Jonathan: The Philistine Slayer

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Previously on the Chosen people. 00:00:03 Speaker 2: The Lord has favored us, brothers. They outnumber us two to one. Good odds for God's chosen people. 00:00:11 Speaker 1: The men chuckled. Jonathan was not their king, but they followed him as if he were not out of duty or fear, but oubt of trust. 00:00:22 Speaker 3: Every hour that passes without Samuel's arrival is another hour the men spend whispering in fear. 00:00:31 Speaker 1: And with every whisper, Saul felt control slipping from his grasp. 00:00:36 Speaker 3: They're going to me. They're losing open. 00:00:42 Speaker 4: Gold, They're losing hope in me. 00:00:46 Speaker 1: Saul needed the men to see him as holy. The sacrifice burned, and the smoke rose high into the sky. 00:00:54 Speaker 3: You have disregarded the command of the Lord your God. 00:00:59 Speaker 5: Had you, a kingdom would have been established forever. 00:01:03 Speaker 6: No, now, your. 00:01:06 Speaker 1: Kingdom shall not continue. He may have lost God's favor, but he would not lose his throat. 00:01:20 Speaker 7: Courage is a strange thing. It's contagious, but it often begins with one brave soul who is willing to risk everything. Shelloh, my friends, from here in the Holy Land of Israel, I'm l Exstein with International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, and welcome to the chosen people. It begins in silence, a young man, restless, brave, or reckless, depending on who you ask. The Israeliti camp is heavy with fear. Every man under the pomegranate tree feels it. Saul sits beneath a shade, weighed down by his own indecision. His men are outnumbered, His God is distance, or so it seems. Basall's sun doesn't wait. The story of One Samuel fourteen is a story of courage, not the absence of fear, but the willingness to step out in faith, even when the ads seem impassable, even when God feels far away. 00:02:20 Speaker 1: Jonathan awoke before dawn, the sky still dark and cool. He moved with quiet purpose, careful not to wake the others. As he slipped from the camp. The cold mountain air kissed his skin as he climbed, his fingers gripping the rock, his legs burning as he pushed himself higher. He wanted to reach the summit before the sun. The wind carried the scent of dry earth and morning dew. As he reached the peak below, the valley stretched out before him, bathed in soft shadows. The Philistine encampment lay in the distance. The light from their torches was muffled by the morning mist. Jonathan knelt on the stone, bowing his head his breath. 00:03:06 Speaker 4: Steady, Lord, you have not abandoned us, even when we are faithless. You are faithful. If there is to be a battle, let it be fucked in your name. 00:03:22 Speaker 1: The sun broke over the horizon, washing the land in hues of gold and orange. Jonathan opened his eyes and exhaled slowly. From this height, he could see it clearly, a narrow path winding through the rocks leading up to the Philistine camp. Jagged stones flanked the trail, sharp as knives, a bottleneck, a perfect place for a small force to fight a larger one. Jonathan traced the path in the dirt with his finger. He knew in his heart what had to be done. He stood, brushing the dust from his knees, and descended back into camp. Most of the men were still asleep when Jonathan returned. He moved swiftly between the tents, stopping before his young armor bearer, Cobos. The boy was barely older than a squire, his face still round with youth, though his hands were calloused from years of labor. He was a strong, sturdy lad Jonathan crouched, placing a hand over his mouth in silent command. 00:04:28 Speaker 2: Quick, Cobys, put on your armor and gather your weapons. 00:04:33 Speaker 6: I'll emargine. 00:04:35 Speaker 2: You and I are going to take the Philistine garrison on the other side of the mountain. 00:04:40 Speaker 6: Oh yes, yes, yes, just the two of us against an entire garrison of Philistines. A great man. Wait, you're serious? Are you just us? 00:04:54 Speaker 1: Jonathan nodded. Cobas let out a short laugh and grabbed his hammer. 00:04:59 Speaker 6: You're a madman, but here I am ready to follow you. 00:05:04 Speaker 3: What's that make me a madman of the Lord dear Cubis. Now let's go. 00:05:09 Speaker 1: The two moved quickly, scaling the mountain before the others even stirred. At the top, Jonathan pointed out the path he had seen the way. The rocks formed a natural arch, shielding them from sight as they approached the garrison. It was a perfect route for an ambush. They hid beneath the stones, watching as the Philistine watchmen patrolled. Their defenses were stronger than before. They had learned from Jonathan's past victory in Gieber. No side of camp was left unwatched. Jonathan smirked, good let them be afraid. Cobos shifted his weight, unsure of Jonathan's plan. 00:05:48 Speaker 6: And that's so short, that was Jonathan. If the sheer numbers, answered, befolready look at the newly forted lliance. 