May 28, 2025 • 28 mins
# 159 - Jonathan: The Philistine Slayer - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, we explore 1 Samuel 14 and the story of Jonathan’s surprise attack on a Philistine outpost. As fear paralyzes Israel’s army, Jonathan’s quiet faith and decisive action reveal how God can work through even the smallest steps of trust.
Episode 159 of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein is inspired by the Book of Joshua.
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For more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/
Today's opening prayer is inspired by Joshua 1:9, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go”
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Show Notes:
(01:18) Intro with Yael Eckstein
(02:17) Jonathan: The Philistine Slayer
(20:59) Reflection with Yael Eckstein
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Previously on the Chosen people.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
The Lord has favored us, brothers. They outnumber us two
to one. Good odds for God's chosen people.
Speaker 1 (00:11):
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.
Speaker 3 (00:22):
Every hour that passes without Samuel's arrival is another hour
the men spend whispering in fear.
Speaker 1 (00:31):
And with every whisper, Saul felt control slipping from his grasp.
Speaker 3 (00:36):
They're going to me. They're losing open.
Speaker 4 (00:42):
Gold, They're losing hope in me.
Speaker 1 (00:46):
Saul needed the men to see him as holy. The
sacrifice burned, and the smoke rose high into the sky.
Speaker 3 (00:54):
You have disregarded the command of the Lord your God.
Speaker 5 (00:59):
Had you, a kingdom would have been established forever.
Speaker 6 (01:03):
No, now, your.
Speaker 1 (01:06):
Kingdom shall not continue. He may have lost God's favor,
but he would not lose his throat.
Speaker 7 (01:20):
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,
(01:42):
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
(02:06):
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.
Speaker 1 (02:20):
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
(02:41):
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.
(03:02):
Jonathan knelt on the stone, bowing his head his breath.
Speaker 4 (03:06):
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.
Speaker 1 (03:22):
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,
(03:44):
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
(04:08):
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.
Speaker 2 (04:28):
Quick, Cobys, put on your armor and gather your weapons.
Speaker 6 (04:33):
I'll emargine.
Speaker 2 (04:35):
You and I are going to take the Philistine garrison
on the other side of the mountain.
Speaker 6 (04:40):
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?
Speaker 1 (04:54):
Jonathan nodded. Cobas let out a short laugh and grabbed
his hammer.
Speaker 6 (04:59):
You're a madman, but here I am ready to follow you.
Speaker 3 (05:04):
What's that make me a madman of the Lord dear Cubis.
Now let's go.
Speaker 1 (05:09):
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
(05:32):
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.
Speaker 6 (05:48):
And that's so short, that was Jonathan. If the sheer numbers, answered,
befolready look at the newly forted lliance.
Speaker 1 (05:56):
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.
Speaker 4 (06:07):
Tell me, does anything restrain God?
Speaker 1 (06:10):
Cobos hesitated, then shook his head. Jonathan nodded toward the camp.
Speaker 3 (06:16):
I say we go over there to the Philistine's head on.
Speaker 2 (06:19):
Lord may work for us, and if he is with us,
it doesn't matter if we are two or two.
Speaker 3 (06:24):
Thousand, or reveal ourselves to them.
Speaker 2 (06:27):
They invite us into their camp, we'll take it as
a sign if the Lord has given us favor.
Speaker 6 (06:31):
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?
Speaker 1 (06:45):
Jonathan grinned, clapping him on the back.
Speaker 3 (06:47):
That's the spirit. Follow me.
Speaker 1 (06:50):
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
(07:10):
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
(07:35):
Israelite pups crawling away from their masters.
Speaker 3 (07:40):
Have you a come to seek refuge? Hebras, come here
and uh, we will show you our camp.
Speaker 8 (07:48):
We'll wrap you in a blanket and serve you some
some warm milk.
Speaker 1 (07:53):
Jonathan turned to Cobos, his expression calm.
Speaker 3 (07:57):
There's our sign Lord has given us fair. Are you ready?
Speaker 6 (08:01):
Of course I'm not ready. What I'm here, Let's move.
Speaker 1 (08:06):
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.
Speaker 5 (08:23):
Eh, A smart lad come.
Speaker 4 (08:27):
Over here, and.
Speaker 1 (08:29):
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
(08:52):
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.
(09:19):
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
(09:40):
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,
(10:01):
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
(10:23):
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
(10:43):
in confusion. A smile flickered across his lips.
Speaker 3 (10:47):
Lord has given them into our hands. Forward.
Speaker 1 (10:56):
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,
(11:17):
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.
Speaker 2 (11:36):
Forces engaged the Philistines, My king, they're breaking the ranks.
Speaker 8 (11:40):
What who was attacked them without my command?
Speaker 2 (11:44):
Who do you suppose, my lord, who would possibly be
foolish enough to attack them head on?
Speaker 8 (11:49):
Oh, Shonathan, that insolent boy.
Speaker 1 (11:53):
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.
Speaker 8 (12:06):
Someone retrieve high priest the Hydi tell him to bring
the ark of God, pray to the Lord, cast the loss.
