry
The armor-bearer's role highlights the importance of supporting one another in our spiritual endeavors. We are called to be faithful companions in the work of God.

God's Deliverance
The passage reminds us that God often uses the few and the faithful to achieve His purposes, emphasizing reliance on His strength rather than our own.

Visibility of Faith
By showing themselves to the Philistines, Jonathan and his armor-bearer made their faith visible. Our faith should be evident in our actions and decisions.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jonathan's approach to the Philistine garrison challenge us to act in faith in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we support others in their spiritual journeys, similar to the armor-bearer's support of Jonathan?

3. What are some "garrisons" or strongholds in our lives where we need to trust God for victory?

4. How does the account of Jonathan and his armor-bearer compare to other biblical accounts of faith, such as David and Goliath or Gideon and the Midianites?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to step out in faith despite fear. How did God show His faithfulness in that situation?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Judges 6
The account of Gideon, who also faced overwhelming odds against the Midianites, highlights God's power in delivering His people through unlikely means.

1 Samuel 17
David's confrontation with Goliath, another instance of faith and courage against a formidable enemy, showing God's deliverance.

Hebrews 11
The "Hall of Faith" chapter, which includes references to those who acted in faith, like Jonathan, trusting in God's power over human strength.
The Heroism of JonathanB. Dale 1 Samuel 14:1-15
Jonathan's Exploit At MichmashW. G. Blaikie, D. D.1 Samuel 14:1-23
Room for Services in the ChurchJ. Parker, D. D.1 Samuel 14:1-23
The Battle of MichmashThomas Champness.1 Samuel 14:1-23
The Valiant SoldierHelen Plumptre.1 Samuel 14:1-23
People
Abiel, Abner, Ahiah, Ahijah, Ahimaaz, Ahinoam, Ahitub, Amalek, Amalekites, Ammonites, Benjamin, Eli, Ichabod, Ishui, Israelites, Jonathan, Kish, Malchishua, Melchishua, Merab, Michal, Ner, Phinehas, Saul
Places
Aijalon, Beth-aven, Bozez, Edom, Geba, Gibeah, Michmash, Migron, Moab, Seneh, Shiloh, Zobah
Topics
Behold, Cover, Crawling, Disclosed, Discovered, Force, Forth, Garrison, Hebrews, Hid, Hidden, Hiding, Holes, Outpost, Philistine, Philistines, Revealed, Shewed, Showed, Station, Themselves
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Samuel 14:6-14

     5209   armour

1 Samuel 14:8-13

     5143   climbing

Library
The Roman Pilgrimage: the Miracles which were Wrought in It.
[Sidenote: 1139] 33. (20). It seemed to him, however, that one could not go on doing these things with sufficient security without the authority of the Apostolic See; and for that reason he determined to set out for Rome, and most of all because the metropolitan see still lacked, and from the beginning had lacked, the use of the pall, which is the fullness of honour.[507] And it seemed good in his eyes[508] that the church for which he had laboured so much[509] should acquire, by his zeal and labour,
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

Jonathan, the Pattern of Friendship
'And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what is mine iniquity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life? 2. And he said unto him, God forbid; thou shalt not die: behold, my father will do nothing either great or small, but that he will shew it me: and why should my father hide this thing from me? it is not so. 3. And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
BY JOHN BUNYAN PREFATORY REMARKS BY THE EDITOR This important treatise was prepared for the press, and left by the author, at his decease, to the care of his surviving friend for publication. It first appeared in a collection of his works in folio, 1692; and although a subject of universal interest; most admirably elucidated; no edition has been published in a separate form. Antichrist has agitated the Christian world from the earliest ages; and his craft has been to mislead the thoughtless, by
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

A Divine Cordial
We know that all things work together for good, to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans viii. 28. Introduction IF the whole Scripture be the feast of the soul, as Ambrose said, then Romans 8 may be a dish at that feast, and with its sweet variety may very much refresh and animate the hearts of Gods people. In the preceding verses the apostle had been wading through the great doctrines of justification and adoption, mysteries so arduous and profound, that
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial

Ramah. Ramathaim Zophim. Gibeah.
There was a certain Ramah, in the tribe of Benjamin, Joshua 18:25, and that within sight of Jerusalem, as it seems, Judges 19:13; where it is named with Gibeah:--and elsewhere, Hosea 5:8; which towns were not much distant. See 1 Samuel 22:6; "Saul sat in Gibeah, under a grove in Ramah." Here the Gemarists trifle: "Whence is it (say they) that Ramah is placed near Gibea? To hint to you, that the speech of Samuel of Ramah was the cause, why Saul remained two years and a half in Gibeah." They blindly
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
1 Samuel 14:11 NIV
1 Samuel 14:11 NLT
1 Samuel 14:11 ESV
1 Samuel 14:11 NASB
1 Samuel 14:11 KJV

1 Samuel 14:11 Commentaries

Bible Hub
1 Samuel 14:10
Top of Page
Top of Page