New International Reader s Version - NIrV - 1996
1 Samuel 14
1
One day Jonathan, the son of Saul, spoke to the young man who was carrying his armor. "Come on," he said. "Let's go over to the Philistine army camp on the other side of the pass." But he didn't tell his father about it.
2
Saul was staying just outside Gibeah. He was under a pomegranate tree in Migron. He had about 600 men with him.
📍 Migron
3
Ahijah was one of them. He was wearing a sacred linen apron. He was a son of Ichabod's brother Ahitub. Ahitub was the son of Eli's son Phinehas. Eli had been the Lord's priest in Shiloh. No one was aware that Jonathan had left.
Reference
People
4
Jonathan planned to go across the pass to reach the Philistine camp. But there was a cliff on each side of the pass. One cliff was called Bozez. The other was called Seneh.
Reference
📍 Locations
Parallel theme
1 Samuel 13:23
5
One cliff stood on the north side of the pass toward Micmash. The other stood on the south side toward Geba.
6
Jonathan spoke to the young man who was carrying his armor. He said, "Come on. Let's go over to the camp of those fellows who aren't circumcised. Perhaps the Lord will help us. If he does, it won't matter how many or how few of us there are. That won't keep the Lord from saving us."
Reference
Parallel theme
Matthew 19:26
Romans 8:31
Jeremiah 9:26
References Lord
Zechariah 4:6
Deuteronomy 32:30
2 Chronicles 14:11
2 Samuel 16:12
7
"Go ahead," the young man said. "Do everything you have in mind. I'm with you all the way."
Reference
Parallel theme
2 Samuel 7:3
8
Jonathan said, "Come on, then. We'll go across the pass toward the Philistines and let them see us.
9
Suppose they say to us, 'Wait there until we come to you.' Then we'll stay where we are. We won't go up to them.
10
But suppose they say, 'Come up to us.' Then we'll climb up. That will show us that the Lord has handed them over to us."
Reference
11
So Jonathan and the young man let the soldiers in the Philistine camp see them. "Look!" said the Philistines. "Some of the Hebrews are crawling out of the holes they were hiding in."
Reference
12
The men in the Philistine camp shouted to Jonathan and the young man who was carrying his armor. They said, "Come on up here. We'll teach you a thing or two." So Jonathan said to the young man, "Climb up after me. The Lord has handed them over to Israel."
Reference
References Lord
2 Samuel 5:24
13
Using his hands and feet, Jonathan climbed up. The young man was right behind him. Jonathan struck the Philistines down. The young man followed him and killed those who were still alive.
14
In that first attack, Jonathan and the young man killed about 20 men. They did it in an area of about half an acre.
15
Then panic struck the whole Philistine army. It struck those who were in the camp and the field. It struck those who were at the edge of the camp. It also struck those who were in the groups that had been sent out to attack Israel. The ground shook. It was a panic that God had sent.
Reference
16
Saul's lookouts at Gibeah in the land of Benjamin saw what was happening. They saw the Philistine army melting away in all directions.
17
Then Saul spoke to the men who were with him. He said, "Bring the troops together. See who has left our camp." When they did, they discovered that Jonathan and the young man who was carrying his armor weren't there.
18
Saul said to the priest Ahijah, "Bring the ark of God." At that time it was with the people of Israel.
19
While Saul was talking to the priest, the noise in the Philistine camp increased more and more. So Saul said to him, "Stop what you are doing."
Reference
20
Then Saul and all of his men gathered together. They went to the battle. They saw that the Philistines were in total disorder. They were striking each other with their swords.
Reference
21
At an earlier time some of the Hebrews had been on the side of the Philistines. They had gone up with them to their camp. But now they changed sides. They joined the people of Israel who were with Saul and Jonathan.
Reference
Parallel theme
1 Samuel 29:4
22
Some of the people had hidden in the hill country of Ephraim. They heard that the Philistines were running away. They quickly joined the battle and chased after them.
