Friday, October 30, 2026
City of Praise reflectionCourage and spiritual endurance — 1 Samuel 14:1-8
Courage and spiritual endurance
Today’s Scripture: 1 Samuel 14:1-8 (KJV)
- Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines’ garrison, that is on the other side. But he told not his father.
- And 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;
- And 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.
- And 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.
- The forefront of the one was situate northward over against Michmash, and the other southward over against Gibeah.
- And 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.
- And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart.
- Then said Jonathan, Behold, we will pass over unto these men, and we will discover ourselves unto them.
Guided reflection
Read 1 Samuel 14:1-8 slowly, then read the surrounding chapter. Follow the people, choices and consequences in the narrative. A recorded action is not automatically an example to imitate; consider how it relates to God’s faithfulness and justice.
Attend especially to 1 Samuel 14:1: “Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines’ garrison, that is on the other side. But he told not his father.”
Observe: Who is speaking or acting, and what changes across these verses? Identify a word, action or contrast in 1 Samuel 14:1-8 that helps you explain the passage in your own words.
Reflect: What response to difficulty is encouraged here, and what shortcuts does it rule out? Ground your answer in 1 Samuel 14:1 and its surrounding verses. If the connection to this month’s theme is indirect, let the passage’s own meaning lead.
Respond: Face one postponed responsibility prayerfully, without retaliating or giving in to fear. Write one sentence explaining how your response follows from 1 Samuel 14:1-8, and return to it this evening.
Put the Word into practice
Choose one truth from today’s passage. Write down one practical step you can take today, then ask God for grace to follow through.
Today’s prayer
Father, as I consider 1 Samuel 14:1, give me courage joined with humility. Let the truth of this passage correct my assumptions and shape my response today. Help me practise what is faithful to Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Part of our Scripture-led study plan. Read the passage in context and use the prompts for personal reflection.