Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines’ garrison, that is on the other side. But he told not his father.
1 Samuel 14:1 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/1sa.14.1.KJV
Likely his father would reject the idea. He did not want any more trouble as was the case in micmash.
But Solomon was tired 😴 of the philistines dominion.
He was a covenant child of God and had had enough.
He was a benjamites and Benjamin was a ravenous wolf 🐺
Genesis 49:27 ESV
“Benjamin is a ravenous wolf, in the morning devouring the prey and at evening dividing the spoil.”
He could wait no longer and took matters in his hand 🖐️.
Though he might not have heard directly from God, God had already spoken ages ago of the conquest of Canaan and his promise of victory ✌️.
So he was doing the lord work. He walked in faith. https://bible.com/bible/1/1sa.14.1.KJV
And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few. And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart.
1 Samuel 14:6-7 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/1sa.14.6-7.KJV
Jonathan though not stated I believe was anointed for he also did as occasion served and he was greatly victorious https://bible.com/bible/1/1sa.14.6-7.KJV
But if they say thus, Come up unto us; then we will go up: for the LORD hath delivered them into our hand: and this shall be a sign unto us.
1 Samuel 14:10 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/1sa.14.10.KJV
So it is always good to wait on the lord rather than act impulsively.
Jonathan being of Israel already had a promise of victory ✌️ and an instruction to inherit the land.
Now here he waited for a sign 🤘 from thee lord to carry out his intentions whxih fell within the broader and general plan of God.
He did not just rush to do what he thought was right but did what Israel often did in war… Wait on the lord.
Wait in the face of opportunity, wait in the midst of challenges https://bible.com/bible/1/1sa.14.10.KJV
Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp from the country round about, even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan.
1 Samuel 14:21 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/1sa.14.21.KJV
Some Had defaulted to the side of their own enemies https://bible.com/bible/1/1sa.14.21.KJV
And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food.
1 Samuel 14:24 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/1sa.14.24.KJV
This guy was so counter productive and full of strangeness.
The lord had started to bring victory but his own had through Jonathan and now here he was taking credit and binding the people to a counter productive oath. https://bible.com/bible/1/1sa.14.24.KJV
For, as the LORD liveth, which saveth Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die. But there was not a man among all the people that answered him.
1 Samuel 14:39 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/1sa.14.39.KJV
Sauls flaw as leader was coming to bear, his erratic decisions, lack of conviction and faith.
The people only listened to him because he was their king 👑, not because they necessarily agreed with what he was doing. https://bible.com/bible/1/1sa.14.39.KJV
Then said he unto all Israel, Be ye on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side. And the people said unto Saul, Do what seemeth good unto thee.
1 Samuel 14:40 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/1sa.14.40.KJV
In verses 36,39 & 40…
The people response seems like they were really tired of his ways but tolerated him anyways because he was king https://bible.com/bible/1/1sa.14.40.KJV
NOTE 2
It seem the people were tired on his bizarre leadership and his ways but hang around for loyalty sake.
https://bible.com/bible/1/1sa.14.40.KJV
And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: as the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not.
1 Samuel 14:45 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/1sa.14.45.KJV
So this goes to show that not all oathes are binding. Some can be taken back.
We see. Solomon do the same thing is taking back what he swore to his mother https://bible.com/bible/1/1sa.14.45.KJV