I Samuel 14:2-12 · Bible study
1 Samuel 14:2-12 Commentary: Faith Takes the Cliff
Hebrew · 9 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Jonathan's daring attack contrasts Saul's waiting under the pomegranate tree. Commentary on faith, signs, and God saving by many or few.
Research Summary
- Meaning: Faith in God’s power to save, even with minimal human resources, validated by a sign and resulting in victory.
- Key words: “Uncircumcised” (H6189), covenant outsider; “perhaps” (H0194 ulay), humble expectation; “restraint” (H4622 ma‘tzor), limitation; “sign” (H0226 ot), divine indicator.
- Main debate: Whether Jonathan’s sign-seeking presumes on God or exemplifies Spirit-led initiative; most commentators see the narrative as approving.
- Theological theme: Divine sovereignty over human limitation, God can save by many or by few, so faith acts on that truth.
- Best use: A case study on moving from calculation to trust, for preaching on courage, and for small groups examining the interplay of waiting and acting.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
2Meanwhile, Saul was staying under the pomegranate tree in Migron on the outskirts of Gibeah. And the troops who were with him numbered about six hundred men,
3including Ahijah, who was wearing an ephod. He was the son of Ichabod’s brother Ahitub son of Phinehas, the son of Eli the priest of the LORD in Shiloh. But the troops did not know that Jonathan had left.
4Now there were cliffs on both sides of the pass that Jonathan intended to cross to reach the Philistine outpost. One was named Bozez and the other Seneh.
5One cliff stood to the north toward Michmash, and the other to the south toward Geba.
6Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.”
7His armor-bearer replied, “Do all that is in your heart. Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.”
8“Very well,” said Jonathan, “we will cross over toward these men and show ourselves to them.
9If they say, ‘Wait until we come to you,’ then we will stay where we are and will not go up to them.
10But if they say, ‘Come on up,’ then we will go up, because this will be our sign that the LORD has delivered them into our hands.”
11So the two of them showed themselves to the outpost of the Philistines, who exclaimed, “Look, the Hebrews are coming out of the holes in which they were hiding!”
12So the men of the outpost called out to Jonathan and his armor-bearer, “Come on up, and we will teach you a lesson!” “Follow me,” Jonathan told his armor-bearer, “for the LORD has delivered them into the hand of Israel.”
WEB World English Bible 2000
2Saul stayed in the uttermost part of Gibeah under the pomegranate tree which is in Migron; and the people who were with him were about six hundred men,
3including Ahijah the son of Ahitub, Ichabod’s brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli the priest of Yahweh in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. The people didn’t know that Jonathan was gone.
4Between the passes, by which Jonathan sought to go over to the Philistines’ garrison, there was a rocky crag on the one side and a rocky crag on the other side; and the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh.
5The one crag rose up on the north in front of Michmash, and the other on the south in front of Geba.
6Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armor, “Come! Let’s 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.”
7His armor bearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart. Go, and behold, I am with you according to your heart.”
8Then Jonathan said, “Behold, we will pass over to the men, and we will reveal ourselves to them.
9If they say this to us, ‘Wait until we come to you!’ then we will stand still in our place and will not go up to them.
10But if they say this, ‘Come up to us!’ then we will go up, for Yahweh has delivered them into our hand. This shall be the sign to us.”
11Both of them revealed themselves to the garrison of the Philistines; and the Philistines said, “Behold, the Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they had hidden themselves!”
12The men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armor bearer, and said, “Come up to us, and we will show you something!” Jonathan said to his armor bearer, “Come up after me, for Yahweh has delivered them into the hand of Israel.”
KJV King James Version 1769
2And Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree which is in Migron: and the people that were with him were about six hundred men;
3And Ahiah, the son of Ahitub, I–chabod’s brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the Lord’s priest in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people knew not that Jonathan was gone.
4And between the passages, by which Jonathan sought to go over unto the Philistines’ garrison, there was a sharp rock on the one side, and a sharp rock on the other side: and the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh.
5The forefront of the one was situate northward over against Michmash, and the other southward over against Gibeah.
6And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the Lord will work for us: for there is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few.
7And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart.
8Then said Jonathan, Behold, we will pass over unto these men, and we will discover ourselves unto them.
9If they say thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up unto them.
10But if they say thus, Come up unto us; then we will go up: for the Lord hath delivered them into our hand: and this shall be a sign unto us.
11And both of them discovered themselves unto the garrison of the Philistines: and the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves.
