I Samuel 14 This chapter gives us an introduction to Jonathan, Saul's son, and later - David's friend. 

Jonathan was in charge of 1000 soldiers in Gibeah. It is there that Jonathan assassinates the governor of Geba and starts the war with the Philistines. ( 13:2-3)  

Jonathan decided one day to go into the camp of the Philistines.. alone with only a young man who carried his armor. He doesn't tell anyone, not even his father, that he is going. Jonathan decided to go into the garrison, saying, "Maybe Adonai will do something for us, since Adonai can rescue with a few people as easily as with many."  So, by faith, they go on... 

Jonathan sought a sign to know if he should go further- If the Philistines said, "Wait till we come to you." then he knew that the Lord would not give him victory.  But, if they said, "Come up to us,"  then that would be the sign that the Lord would give them victory.  So, they showed themselves to the soldiers and were told to "come up".. and he went up and killed 20 enemy soldiers. 

This started a panic among the Philistines.  Then God sent an earthquake that caused an even greater panic.  Saul and his army saw that chaos had begun in the Philistine camp.  He also found out that Jonathan was gone from his camp. The Philistines had even begun to fight among themselves and fleeing... so the Hebrews that had been hiding started coming out and they all pursued them and entered into a battle.  "so Adonai saved Israel that day.. " 

But, Saul was not very wise in his leadership of the army.  He ordered that none of them should eat any food until the evening, even though they were all exhausted. Jonathan did not hear this order and ate a little honey.  The people were so exhausted and hungry after the battle with the Philistines that they began to take sheep, cows, and calves that they seized, slaughtering them and eating them raw.  Saul put an end to that quickly though , and the people were allowed to properly slaughter and cook the meat and eat. It is here that Saul builds an altar to the Lord.

Saul wanted to head right back out to conquer that night. But, the priest stopped him, suggesting they inquire of the Lord.  So, Saul listened and prayed, but God did not answer. Saul thought this was because of a sin, so lots were used to find out who was guilty.  It fell on Jonathan, for he had eaten the honey.  Jonathan willingly surrendered to his father, but the people rose up to defend him and he was saved. 

Saul continued to rule Israel but there was constant war from all sides.  Saul kept building up his army by recruiting every strong or courageous man that he saw. 

Jonathan was a man of faith and courage.  He was also loyal to his father, even when he didn't agree with him.  He was instrumental in the fight against the Philistines, taking action while Saul waited around. If Saul had remained obedient to the Lord, Jonathan would have been the heir to the throne. Even though that did not happen, Jonathan remained faithful to the Lord.  He trusted the Lord more than his own father.  

Father in heaven, may we learn from Jonathan's example, and put our trust in You alone.  Again, we hear You calling us to trust in our True King and not in any government or army, or anything else.  There is One Lord, one Hope.. and that is Jesus Christ the Lord.  Be exalted, O God our Rock, our Refuge, and our Great Savior!  Teach us to walk in Your Light and be faithful; we pray, in Jesus' name, Amen.