Reference
References Israel
1 Samuel 13:6
24
The men of Israel became very hungry that day. That's because Saul had put the army under an oath. He had said, "None of you must eat any food before evening comes. You must not eat until I've paid my enemies back for what they did. If you do, may you be under a curse!" So none of the troops ate any food at all.
Reference
25
The whole army entered the woods. There was honey on the ground.
26
When they went into the woods, they saw the honey dripping out of a honeycomb. No one put any of the honey in his mouth. That's because they were afraid of the oath.
27
But Jonathan hadn't heard that his father had put the army under an oath. Jonathan had a long stick in his hand. He reached out and dipped the end of it into the honeycomb. He put some honey in his mouth. It gave him new life.
Reference
28
Then one of the soldiers told him, "Your father put the army under a strong oath. He said, 'None of you must eat any food today. If you do, may you be under a curse!' That's why the men are weak and ready to faint."
29
Jonathan said, "My father has made trouble for the country. See how I gained new life after I tasted a little of this honey.
Reference
Parallel theme
1 Kings 18:18
30
Our soldiers took food from their enemies today. Suppose they had eaten some of it. How much better off they would have been! Even more Philistines would have been killed."
31
That day the men of Israel struck the Philistines down. They killed them from Micmash to Aijalon. By that time they were tired and worn out.
Reference
Parallel theme
Joshua 10:12
32
They grabbed what they had taken from their enemies. They killed some of the sheep, cattle and calves right there on the ground. They ate the meat while the blood was still in it.
Reference
Blood
Leviticus 3:17
Genesis 9:4
Deuteronomy 12:16
Leviticus 19:26
Acts 15:20
Parallel theme
1 Samuel 15:19
33
Then someone said to Saul, "Look! The men are sinning against the Lord. They're eating meat that still has blood in it." Saul said to them, "You have broken your promise. Roll a large stone over here at once."
34
He continued, "Go out among the men. Tell them, 'Each of you bring me your cattle and sheep. Kill them here and eat them. Don't sin against the Lord by eating meat that still has blood in it.' " So that night everyone brought the ox he had taken and killed it there.
35
Then Saul built an altar to honor the Lord. It was the first time he had done that.
Reference
Parallel theme
Hosea 8:14
2 Timothy 3:5
References Lord
1 Samuel 7:12
Sacrifice
1 Samuel 7:17
1 Samuel 7:9
Judges 21:4
36
Saul said, "Let's go down after the Philistines tonight. Let's not leave even one of them alive. Let's take everything they have before it gets light." "Do what you think is best," they replied. But the priest said, "Let's ask God for advice first."
37
So Saul asked God, "Should I go down after the Philistines? Will you hand them over to Israel?" But God didn't answer him that day.
Reference
Parallel theme
1 Samuel 28:6
1 Kings 22:15
1 Samuel 23:4
2 Samuel 5:23
2 Samuel 5:19
References Israel
1 Kings 22:5
38
Saul said to the leaders of the army, "Come here. Let's find out what sin has been committed today.
39
You can be sure that the Lord who saves Israel lives. And you can be just as sure that the sinner must die. He must die even if he's my son Jonathan." But no one said anything.
Reference
40
Then Saul spoke to all of Israel's men. He said, "You stand over there. I and my son Jonathan will stand over here." "Do what you think is best," the men replied.
41
Then Saul prayed to the Lord, the God of Israel. He said, "Give me an answer." Jonathan and Saul were chosen by using lots. The other men were cleared of blame.
Reference
42
Saul said, "Cast the lot to find out whether I or my son Jonathan is to blame." And Jonathan was chosen.
43
Then Saul said to Jonathan, "Tell me what you have done." So Jonathan told him, "I only used the end of my stick to get a little honey and taste it. And now do I have to die?"
Reference
44
Saul said, "Jonathan, I must certainly put you to death. If I don't, may God punish me greatly."