12And the men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armourbearer, and said, Come up to us, and we will shew you a thing. And Jonathan said unto his armourbearer, Come up after me: for the Lord hath delivered them into the hand of Israel.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
2And Saul abode in the uttermost part of Gibeah under the pomegranate-tree which is in Migron: and the people that were with him were about six hundred men;
3and Ahijah, the son of Ahitub, Ichabod’s brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the priest of Jehovah in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people knew not that Jonathan was gone.
4And between the passes, by which Jonathan sought to go over unto the Philistines’ garrison, there was a rocky crag on the one side, and a rocky crag on the other side: and the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh.
5The one crag rose up on the north in front of Michmash, and the other on the south in front of Geba.
6And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armor, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that Jehovah will work for us; for there is no restraint to Jehovah to save by many or by few.
7And his armorbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thy heart: turn thee, behold, I am with thee according to thy heart.
8Then said Jonathan, Behold, we will pass over unto the men, and we will disclose ourselves unto them.
9If they say thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up unto them.
10But if they say thus, Come up unto us; then we will go up; for Jehovah hath delivered them into our hand: and this shall be the sign unto us.
11And both of them disclosed themselves unto the garrison of the Philistines: and the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves.
12And the men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armorbearer, and said, Come up to us, and we will show you a thing. And Jonathan said unto his armorbearer, Come up after me; for Jehovah hath delivered them into the hand of Israel.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
2And Saul is abiding at the extremity of Gibeah, under the pomegranate which is in Migron, and the people who are with him, about six hundred men,
3and Ahiah, son of Ahitub, brother of I-Chabod, son of Phinehas son of Eli priest of Jehovah in Shiloh, bearing an ephod; and the people knew not that Jonathan hath gone.
4And between the passages where Jonathan sought to pass over unto the station of the Philistines is the edge of a rock on the one side, and the edge of a rock on the other side, and the name of the one is Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh.
5The one edge is fixed on the north over-against Michmash, and the one on the south over-against Gibeah.
6And Jonathan saith unto the young man bearing his weapons, `Come, and we pass over unto the station of these uncircumcised; it may be Jehovah doth work for us, for there is no restraint to Jehovah to save by many or by few.'
7And the bearer of his weapons saith to him, `Do all that is in thy heart; turn for thee; lo, I am with thee, as thine own heart.'
8And Jonathan saith, `Lo, we are passing over unto the men, and are revealed unto them;
9if thus they say unto us, `Stand still till we have come unto you,' then we have stood in our place, and do not go up unto them;
10and if thus they say, `Come up against us,' then we have gone up, for Jehovah hath given them into our hand, and this to us is the sign.
11And revealed are both of them unto the station of the Philistines, and the Philistines say, `Lo, Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they have hid themselves.'
12And the men of the station answer Jonathan, and the bearer of his weapons, and say, `Come up unto us, and we cause you to know something.' And Jonathan saith unto the bearer of his weapons, `Come up after me, for Jehovah hath given them into the hand of Israel.'
Darby Darby Bible 1890
2And Saul abode at the extreme end of Gibeah under the pomegranate-tree which [was] in Migron; and the people that were with him were about six hundred men.
3(And Ahijah the son of Ahitub, Ichabod's brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, Jehovah's priest in Shiloh, wore the ephod.) And the people did not know that Jonathan was gone.
4Now between the passes by which Jonathan sought to go over to the Philistines' garrison there was a sharp rock on the one side and a sharp rock on the other side; and the name of the one [was] Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh.
5The one crag [formed] a pillar on the north opposite to Michmash, and the other on the south opposite to Geba.
6And Jonathan said to the young man that bore his armour, Come, and let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised: perhaps Jehovah will work for us; for there is no restraint to Jehovah to save by many or by few.
7And his armour-bearer said to him, Do all that is in thy heart; turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart.
8Then said Jonathan, Behold, we will pass over to the men, and we will shew ourselves to them.
9If they say thus to us, Stand still until we come to you, then we will stay in our place, and will not go up to them.
10And if they say thus, Come up to us, then we will go up; for Jehovah has given them into our hand; and this shall be the sign to us.
11And both of them shewed themselves to the garrison of the Philistines; and the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves.
12And the men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armour-bearer and said, Come up to us, and we will shew you something. And Jonathan said to his armour-bearer, Come up after me; for Jehovah has delivered them into the hand of Israel.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
2And Saul abode in the uttermost part of Gabaa, under the pomegranate tree, which was in Magron: and the people with him were about six hundred men.
