1 Samuel - Odessa, Missouri Community of Christ

52 Dr. Constable's Notes on 1 Samuel 2007 EditionBozez (v. 4, lit. shining) was the southfacingcliff near the Philistine camp atMichmash, perhaps so named because itreflected the sun that shone on it from thesouth. Seneh (lit. thorny) faced north andwas closer to Geba. Jonathan's route wasan extremely difficult one. This factaccounts for his being able to surprise thePhilistines.In contrast to Saul, Jonathan had a trueperception of God's role as the leader anddeliverer of His people (v. 6). He viewedthe Philistines as unbelievers whom Godwanted exterminated (cf. Gen. 17). Hebelieved that God would work for HisCLOSE-UP OFTHE BATTLE OF MICHMASHBeth-aven?*Gibeah*Michmash*Bozez cliffsWadi Suweinit ravineSeneh cliffs*Gebapeople in response to faith, as He had done repeatedly in Israel's history. He also hadlearned that superior numbers were not necessary for God to give victory in battle (cf.17:47; Judg. 7:4, 7)."Other parallels with the story of Gideon commend themselves as well:the hero accompanied by only one servant (v. 7; cf. Judg 7:10-11); thesign (vv. 9-10; cf. Judg 7:13-15); the panic (v. 15; cf. Judg 7:21); theconfusion, causing the enemy soldiers to turn on 'each other with theirswords' (v. 20; cf. Judg 7:22); reinforcements from the 'hill country ofEphraim' (v. 22; cf. Judg 7:24); and the pursuit (v. 22; cf. Judg 7:23. . .)." 157Perhaps Jonathan chose his sign arbitrarily simply to determine how the Lord wanted himto proceed. Some commentators have felt he did not."If the Philistines said, 'Wait till we come,' they would show somecourage; but if they said, 'Come up to us,' it would be a sign that they werecowardly . . ." 158Half a furrow of land (v. 14) was half a parcel of land that a yolk of oxen could plow inone day. Evidently God assisted Jonathan by sending a mild earthquake to unnerve thePhilistines further (v. 15; cf. Deut. 7:23).When Saul should have been acting, he was waiting, and when he should have beenwaiting, he was acting (vv. 18-19). He may have viewed the ark as a talisman that heplanned to use to secure God's help. As Saul watched, the multitude of Philistine soldiersthat covered the area began to dissipate. He evidently concluded that he did not need toseek the Lord's guidance or blessing (cf. 13:12).157 Youngblood, p. 661.158 Keil and Delitzsch, p. 138.