Jonathan's Courage
Prince Jonathan and his armor-bearer scale a cliff to attack a Philistine garrison alone, declaring that nothing restrains the Lord from saving by many or by few.
1 Samuel 13:1-14:23
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The Story
The military situation facing Israel was desperate. The Philistines had gathered a vast force—thirty thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen, and countless soldiers. Israel's people were hiding in caves and pits, and Saul sat passive with about six hundred fearful men.
Into this atmosphere stepped Jonathan. Without consulting Saul, he said to his armor-bearer, '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.' The armor-bearer responded with united faith: 'I am with thee according to thy heart.'
They approached the Philistine garrison and proposed a test: if the Philistines said 'Come up to us,' they would take it as God's sign of victory. The Philistines mocked them and called them up. Jonathan and his armor-bearer climbed the cliff on hands and feet and struck down about twenty men.
Then the Lord sent a great trembling through the Philistine camp. The enemy fell into supernatural confusion, every man's sword turning against his fellow. Israel's hidden soldiers emerged, and God gave a great victory that day.
Jonathan's account teaches that God seeks those who will take initiative based on faith, who understand that divine power is not constrained by human limitations. Two men armed with faith accomplished what six hundred armed with fear could not.
Jonathan's Brave Climb
Kids Version
The Philistines were Israel's enemies, and they were very powerful. They had 30,000 chariots and so many soldiers! The Israelites were so scared that they hid in caves and behind rocks. King Saul was sitting under a tree with only 600 frightened men.
But Jonathan, the king's son, wasn't afraid because he trusted God. He said to his helper who carried his armor, 'Let's go over to the Philistine fort. Maybe the Lord will help us win! It doesn't matter to God if there are many soldiers or just a few!' His helper said, 'I'm with you!'
When they got close, Jonathan said, 'If the Philistines say "Come up here to us," we'll know God is giving us the victory!' The Philistines saw them and laughed. 'Come up here!' they called. Jonathan said to his helper, 'Climb up after me, because the Lord has given them into our hands!'
They climbed up the steep, rocky cliff using their hands and feet. When they reached the top, they fought the Philistines and won! Then God did something amazing—He made the ground shake, and the Philistine soldiers became so confused that they started fighting each other! They ran away, and God gave Israel a great victory.
Jonathan knew something very important: God is not limited by how many people are helping. God can do anything! When we trust in God's power and take brave steps to obey Him, He can do amazing things through us.
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Characters in This Story
Settings & Locations
Scripture — 1 Samuel 13:1-14:23 (KJV)
1Saul reigned one year ; and when he had reigned two years over Israel, reigned one: Heb. the son of one year in his reigning
2Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel; whereof two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in mount Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent.
3And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear. Geba: or, the hill
4And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal. was: Heb. did stink
5And the Philistines gathered themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the sea shore in multitude: and they came up, and pitched in Michmash, eastward from Bethaven.
6When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait, (for the people were distressed,) then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits.
7And some of the Hebrews went over Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. As for Saul, he was yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. followed: Heb. trembled after him
8And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him.
9And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering.
10And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him. salute: Heb. bless
11And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash;
12Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the LORD: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering. made: Heb. intreated the face
13And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.
14But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.
Memory Verse
“Saul reigned one year ; and when he had reigned two years over Israel, reigned one: Heb. the son of one year in his reigning”
— 1 Samuel 13:1 (KJV)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the story of “Jonathan's Courage” in the Bible?
Prince Jonathan and his armor-bearer scale a cliff to attack a Philistine garrison alone, declaring that nothing restrains the Lord from saving by many or by few. This story is found in 1 Samuel 13:1-14:23.
Where is “Jonathan's Courage” found in the Bible?
“Jonathan's Courage” is found in 1 Samuel 13:1-14:23, in the book of 1 Samuel.
What can children learn from “Jonathan's Courage”?
This story teaches children about Bold Faith, Initiative, God's Power, Trust. Prince Jonathan and his helper climbed up a steep cliff to fight enemy soldiers all by themselves, trusting that God could save them no matter how few they were.