3And Achias, the son of Achitob, brother of Ichabod the son of Phinees, the son of Heli, the priest of the Lord in Silo, wore the ephod. And the people knew not whither Jonathan was gone.
4Now there were between the ascents, by which Jonathan sought to go over to the garrison of the Philistines, rocks standing up on both sides, and steep cliffs like teeth on the one side, and on the other, the name of the one was Boses, and the name of the other was Sene:
5One rock stood out toward the north, over against Machmas, and the other to the south, over against Gabaa.
6And Jonathan said to the young man that bore his armour: Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised, it may be the Lord will do for us: because it is easy for the Lord to save either by many, or by few.
7And his armourbearer said to him: Do all that pleaseth thy mind: go whither thou wilt, and I will be with thee wheresoever thou hast a mind.
8And Jonathan said: Behold we will go over to these men. And when we shall be seen by them,
9If they shall speak thus to us: Stay till we come to you: let us stand still in our place, and not go up to them.
10But if they shall say: Come up to us: let us go up, because the Lord hath delivered them into our hands, this shall be a sign unto us.
11So both of them discovered themselves to the garrison of the Philistines: and the Philistines said: Behold the Hebrews come forth out of the holes wherein they were hid.
12And the men of the garrison spoke to Jonathan, and to his armourbearer, and said: Come up to us, and we will shew you a thing. And Jonathan said to his armourbearer: Let us go up, follow me: for the Lord hath delivered them into the hands of Israel.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · I Samuel 14:2
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators agree that these eleven verses set a deliberate contrast. Saul stays at the northern edge of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree, encircled by six hundred men and the priest Ahijah wearing the ephod. Meanwhile Jonathan, without telling his father, takes only his armor-bearer toward the Philistine outpost at Michmash. The narrator details the geographic danger, the crags Bozez and Seneh, the steep passes, to heighten the sense of risk. Jonathan’s words in verse 6 supply the theological hinge: “there is no restraint on Yahweh to save by many or by few.” Clarke calls this a “fine sentiment,” and Gill notes that Jonathan’s “it may be” (אוּלַי, ulay) is not doubt but humble dependence. His armor-bearer’s reply, “I am with you according to your heart”, shows extraordinary loyalty. The sign Jonathan requests (vv.8-10) is treated by Wesley as a legitimate appeal for divine direction, paralleling Eliezer’s request for a sign in Genesis 24. When the Philistines mockingly call them up, Jonathan instantly reads it as Yahweh’s confirmation (v.12). The consensus reads the episode as a model of faith that trusts God’s power rather than human numbers.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Jonathan as model of faith: His words in v.6 and the sign in vv.9-10; the surrounding narrative (vv.13-15, the trembling and victory) confirms that God acted.
- Jonathan as testing God: Some readers see his request for a sign as bordering on presumption; they point to Deuteronomy 6:16 and the later rejection of Saul as context for caution.
- Saul’s passive waiting as prudence: Saul had only 600 men and no iron weapons; his staying put could be read as strategic caution, not necessarily sin.
What is clear: Jonathan’s confidence that Yahweh is not limited by human resources (v.6) stands at the center of the passage, and the Philistines’ taunt is immediately interpreted as divine confirmation.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Jonathan’s use of a sign | The sign is presented as a legitimate way to discern God’s will in that moment, consistent with other Old Testament examples (Genesis 24, Judges 6). | Some Christians argue that sign-seeking reflects weak faith (citing Jesus’ rebuke of ‘an evil and adulterous generation’); others hold that under specific circumstances, such as military crises, God accommodates human need for confirmation. |
| Saul’s inactivity | Saul does nothing while Jonathan acts. His waiting is portrayed as passive and out of step with the crisis. | Some commentators (notably Wesley and Gill) stress that Saul was ‘waiting on the priest’ and might have been prudent; others argue that the contrast with Jonathan indicts his lack of faith. The narrative itself does not criticize Saul directly, but the juxtaposition is damning. |
| The armor-bearer’s loyalty | His response (v.7) is exemplary and highlights that faith can inspire courage in others. | No significant debate; all traditions commend his faithfulness. |