00:05:56 Speaker 1: Jonathan did not answer immediately. His eyes remained locked on the Philistine banners rippling in the wind. Then he turned to Cobys, his expression firm. 00:06:07 Speaker 4: Tell me, does anything restrain God? 00:06:10 Speaker 1: Cobos hesitated, then shook his head. Jonathan nodded toward the camp. 00:06:16 Speaker 3: I say we go over there to the Philistine's head on. 00:06:19 Speaker 2: Lord may work for us, and if he is with us, it doesn't matter if we are two or two. 00:06:24 Speaker 3: Thousand, or reveal ourselves to them. 00:06:27 Speaker 2: They invite us into their camp, we'll take it as a sign if the Lord has given us favor. 00:06:31 Speaker 6: Our history to you and the talesman to knock down you but a shourney stomach and clenched bottom and tell me to get the heck out of here. And hi, Hemma, who have you? 00:06:45 Speaker 1: Jonathan grinned, clapping him on the back. 00:06:47 Speaker 3: That's the spirit. Follow me. 00:06:50 Speaker 1: They moved swiftly, stepping from the shadows of the stone. Jonathan's armor was simple, sturdy, leather reinforced with bronze, nothing like the gold plated breastplate of his father. He carried himself not as a prince, but as a soldier of the lord. Cobos walked a pace behind his armor, lighter worn at the edges since the blacksmiths had been taken from them. His weapons were crude, a hammer strapped to his side, three daggers tucked into his belt. They looked like deserters, and that was exactly what the Philistines thought. The watchman at the garrison laughed when he spotted them. He nudged his companion, pointing, Ah, look at them, poor Israelite pups crawling away from their masters. 00:07:40 Speaker 3: Have you a come to seek refuge? Hebras, come here and uh, we will show you our camp. 00:07:48 Speaker 8: We'll wrap you in a blanket and serve you some some warm milk. 00:07:53 Speaker 1: Jonathan turned to Cobos, his expression calm. 00:07:57 Speaker 3: There's our sign Lord has given us fair. Are you ready? 00:08:01 Speaker 6: Of course I'm not ready. What I'm here, Let's move. 00:08:06 Speaker 1: They climbed the rocky incline on all fours, dust kicking up around them. The Philistines stood lazily, arms crossed, waiting. One of them stepped forward, sneering. Jonathan stood face to face with him, head low. I suppose you wanted to desert that desert king of yours. 00:08:23 Speaker 5: Eh, A smart lad come. 00:08:27 Speaker 4: Over here, and. 00:08:29 Speaker 1: Jonathan's blade flashed. The man's head hit the dirt before his body. The laughter from the others died. Jonathan didn't wait. He surged forward, sword cutting through flesh and bone. The Philistines stumbled back, unprepared for the sudden attack. Cobus followed close behind, swinging his hammer with brutal force. The first guard fell, then the second, then the third. Jonathan moved like a shadow, his blade striking fast, bester than the eye could follow. A Philistine lunged with an axe. Jonathan pivoted, driving the hilt of his sword into the man's ribs. The soldier gasped, stumbling forward right into the down swing of Cobys's hammer. They fought as one, Jonathan's speed Cobys's strength. The Philistines tried to regroup, but the two warriors lured them into the bottleneck of the rocky path. Only three could attack at a time. They came wave after wave, and each time they fell, one soldier managed to press the shaft of his spear against Cobos's throat. Cobos choked, his vision darkening. Then he drew a knife from his belt and drove it into the man's ribs. Jonathan ducked a sword, swing, severed an arm, kicked another man into the dirt, twenty dead. The camp heard the screams. Panics spread. The Philistines, unable to see the battle clearly, imagined a greater force. Jonathan parried a blow, locked eyes with Cobus, and grinned. Then the ground trembled. It started as a whisper beneath their feet, a shifting of the earth, barely noticeable at first, Then a roar. Rocks cracked. The ground beneath them groaned, splitting. The Philistines screamed. A great quake shook the land, knocking men from their feet. Tents collapsed, the garrison fell into chaos, soldiers tripping over one another as they scrambled for their weapons. The Lord had joined the battle. Jonathan steadied himself against the trembling earth. He looked up, watching as the Philistines turned on each other in confusion. A smile flickered across his lips. 00:10:47 Speaker 3: Lord has given them into our hands. Forward. 