THEOSISTheodoret of Cyrus
Question 30. Why did Jonathan, with the intent to confront the enemy, communicate certain signals to his armor-bearer? (1 Kings 14:8-11) This was not an act of divination; rather, as a man of faith, he sought to discern God’s will. He believed that the signs would indicate God’s direction—that if the adversaries called to them, he should engage them with assurance of God’s assistance. Jonathan articulated his conviction: "Let us go up, because the Lord has delivered them into our hands: this is a sign unto us" (1 Kings 14:10). Conversely, he stated, "If they say to us, Let us wait here, we will not go up to them" (1 Kings 14:9).
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His willingness to trust in the Lord placed him in clear jeopardy, as evidenced by his words: "Let us go into the camp of the uncircumcised, for it is not difficult for the Lord to save by many or by few" (1 Sam. 14:6). These statements reflect the heart of one who relies on God. With such faith, Jonathan was not disappointed in his hope. As he launched his attack, firing arrows and hurling stones, he threw the enemy camp into disarray; the adversaries, drawn from various towns, failed to recognize each other, resulting in confusion and infighting. From a distance, Saul observed this unfolding victory, having discerned it through the priestly garment. He then charged into battle against the invaders, but upon witnessing the fleeing enemies, he made a rash and unwise decision to impose an oath on those who had eaten or drunk before evening.