| Divine impulse vs. human initiative | The narrator attributes the victory to Yahweh, and commentators see Jonathan’s move as guided by God (Barnes, Cambridge, Henry note the Spirit’s work even if not explicitly named). | Some Reformed readers stress that Jonathan had no direct command, only a general promise, and thus his action is a model of ‘faith venturing on God’s promises.’ Others might caution that not every bold idea is from God, but the text vindicates this one. |
Historical & Cultural Context
The passage sits within the strained narrative of Saul’s early reign. In chapter 13, Saul’s impatience at Gilgal cost him the kingdom’s enduring line, and the Philistine threat swelled until the Israelites were hiding “in caves, in thickets, in rocks, in tombs, and in pits” (1 Samuel 13:6). By chapter 14, the army that once numbered thousands has shrunk to about six hundred men, and the text underscores that only Saul and Jonathan possess swords (1 Samuel 13:22). The geography is precise. Saul is stationed at the “uttermost part of Gibeah”, northern edge, under a pomegranate tree in Migron. The tree may mark a landmark, possibly the same “rock of Rimmon” where Benjamites once hid (Judges 20:45, as Clarke notes). Barnes places Migron south of the Michmash pass, distinct from the Migron of Isaiah 10:28. The valley between the cliffs is the Wadi es-Suweinit. The two crags, Bozez (“shining,” from the white chalk) and Seneh (“thorny” or “acacia”), flank the ravine so tightly that Jonathan and his armor-bearer must climb on hands and feet (v.13). The presence of Ahijah wearing the ephod reminds the reader that the priest and the means of inquiring of God are with Saul, yet Saul does not consult Yahweh. Jonathan’s initiative arises not from formal consultation but from a personal trust that Israel’s covenant God can act regardless of Israel’s weakness.
Textual Notes
The consulted sources note no significant textual variants that alter the meaning of this passage. The Cambridge Bible mentions that the Septuagint omits “a pillar” in verse 5 and has a slightly different wording for the armor-bearer’s response in verse 7 (“Do all that is in thine heart; I am with thee: my heart is as thy heart”), but these do not change the sense. The Masoretic text is stable throughout.
Reception History
This passage has been read across Christian traditions as a premier example of faith acting against odds. Early church writers such as Origen and Chrysostom viewed Jonathan as a type of the believer who trusts God’s power rather than human strength. The Reformation era saw it cited by Calvin and Luther when discussing the relationship between divine sovereignty and human action: Jonathan’s “it may be that the Lord will work for us” became a model of conditional faith that does not presume upon God. Puritan commentators (Matthew Henry, John Gill) emphasized the contrast between Saul’s formal religion, the priest and ephod present but unused, and Jonathan’s active, risk-taking trust. In modern devotional literature, the passage often appears under themes of courage, stepping out in faith, and the power of one person’s belief to inspire others.
Preaching This Verse
Three-Point Outline
- Passivity Has a Priest but No Prayer. Saul has Ahijah and the ephod, yet he stays under the tree while a crisis looms. Religious resources do nothing if we will not use them.
- Faith Turns “Perhaps” into a Platform. Jonathan says, “It may be that Yahweh will work for us.” This is not doubt; it is the language of a servant who leaves outcomes with God.
- When the Mockers Call You Up, God Has Already Delivered. The Philistines’ taunt becomes the sign. Jonathan sees in contempt a divine summons. Faith reinterprets opposition as opportunity.
Five-Point Outline
- Saul’s waiting: comfort in numbers, but no movement (vv.2-3).
- The hard geography: what looks impossible is the path of faith (vv.4-5).
- Jonathan’s creed: God is not limited by resources (v.6).
- Two kinds of “heart”: the armor-bearer’s loyalty matches Jonathan’s courage (v.7).
- The sign: faith may ask for guidance, but it moves when the answer comes (vv.8-12).
Illustration Hooks
- Waiting vs. Acting. A church board debates a mission while a single member goes ahead and serves. Saul’s waiting had the trappings of prudence; Jonathan’s act had the mark of faith.
- Mountain Climbing. The steep rocks of Bozez and Seneh are like a high-difficulty hiking trail. Two people with minimal gear scale it because they believe the summit is theirs.
- Mockery as Confirmation. A teenager stands up for someone being bullied; the bullies’ taunts become the very moment that proves the courage was right.
Questions Your Congregation Is Asking
- “When is it wise to act boldly on faith, and when should I wait on the Lord?”
- “How can I tell if a prompting is from God or just my own idea?”
- “What should I do when I feel like Saul, stuck, with good resources but no forward movement?”