00:10:56 Speaker 1: Tarvi stood with the watchmen at Gibea and peered down at the Philistine camp, his eyes narrowed against the glare of the afternoon sun. What they saw puzzled them. The enemy garrison was in chaos. Shadows flickered between the tents, Blades flashed, and men cried out in terror. The ground trembled, a low, rumbling groan that carried through the valley. The watchmen could not make sense of it. There was no battle, no sign of an attacking force, and yet the Philistines were retreating. He sprinted down from the watch tower, breathless as he reached Saul's tent. 00:11:36 Speaker 2: Forces engaged the Philistines, My king, they're breaking the ranks. 00:11:40 Speaker 8: What who was attacked them without my command? 00:11:44 Speaker 2: Who do you suppose, my lord, who would possibly be foolish enough to attack them head on? 00:11:49 Speaker 8: Oh, Shonathan, that insolent boy. 00:11:53 Speaker 1: Saul clenched his jaw, his hands curling into fists. His son had forced his hand. If Jonathan had started this battle, then Saul would be left with no choice but to act. 00:12:06 Speaker 8: Someone retrieve high priest the Hydi tell him to bring the ark of God, pray to the Lord, cast the loss. 00:12:14 Speaker 3: We must know if we are to march. 00:12:16 Speaker 1: A Hyjia began to pray, lifting his hands over the sacred relic, murmuring the words of old. But even as the ritual began, the noise from the valley grew deafening, the screams of the Philistines, the clash of steel, the roar of the earthquake. It was as if the heavens themselves were already waging war. 00:12:38 Speaker 3: Last there's not time to wait for an answer. It seems as though he's already spoken Wimar. 00:12:47 Speaker 1: With a mighty cry, Saul drew his sword, the sun catching the golden filigree on his breastplate. His men gathered behind him, their battle worn weapons raised high. All rode at the head of the charge, his white horse kicking up dust as they surged forward. The Israelites crashed into the disoriented Philistines like a wave upon crumbling stone. Hebrew slaves, who had been bound in Philistine chains, turned on their captors, striking them down with stolen swords. The battles stretched across the valley to beth Avon, a glorious slaughter where the enemy's own fear became their undoing. The Philistines outnumbered them still, but they were no match for the God of Israel. Victory was within their grasp, but it was not enough for Sare. Saul should have rejoiced, but his hunger for vengeance burned hotter than the battle itself. His mind still lingered on gilgal on Samuel's rejection, on the shame of being told his kingdom would not endure. 00:13:57 Speaker 3: I have to proved myself. 00:14:00 Speaker 1: And so as the battle raged, Saul raised his voice above the fray and called out to his men. 00:14:08 Speaker 8: Erst is the men who eats any food before him before? I am mad my vengeance upon the Pistines. 00:14:17 Speaker 1: It was a foolish command. Saul, for lack of true loyalty and trust in his men, always looked for threats and incentives. He couldn't rally the men on his own, so he relied on cheap tools of coercion and motivation. The soldiers wearily obeyed. They fought on their stomachs, empty, their strength waning, they pressed deeper into enemy territory, pushing their bodies past their limits, driven by their king's command. Jonathan, however, had not heard his father's words. He was too far ahead of the battle to hear such nonsense. He had been fighting since morning, cutting down, retreating Philistine's throat through the dense forest, his armor stained with blood and dust, his limbs ached, his breath became ragged, And then he saw it, golden honey, thick and glistening, dripping from the trees. Jonathan dipped the tip of his staff into the honeycomb and brought it to his lips. The moment the sweetness touched his tongue, strength flooded back into his body. His vision sharpened, and his exhaustion melted away. One of the soldiers nearby gasped, my prince, what are you doing with that? Your father has commanded us not to eat. Jonathan wiped his mouth, unconcerned. 00:15:39 Speaker 3: My father has burdened you all. Look at me. 00:15:42 Speaker 4: I've eaten, and now I am strong again. 00:15:44 Speaker 2: If I had let him eat from the spoils of war, would have won this battle already. 00:15:49 Speaker 1: He did not linger on the matter. He pressed forward. Victory was near by nightfall. Saul's soldiers could endure no longer. Hunger had driven them to the brink of madness. When the day's battle was done, they fell upon the spoils like starving wolves. They took sheep, oxen, and calves from the enemy camps and slaughtered them on the ground, ripping the meat apart with their hands, devouring it. Roar blood ran down their chins. It was a ghastly sight. They had become like animals. Saul watched in horror. This was a grievous sins. The law of Moses forbade the eating of blood. Saul's foolish threat had led his people to starvation, causing them to break the commands that actually mattered. But Saul did not repent. Instead, he rebuked them. 00:16:44 Speaker 8: Good, treacherous people, compose yourselves, bring the meat to the altar, and slaughter it properly before the lord. 00:16:53 Speaker 1: So they built an altar, sacrificed the animals, and ate the meat in accordance with the law. But the damage had already been done. The stain of Saul's rash oath would not wash away so easily. That night, as the fires burned low, Saul sat in his tent brooding. The Philistines were retreating, but the war was not yet won. Saul's heart was restless. He could not bear to let them escape. 