Reference
45
But the men said to Saul, "Should Jonathan be put to death? Never! He has saved Israel in a wonderful way. He did it today with God's help. You can be sure that the Lord lives. And you can be just as sure that not even one hair on Jonathan's head will fall to the ground." So the men saved Jonathan. He wasn't put to death.
Reference
Parallel theme
Acts 27:34
Luke 21:18
1 Kings 1:52
Matthew 10:30
Revelation 19:14
References God
2 Samuel 14:11
2 Corinthians 6:1
Acts 21:19
Acts 15:12
References Lord
Revelation 17:14
46
Then Saul stopped chasing the Philistines. They went back to their own land.
47
After Saul's kingdom was set firmly in place in Israel, he fought against their enemies who were all around them. He went to war against Moab, Ammon and Edom. He fought against the kings of Zobah and the Philistines. No matter where he went, he punished his enemies.
Reference
📍 Zobah
48
He fought bravely. He won the battle over the Amalekites. He saved Israel from the power of those who had carried off what belonged to Israel.
Reference
49
Saul's sons were Jonathan, Ishvi and Malki-Shua. His older daughter was named Merab. His younger daughter was named Michal.
Reference
People
50
Saul's wife was named Ahinoam. She was the daughter of Ahimaaz. The commander of Saul's army was named Abner. He was the son of Ner. Ner was Saul's uncle.
Reference
People
Parallel theme
2 Samuel 2:8
52
As long as Saul was king, he had to fight hard against the Philistines. So every time Saul saw a strong or brave man, he took him into his army.
Reference
Parallel theme
1 Samuel 8:11
Summary of 1 Samuel 14
1 Samuel 14 is wild—it’s packed with faith, blunders, and some serious action. Jonathan—Saul’s son—doesn’t wait around. He grabs his armor bearer and says, “Let’s go over to those Philistines.” He’s convinced that God can save Israel, whether they’ve got two people or two thousand. No need for a massive army if God’s with you.
Now, the setup is rough: the Israelites hardly have any weapons, and Saul is holed up near Gibeah with just six hundred men. Jonathan doesn’t tell Saul what he’s up to; he just goes for it. When they reach the Philistine outpost, Jonathan tells his armor bearer, “Let’s make ourselves seen—if they call us up, it means God’s got this.” The Philistines spot them and yell, “Come on up!” That’s all Jonathan needs; he charges in, kills twenty Philistines, and suddenly panic sweeps the whole enemy camp. There’s even an earthquake, and the Philistines go into total chaos.
Saul’s lookouts see the commotion, realize Jonathan is missing, and Saul gets to work. He wants the priest to bring the ark—but before the priest can finish, Saul sees the Philistines melting down and jumps into the fight.
When Saul and his army arrive, they find the Philistines fighting each other. Israelites who’d been hiding in the hills, or even helping the Philistines, switch sides and join the battle. It’s a huge victory, and God is clearly behind it.
But Saul ruins things with a foolish oath, declaring no one can eat until evening, until he’s had revenge. Soldiers fight all day, starving, and getting weaker. Jonathan hadn’t heard about his father’s order; he finds some honey, tastes a little, and instantly feels better. Someone warns him about the oath, and Jonathan doesn’t hold back. He says, “If everyone could’ve eaten, our victory would’ve been even bigger.” He’s right—Saul’s rule made things harder for no reason.
When evening comes, everyone’s so hungry that they eat meat with the blood still in it, which breaks God’s law. Saul finds out, orders proper sacrifices, and builds an altar.
Saul wants to keep fighting through the night, so he asks God for direction. No answer. Saul figures someone must’ve sinned and declares even Jonathan would die if found guilty. Lots are cast, and it falls on Jonathan. He admits he ate honey, and Saul insists he must die. But the people step in—they argue Jonathan’s the hero, and refuse to let Saul kill him. Jonathan’s spared, thanks to the people’s protest.
