In that first assaultThis phrase indicates the beginning of a significant military action led by Jonathan, the son of King Saul. Jonathan's initiative contrasts with his father's hesitance, showcasing his faith and courage. This event is part of a larger narrative where Israel is oppressed by the Philistines, and Jonathan's actions serve as a catalyst for a broader victory. The term "first assault" suggests a strategic and surprise attack, which is a common military tactic in ancient warfare.
Jonathan and his armor-bearer
Jonathan, a key figure in the narrative, is known for his bravery and deep faith in God. His armor-bearer, though unnamed, plays a crucial role, demonstrating loyalty and support. The relationship between a warrior and his armor-bearer was one of trust and dependence, reflecting the importance of companionship in battle. This partnership can be seen as a model of faith and action working together, reminiscent of the relationship between believers and Christ, who is our ultimate support and strength.
struck down about twenty men
The phrase highlights the effectiveness and precision of Jonathan's attack. The number twenty, while specific, also symbolizes a significant victory given the odds. This act of valor is reminiscent of other biblical accounts where God delivers victory through a few, such as Gideon's defeat of the Midianites with 300 men. It underscores the theme that God can achieve great things through those who trust in Him, regardless of their number or strength.
in about half an acre of land
The mention of "half an acre" provides a geographical context, emphasizing the confined space in which this victory occurred. This detail highlights the intensity and skill involved in the combat, as well as the miraculous nature of the victory. The small area suggests a close-quarters battle, which would have required great courage and tactical acumen. This setting serves as a reminder of how God can work powerfully in seemingly limited or constrained circumstances, much like He does in the lives of believers today.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JonathanThe son of King Saul, known for his bravery and faith in God. He initiates the attack against the Philistines, demonstrating his trust in God's power.
2.
Armor-bearerJonathan's loyal companion who supports him in the battle. His role highlights the importance of faithful partnership in spiritual endeavors.
3.
PhilistinesThe enemies of Israel during this period. They represent the opposition and challenges faced by God's people.
4.
Half an acreThe area where the battle took place, indicating the small scale of the physical space but the significant impact of the victory.
5.
First assaultThis refers to the initial attack led by Jonathan and his armor-bearer, setting the stage for a larger victory for Israel.
Teaching Points
Faith in ActionJonathan's initiative demonstrates that faith often requires us to take bold steps, trusting in God's power rather than our own strength.
The Power of PartnershipThe armor-bearer's role underscores the importance of having faithful companions in our spiritual journey who support and encourage us.
God's Sovereignty in BattleThe victory over the Philistines illustrates that God can deliver His people regardless of the odds, reminding us to rely on His strength.
Small Beginnings, Great ImpactThe small area of half an acre where the battle took place shows that God can use seemingly insignificant actions to achieve great results.
Courage in LeadershipJonathan's leadership inspires us to lead with courage and conviction, especially when facing overwhelming challenges.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 14:14?
2.How does 1 Samuel 14:14 demonstrate God's power in overcoming great odds?
3.What can we learn from Jonathan's faith and courage in this passage?
4.How does this verse connect to other instances of divine intervention in Scripture?
5.How can we apply Jonathan's boldness in our spiritual battles today?
6.What role does faith play in achieving victory according to 1 Samuel 14:14?
7.What does 1 Samuel 14:14 reveal about God's intervention in battles?
8.How does 1 Samuel 14:14 demonstrate Jonathan's faith and courage?
9.What archaeological evidence supports the events described in 1 Samuel 14:14?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 14?
11.1 Chronicles 14:8-17 - How do we reconcile any discrepancies between this account of David's battles with the Philistines and the parallel text in 2 Samuel 5?
12.If Jonathan unknowingly broke Saul's oath, why would God seemingly condemn him to death (1 Samuel 14:43-45)?
13.How could Jonathan and his armor-bearer realistically defeat twenty Philistine warriors in such a small area (1 Samuel 14:12-14)?
14.Why would God honor Saul's command to fast when it led the soldiers to sin by eating meat with blood (1 Samuel 14:24, 31-33)?What Does 1 Samuel 14:14 Mean
In that first assaultThe text opens by zeroing in on “that first assault,” highlighting a decisive, initial move against the Philistines. It was not a random skirmish but the first stage of an intentional, faith-driven operation.
• This moment mirrors other “first strikes” in Israel’s history where God granted momentum once His people stepped out in obedience (Judges 7:15-22;2 Samuel 5:24).
• Jonathan’s confidence came from trusting that “nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few” (1 Samuel 14:6).
• We see the pattern: God often responds to courageous initiative that rests on His promise (Joshua 3:13-17).