00:17:22 Speaker 8: Let's pursue them now, before they have a chance to escape back a gap. 00:17:27 Speaker 1: His elders were too terrified of Saul to oppose him. Priest Ahijah suggested they inquire of the Lord first. Saul, not wanting to come across as unholy, agreed. The priest inquired of the Lord, but there was no answer. Saul's face darkened. The silence of God was louder than thunder. Saul refused to acknowledge that it was his own sin that had created the distance between them and the Lord. Instead, he turned the blame outward at his men. 00:18:00 Speaker 3: Someone here in this canvas. That must be why the Lord does not answer us. 00:18:08 Speaker 1: He rose abruptly and stormed out of the tent, his eyes wild, his mind racing. 00:18:14 Speaker 8: Which one of you treacherous dogs has broken my oath? I told you not to eat during the battle. Surely one of you eight or else the Lord would grant us favor. It's the only explanation. 00:18:36 Speaker 1: The elders of Israel flinched as he drew his sword. 00:18:40 Speaker 5: Who tares defy their king, who has cursed this battle? I will slaughter the guilty man where he stands, even if it is my own son. 00:18:55 Speaker 1: No one spoke, but they all knew, and yet not one of them stepped forward. Jonathan had won their hearts. They would sooner die than betray him. Saul had the priest cast lots, the stones fell. It was Jonathan. The soldiers stepped back. The young prince stood alone. Saul's nostrils flared. He marched forward, Gripping his sword. He towered over his son his chest, heaving, what. 00:19:28 Speaker 4: Have you done? 00:19:31 Speaker 1: Jonathan did not flinch. 00:19:33 Speaker 3: Eight honeys, so I can continue battling our enemies. 00:19:37 Speaker 2: That means I must die, and sob be it kill me where I stand, father, make. 00:19:43 Speaker 3: An example of me. 00:19:44 Speaker 1: Jonathan's demeanor was calm, steady. He composed himself in stark contrast to his father's frenetic and trembling rage. Saul lifted his sword to his son's throat. 00:20:02 Speaker 4: Very well, he shall be done. 00:20:08 Speaker 1: Saul drew back his arm, blade cocked and ready to drive into Jonathan's throat. But the men surged forward. Each man rallied to Jonathan's side, eventually surrounding their king. Ready to pounce. Saul faltered. His men stood between him and his son, their faces set with resolve. They would defy their king to protect their prince. Saul's grip slackened, the sword fell from his hand. Without a word, he turned and strode back into his tent alone. That night, as the fires burned low, Jonathan remained with his men, and Saul, in his solitude, felt the weight of God's absence heavier than ever before. 00:21:03 Speaker 7: Today's Bible story starts with what seems like recklessness. Jonathan looks to his armor bearer and says, let's go. No reinforcements, no divine sign from a prophet, just two men against an entire army. And it's this Bible story of these two men against an army that led the Jewish sages to say something that I think a lot about these days. With my home, the Holy Land, threatened on every side by our enemies who want to destroy us. The sage is say that Jonathan acted because he was convinced that nothing stands in God's way if God wishes to save Israel. And I know it's true because I've seen it so many times today in our modern age, in situations here in Israel where it looks like we have no chance for victory, and yet we are victorious when we are attacked by hundreds of millions of enemies, tiny Israel with seven point five million Jews, and somehow we win so many times. There has been no logical explanation for our ability to defeat our enemies and defend our people. Tiny Israel, one tiny country the size of New Jersey. We've been attacked by seven different countries and armies in the past year and a half, and yet we are still here to tell the story despite all odds. Today, just as with Saul's brave son Jonathan, if God wishes to save us, nothing, nothing, nothing, can stand in his way. But today's Bible story is not the story of a calculated warrior. This is the story of a man driven by faith. But what kind of faith? Not the neat packed faith that we