To wrap it up, the chapter covers Saul’s military career—he fights everybody: Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zobah, Philistines, and Amalekites. There’s a quick rundown of his family, with Abner as his army’s commander.
Jonathan really shines in this story. He trusts God completely—doesn’t need a huge army, just faith. His courage sparks victory and inspires his armor bearer. Saul, on the other hand, makes a mess. His pointless command nearly kills his own son and weakens his army. The people have to step in to stop Saul from making an even bigger mistake.
Bottom line? True leadership takes wisdom, not just guts or quick action. God gives the victory, but Saul’s rashness creates problems right in the middle of it. Jonathan trusts, acts, and God responds. Saul reacts without thinking and almost ruins everything.
So 1 Samuel 14 isn’t just about military wins—it’s a lesson in leadership and faith. Jonathan bets on God when things look impossible, while Saul lets pride and impatience weigh everyone down. In the end, the chapter makes it clear: strength isn’t about numbers or who’s in charge. Victory comes from God, especially when someone’s willing to trust Him—just like Jonathan did.
Now, the setup is rough: the Israelites hardly have any weapons, and Saul is holed up near Gibeah with just six hundred men. Jonathan doesn’t tell Saul what he’s up to; he just goes for it. When they reach the Philistine outpost, Jonathan tells his armor bearer, “Let’s make ourselves seen—if they call us up, it means God’s got this.” The Philistines spot them and yell, “Come on up!” That’s all Jonathan needs; he charges in, kills twenty Philistines, and suddenly panic sweeps the whole enemy camp. There’s even an earthquake, and the Philistines go into total chaos.
Saul’s lookouts see the commotion, realize Jonathan is missing, and Saul gets to work. He wants the priest to bring the ark—but before the priest can finish, Saul sees the Philistines melting down and jumps into the fight.
When Saul and his army arrive, they find the Philistines fighting each other. Israelites who’d been hiding in the hills, or even helping the Philistines, switch sides and join the battle. It’s a huge victory, and God is clearly behind it.
But Saul ruins things with a foolish oath, declaring no one can eat until evening, until he’s had revenge. Soldiers fight all day, starving, and getting weaker. Jonathan hadn’t heard about his father’s order; he finds some honey, tastes a little, and instantly feels better. Someone warns him about the oath, and Jonathan doesn’t hold back. He says, “If everyone could’ve eaten, our victory would’ve been even bigger.” He’s right—Saul’s rule made things harder for no reason.
When evening comes, everyone’s so hungry that they eat meat with the blood still in it, which breaks God’s law. Saul finds out, orders proper sacrifices, and builds an altar.
Saul wants to keep fighting through the night, so he asks God for direction. No answer. Saul figures someone must’ve sinned and declares even Jonathan would die if found guilty. Lots are cast, and it falls on Jonathan. He admits he ate honey, and Saul insists he must die. But the people step in—they argue Jonathan’s the hero, and refuse to let Saul kill him. Jonathan’s spared, thanks to the people’s protest.
To wrap it up, the chapter covers Saul’s military career—he fights everybody: Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zobah, Philistines, and Amalekites. There’s a quick rundown of his family, with Abner as his army’s commander.
Jonathan really shines in this story. He trusts God completely—doesn’t need a huge army, just faith. His courage sparks victory and inspires his armor bearer. Saul, on the other hand, makes a mess. His pointless command nearly kills his own son and weakens his army. The people have to step in to stop Saul from making an even bigger mistake.
Bottom line? True leadership takes wisdom, not just guts or quick action. God gives the victory, but Saul’s rashness creates problems right in the middle of it. Jonathan trusts, acts, and God responds. Saul reacts without thinking and almost ruins everything.
So 1 Samuel 14 isn’t just about military wins—it’s a lesson in leadership and faith. Jonathan bets on God when things look impossible, while Saul lets pride and impatience weigh everyone down. In the end, the chapter makes it clear: strength isn’t about numbers or who’s in charge. Victory comes from God, especially when someone’s willing to trust Him—just like Jonathan did.