Jonathan and his armor-bearerOnly two men climb the rocky pass, yet they move as one. Jonathan leads; the unnamed armor-bearer follows with equal faith (1 Samuel 14:7).
• Scripture celebrates godly partnerships—Moses and Aaron (Exodus 4:14-16), David and his mighty men (2 Samuel 23:8-39), Paul and Silas (Acts 16:19-25).
• The armor-bearer models loyal support, echoingEcclesiastes 4:9-10: “Two are better than one… if either falls, the one will lift up his companion.”
• Together they embodyDeuteronomy 32:30, where one can chase a thousand and two put ten thousand to flight—not by human strength but by the Lord’s.
struck down about twenty menThe result is astonishing: “about twenty” Philistines fall. The number is small compared to the enemy host, yet huge for two attackers.
• God delights in victories that spotlight His power, not human prowess (Judges 7:2).
• This detail reinforcesLeviticus 26:8 andJoshua 23:10, promises that a faithful remnant can rout superior forces.
• The “about” reminds us the Bible records history honestly while underscoring that even approximate counts showcase divine intervention.
in about half an acre of landThe battlefield was “half a yoke of land,” roughly half an acre—about the size of a modern backyard.
• Such a confined space magnifies the miracle; there was no room for tactical maneuvering or escape.
• It recalls Shammah defending a lentil field (2 Samuel 23:11-12), proving that God can turn even a patch of ground into holy territory when His servants stand firm.
• The small setting underscores that victory depends on the Lord, not geography (Psalm 24:1).
summary1 Samuel 14:14 records a literal, historical triumph where two faith-filled men launched the first blow, slew roughly twenty foes, and did it in a space no larger than a sizeable garden. The verse showcases:
• Obedient initiative that God honors.
• The strength of covenant partnership.
• Divine power turning weakness into overwhelming force.
• A reminder that any plot of earth becomes a theater for God’s glory when His people trust Him.
(14)
And that first slaughter . . .--Considerable doubt exists as to the exact meaning of this verse. The LXX. either had here a different text before them, or else translated, as has been suggested, "conjecturally, what they did not understand;" their rendering is "about twenty men, with darts and slings and stones of the field." Ewald explains the Hebrew words as follows: "At the very beginning he strikes down about twenty men at once,
as if a yoke of land were in course of being ploughed,which must beware of offering opposition to the sharp ploughshare in the middle of its work." The simplest interpretation seems to be that twenty men were smitten down, one after the other, in the distance of half a rood of land. Bunsen considers this verse an extract from a poet.
Verse 14. -
Within as it were an half acre of land, which a yoke of oxen might plow. The Hebrew for this long circumlocution is, "within about a half furrow of a yoke of land." The Septuagint translates, "with darts and slings and stones of the field," but the other versions give no support to this rendering. The Israelites, like most ancient nations, were accustomed to measure land by the quantity which a yoke of oxen could plough in a day, - something really less than an acre, - so that the A.V. gives the fight sense. When Jonathan made his attack, the garrison probably, not knowing bow few their assailants were, ran in confusion to the narrow tongue of land where the exit was, and getting in one another's way, were soon panic stricken and helpless.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
In that firstהָרִאשֹׁנָ֗ה(hā·ri·šō·nāh)Article | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 7223:First, in place, time, rankassault,הַמַּכָּ֣ה(ham·mak·kāh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4347:A wound, carnage, pestilenceJonathanיוֹנָתָ֛ן(yō·w·nā·ṯān)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3129:Jonathanand his armor-bearerוְנֹשֵׂ֥א(wə·nō·śê)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5375:To lift, carry, takestruck downהִכָּ֧ה(hik·kāh)Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5221:To strikeabout twentyכְּעֶשְׂרִ֣ים(kə·‘eś·rîm)Preposition-k | Number - common plural
Strong's 6242:Twenty, twentiethmenאִ֑ישׁ(’îš)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male personover halfכְּבַחֲצִ֥י(kə·ḇa·ḥă·ṣî)Preposition-k, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2677:The half, middlean acreמַעֲנָ֖ה(ma·‘ă·nāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4618:A field for plowingof land.שָׂדֶֽה׃(śā·ḏeh)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7704:Field, land
Links
1 Samuel 14:14 NIV1 Samuel 14:14 NLT1 Samuel 14:14 ESV1 Samuel 14:14 NASB1 Samuel 14:14 KJV
1 Samuel 14:14 BibleApps.com1 Samuel 14:14 Biblia Paralela1 Samuel 14:14 Chinese Bible1 Samuel 14:14 French Bible1 Samuel 14:14 Catholic Bible
OT History: 1 Samuel 14:14 That first slaughter which Jonathan and his (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)