THEOSISTheodoret of Cyrus
Why did Jonathan, eager to confront his adversaries, communicate specific signals to his armor-bearer? (1 Kings 14:8-11) Rather than seeking divination, Jonathan, as a faithful believer, aimed to discern God’s will. He interpreted the signs as indicating that if the enemy called for him, he should engage them with the assurance of divine assistance. Jonathan expressed his conviction: ‘Let us go up, for the Lord has delivered them into our hands; this is a sign for us’ (1 Kings 14:10). Conversely, he stated, ‘if they say to us, Let us wait, we will not go to them’ (1 Kings 14:9). His willingness to place himself in peril while relying on God’s support is evident in his words.
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He declared, ‘Let us go to the camp of the uncircumcised; let us not hesitate to see what the Lord will accomplish for us, for it is no trouble for the Lord to save by many or by few’ (1 Sam. 14:6). These sentiments express the confidence of a soul anchored in faith. Jonathan, holding firmly to this belief, was not let down. When he launched his attack, using arrows and stones, he caused chaos among the enemy troops; those who had gathered from various towns failed to recognize one another and turned against themselves. From a distance, Saul perceived this disorder and, having discerned the impending victory through the priestly garments, charged into battle against the invaders. However, upon witnessing their retreat, Saul foolishly and rashly placed a curse on anyone who had consumed food before evening.