often imagine. This isn't faith born of certainty. Rather, it's something else, something very uncertain. Jonathan says, quote, perhaps the Lord will act on our behalf end quote. Do you hear that word? Perhaps it's easy to miss the importance of that one word, but it says so much. Perhaps tradition teaches us that real faith is not the absence of uncertainty, rather is the courage to act in the perhaps moments between the promise of God and God acting on those promises. And Jonathan doesn't presume to know God's will. He doesn't demand victory. He simply says nothing can hinder the Lord. Think about that. Jonathan is speaking of the God of Israel, the God of Genesis who spoke the cosmos into being with the word, the God of Exodus, who broke the might of Egypt with a staff in the hand of a shepherd. And yet Jonathan doesn't assume that God will act. He stepped forward not because he knows the outcome, but because he knows his God. This is where the story confronts us. Remember Abraham who left everything he knew to follow God into the unknown. And soon we'll meet Job who will sit in the ashes and say, though he slay me, yet I will hope in him. Faith isn't about being sure. It's about stepping forward even when the ground feels unsteady, even when God seems silent. This is what sets Jonathan apart from his father Saul. Saul waits, hesitates, he seeks signs and assurances. But Jonathan he acts not recklessly, but with a courage rooted in faith. Of course, faith doesn't eliminate risk. Faith doesn't guarantee success. That's a hard truth, isn't it. Sometimes we step out in faith and the battle isn't one. The healing doesn't come, the miracle doesn't happen. But faith isn't about an immediate outcome. It's about trusting in the God who holds all outcomes in his perfectly crafted hands. This story of Jonathan isn't just a story of courage. It's about the interplay between God and man. Jonathan steps out, but God brings victory, and that is the paradox of faith. God doesn't need us to act, but he invites us to The God who could save Israel with a single word, chose to work through the risk and sweat of two men climbing a cliff. We've seen this throughout our journey with the Chosen People, and we'll see it again and again, dating back to the times of the Scriptures all the way to our lives. In the book of Joshua, the priest stepped in to the river Jordan before the water's parted, and in the time of Elijah, the widow will pour her last drops of oil before the miracle of provision comes. Time and time again, God invites his people to step forward in trust before the miracle, not after. Do we trust God enough to act even when we don't know what He'll do? Do we climb the cliff knowing that the outcome is not in our hands. That kind of faith is not easy, but it's so freeing because it shifts the weight from our shoulders to God's. We just have to do what's right and then we can leave the rest for God to decide. And isn't this exactly what the journey through the Bible has been teaching us all along? Not by might nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord. So what does this mean for us today, my friends? I think it means that faith isn't about waiting for perfect conditions. It's about taking the next step even when the path ahead is unclear. This could be speaking up for someone who can't defend themselves even if your voice shakes, or stepping into a new calling even when fear tells you to stay where it's safe. Jonathan's courage reminds us that boldness is not the absence of fear. It's trusting that God is with us in the climb. And here's the good news. We don't climb alone. The God who called Jonathan is the same God who calls each one of us the Chosen People. 00:27:48 Speaker 1: You can listen to The Chosen People with y Isle Eckstein ad free by downloading and subscribing to the Pray dot Com app today. This Prey dot Com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Gattina, Max Bard, Zach Shellabager and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of the Chosen People with Yiele Eckstein, edited by Alberto Avilla, narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotten, Aaron Salvado, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwold, Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Junior, Rosanna Pilcher, and the opening prayer is voiced by John Moore. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith, written by Aaron Salvato, bre Rosalie and Chris Baig. Special thanks to Bishop Paul Lanier, Robin van Ettin, kayleb Burrows, Jocelyn Fuller, and the team at International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. You can hear more Prey dot com productions on the prey dot Com app available on the Apple App Store and Google play Store. If you enjoyed The Chosen People with Yile Eckstein, please rate and leave a review.