1 Samuel 14: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Samuel 14 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Jonathan proposed to his armor bearer to attack the Philistine garrison, believing that Yahweh could save by few or many (vv. 1-6). They revealed themselves to the Philistines, who invited them up.

Key verse

“Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armor, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that Yahweh will work for us; for there is no restraint on Yahweh to save by many or by few.”
1 Samuel 14:6 (WEB)

Outline

1 Samuel 14:1–6 Jonathan's Bold Proposal
1 Samuel 14:7–14 The Attack Begins
1 Samuel 14:15–23 God's Intervention
1 Samuel 14:24–30 Saul's Oath and Its Consequences
1 Samuel 14:31–46 Aftermath of Battle
1 Samuel 14:47–52 Saul’s Military Leadership

Discussion questions

In v6, what does Jonathan mean by 'there is no restraint on Yahweh'?
What action does Jonathan take in v12 that indicates his faith in God?
Saul's oath in v24: how does it affect the morale of his troops?
In v43, why does Jonathan accept the consequence of death for tasting honey?
When have you faced a situation where a rash decision impacted those around you?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Samuel 14: Joshua 23, 1 Samuel 13, Romans 8.

Before next time: read 1 Samuel 15.