1 Samuel 14:6; - In Picking Sides It's Not The Numbers But The Lord That Determines Who Wins.

1 Samuel 14:6; When Picking Sides It's Not The Numbers But The 
Lord That Determines Who Wins. 

1 Samuel 14:6 (NIV)  Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, 
"Come, let's go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. 
Perhaps the LORD will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD 
from saving, whether by many or by few." 

1 Samuel 14:6 (NLT)  "Let's go across to see those pagans," 
Jonathan said to his armor bearer. "Perhaps the LORD will help us, for 
nothing can hinder the LORD. He can win a battle whether he has many 
warriors or only a few!" 

CONTEXT

Jonathan Defeats the Philistines  (14:1-23)

COMMENTARY APPLICATION

Most of what we read about Jonathan is in the context of his 
role as David's trusted friend and ally. This story in 1 Samuel 14 
reveals that Jonathan was a great man of faith in his own right. He 
believed that whatever God called him to do was possible. Who would have 
thought that two soldiers could set in motion the defeat of a whole 
army? But Jonathan followed God step by step. First he decided to go. 
Then he recruited the logical assistant, his armor-bearer who had 
accompanied him in the heat of battle before. Then he watched for the Lord's 
guidance: "That will be the LORD'S sign that he will help us defeat them" 
(14:9-10). Jonathan was right. With each step he followed what he believed 
was God's guidance, and he found the strength to do what was 
required.  Jonathan took action and relied on God for guidance and power. 
It is not the strength that you find in yourself that carries you 
through the challenges. Instead, it is the strength of God's presence 
that enables you to face life, as precarious as it can be, and 
accomplish great things. [The One Year Bible for New Believers re 1 Samuel 
14:6-10] 

Jonathan and his armor-bearer weren't much of a force to attack 
the huge Philistine army. But while everyone else was afraid, they 
trusted God, knowing that the size of the enemy army would not restrict 
God's ability to help them. God honored the faith and brave action of 
these two men with a tremendous victory. Have you ever felt surrounded 
by the "enemy" or faced overwhelming odds? God is never intimidated 
by the size of the enemy or the complexity of a problem. With him, 
there are always enough resources to resist the pressures and win the 
battle. If God has called you to action, then bravely commit what 
resources you have to God, and rely upon him to lead you to victory. [Life 
Application SB] 

Jonathan and his armor-bearer gave evidence that they were 
moving under the influence and command of a more than human general. To 
outward appearance, their venture was rash, and contrary to all military 
rules. But the action of Jonathan was not done in human rashness. He 
depended not on what he and his armor-bearer themselves could do; he was 
the instrument that God used in behalf of His people Israel. They 
made their plans, and rested their cause in the hands of God. {2BC 
1015.4} 

Jonathan did not depend so much on his armor as on the unlimited 
power of God. He simply used that which he had at hand, and God 
blessed his humble dependence on Heaven. Even if the king should turn 
aside from the path of obedience, God proposed to prove to all Israel 
that salvation is a matter of individual choice and action, and not 
so much a mass movement. [SDA Commentary] 

Spiritual victories often come from small steps taken for God. 
When you are facing a difficult situation that is beyond your 
control, ask yourself, What steps can I take now to work toward a 
solution? A few small steps may be just what is needed to begin the chain 
of events leading to eventual victory. [Life Application SB] 

Jonathan's bold plan is undertaken as an act of faith (Heb 
11:33-34) founded on God's promise (9:16). [NIV SB] 

CROSS REFERENCES

Matthew 19:26 (KJV)  But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, 
With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.  

Romans 8:31 (KJV)  What shall we then say to these things? If 
God be for us, who can be against us?  

Zech. 4:6 (KJV)  Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, 
This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, 
nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.  

Philip. 3:3 (KJV)  For we are the circumcision, which worship 
God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no 
confidence in the flesh.