Leading a Discussion
This passage invites a conversation about waiting versus acting in faith. Saul’s posture seems cautious, even reasonable, he has the priest and the ephod, but no forward motion. Jonathan moves with only one companion and a conviction that God can save by many or by few. Notice that Jonathan does not charge recklessly; he asks for a sign from God. His faith tests the ground.
Discussion Questions
- What does the narrator accomplish by contrasting Saul under the pomegranate tree with Jonathan climbing the pass? What emotions does that contrast stir in you?
- Jonathan calls the Philistines “uncircumcised” (v.6). How does his view of the enemy shape his confidence? Does that kind of language ever help, or can it become a problem?
- The armor-bearer says, “Do all that is in your heart… I am with you according to your heart” (v.7). What does this loyalty reveal about Jonathan’s leadership and the kind of community that faith builds?
- Jonathan sets up a test: if the Philistines say “wait,” he stays; if they say “come up,” he moves (vv.9-10). Does this kind of sign-seeking show faith or a lack of faith? How does it compare to Gideon’s fleece (Judges 6:36-40)?
- When the Philistines mock and call them up, Jonathan declares, “Yahweh has delivered them into the hand of Israel” (v.12). What changed for him between “it may be” and “has delivered”? What might cause that shift in your own confidence?
- Saul had the priest and the ephod (a way to consult God), yet he seems paralyzed. Why might someone with religious resources still fail to act? What resources do we have that we are not using?
- If you were facing a “bozez” (slippery rock) situation right now, what would a faith-filled first step look like? How can your group help you take it?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| I Samuel 13:15 | Samuel arose, and went from Gilgal to Gibeah of Benjamin. Saul counted the people who were present with him, about six hundred men. |
| I Samuel 13:16 | Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people who were present with them, stayed in Geba of Benjamin; but the Philistines encamped in Michmash. |
| Isaiah 10:28 | He has come to Aiath. He has passed through Migron. At Michmash he stores his baggage. |
| Isaiah 10:29 | They have gone over the pass. They have taken up their lodging at Geba. Ramah trembles. Gibeah of Saul has fled. |
| Exodus 28:26 | You shall make two rings of gold, and you shall put them on the two ends of the breastplate, on its edge, which is toward the side of the ephod inward. |
| Exodus 28:32 | It shall have a hole for the head in the middle of it. It shall have a binding of woven work around its hole, as it were the hole of a coat of mail, that it not be torn. |
| I Samuel 2:28 | Didn’t I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to go up to my altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? Didn’t I give to the house of your father all the offerings of the children of Israel made by fire? |
| I Samuel 4:21 | She named the child Ichabod, saying, “The glory has departed from Israel!” because God’s ark was taken, and because of her father-in-law and her husband. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
8 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke emphasizes that Jonathan's daring action was not reckless but came from a clear divine impulse, confirmed by a requested sign. He highlights Jonathan's confidence that no army or obstacle can limit God's power to save, making the weak as secure as the strong when God gives a promise.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes clarifies that the phrase "the Lord's priest in Shiloh" refers to Eli, not Ahijah, since Shiloh was no longer the ark's seat in Saul's time. He also notes that the term "uncircumc
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The commentary identifies the cliffs Bozez and Seneh through the actual landscape
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill highlights Jonathan’s confidence that God is not limited by numbers or obstacles. He sees Jonathan's proposed sign from the Philistines' reaction as a test of their fear or boldness, proving that God has already decided the outcome. The armor-bearer’s willing agreement shows they share this trust in God’s power.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB highlights the precise geography of the ravine and the two cliffs, Bozez and Seneh, to show the daring nature of Jonathan's climb. He calls the enterprise gallant but notes it was technically contrary to military discipline. Jonathan's "it may be" is not hesitation; it expresses that success depends solely on God, not on human strength or merit.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange emphasizes that Jonathan's word "perhaps" does not express doubt but the humility that accompanies genuine faith. He roots Jonathan's boldness not in youthful courage alone but in a theocratic confidence that God's covenant with Israel means His help is never limited by human resources.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry highlights Jonathan's bold faith in God's power, not in numbers. Jonathan steps out alone with his armor-bearer, trusting that God can save by many or by few. The sign he seeks is not a random test but a quiet confidence that God will show His hand.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley highlights that Jonathan climbed over two rocky outcrops rather than taking an open passage, because the usual roads were blocked. He notes Jonathan strengthened his faith by calling the Philistines "uncircumcised" — enemies of God — yet humbly sought a sign, uncertain of the timing, and later gave all credit for victory to God and Israel's good.