Speaker 3 (12:14):
We must know if we are to march.
Speaker 1 (12:16):
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.
Speaker 3 (12:38):
Last there's not time to wait for an answer. It
seems as though he's already spoken Wimar.
Speaker 1 (12:47):
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,
(13:13):
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.
(13:35):
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.
Speaker 3 (13:57):
I have to proved myself.
Speaker 1 (14:00):
And so as the battle raged, Saul raised his voice
above the fray and called out to his men.
Speaker 8 (14:08):
Erst is the men who eats any food before him before?
I am mad my vengeance upon the Pistines.
Speaker 1 (14:17):
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,
(14:38):
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
(15:00):
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
(15:21):
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.
Speaker 3 (15:39):
My father has burdened you all. Look at me.
Speaker 4 (15:42):
I've eaten, and now I am strong again.
Speaker 2 (15:44):
If I had let him eat from the spoils of war,
would have won this battle already.
Speaker 1 (15:49):
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
(16:10):
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,
(16:36):
causing them to break the commands that actually mattered. But
Saul did not repent. Instead, he rebuked them.
Speaker 8 (16:44):
Good, treacherous people, compose yourselves, bring the meat to the altar,
and slaughter it properly before the lord.
Speaker 1 (16:53):
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
(17:13):
Philistines were retreating, but the war was not yet won.
Saul's heart was restless. He could not bear to let
them escape.
Speaker 8 (17:22):
Let's pursue them now, before they have a chance to
escape back a gap.
Speaker 1 (17:27):
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.
(17:49):
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.
Speaker 3 (18:00):
Someone here in this canvas. That must be why the
Lord does not answer us.
Speaker 1 (18:08):
He rose abruptly and stormed out of the tent, his
eyes wild, his mind racing.
Speaker 8 (18:14):
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.
Speaker 1 (18:36):
The elders of Israel flinched as he drew his sword.
Speaker 5 (18:40):
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.
Speaker 1 (18:55):
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.
(19:20):
He marched forward, Gripping his sword. He towered over his
son his chest, heaving, what.
Speaker 4 (19:28):
Have you done?
Speaker 1 (19:31):
Jonathan did not flinch.
Speaker 3 (19:33):
Eight honeys, so I can continue battling our enemies.
Speaker 2 (19:37):
That means I must die, and sob be it kill
me where I stand, father, make.
Speaker 3 (19:43):
An example of me.
Speaker 1 (19:44):
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.
Speaker 4 (20:02):
Very well, he shall be done.
Speaker 1 (20:08):
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
(20:31):
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,
(20:51):
in his solitude, felt the weight of God's absence heavier
than ever before.
Speaker 7 (21:03):
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
(21:24):
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.
(21:44):
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
(22:08):
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
(22:31):
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.
(22:54):
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
(23:18):
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.
(23:43):
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
(24:06):
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.
(24:28):
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
(24:48):
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
(25:12):
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,
(25:35):
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.
(25:57):
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
(26:22):
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
(26:43):
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?
(27:05):
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
(27:27):
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.
Speaker 1 (27:48):
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(28:11):
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(28:36):
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(28:57):
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Previously on the Chosen people.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
The Lord has favored us, brothers. They outnumber us two
to one. Good odds for God's chosen people.
Speaker 1 (00:11):
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.
Speaker 3 (00:22):
Every hour that passes without Samuel's arrival is another hour
the men spend whispering in fear.
Speaker 1 (00:31):
And with every whisper, Saul felt control slipping from his grasp.
Speaker 3 (00:36):
They're going to me. They're losing open.
Speaker 4 (00:42):
Gold, They're losing hope in me.
Speaker 1 (00:46):
Saul needed the men to see him as holy. The
sacrifice burned, and the smoke rose high into the sky.
Speaker 3 (00:54):
You have disregarded the command of the Lord your God.
Speaker 5 (00:59):
Had you, a kingdom would have been established forever.
Speaker 6 (01:03):
No, now, your.
Speaker 1 (01:06):
Kingdom shall not continue. He may have lost God's favor,
but he would not lose his throat.
Speaker 7 (01:20):
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,
(01:42):
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
(02:06):
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.
Speaker 1 (02:20):
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
(02:41):
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.
(03:02):
Jonathan knelt on the stone, bowing his head his breath.
Speaker 4 (03:06):
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.
Speaker 1 (03:22):
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,
(03:44):
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
(04:08):
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.
Speaker 2 (04:28):
Quick, Cobys, put on your armor and gather your weapons.
Speaker 6 (04:33):
I'll emargine.
Speaker 2 (04:35):
You and I are going to take the Philistine garrison
on the other side of the mountain.
Speaker 6 (04:40):
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?
Speaker 1 (04:54):
Jonathan nodded. Cobas let out a short laugh and grabbed
his hammer.
Speaker 6 (04:59):
You're a madman, but here I am ready to follow you.
Speaker 3 (05:04):
What's that make me a madman of the Lord dear Cubis.
Now let's go.
Speaker 1 (05:09):
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
(05:32):
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.
Speaker 6 (05:48):
And that's so short, that was Jonathan. If the sheer numbers, answered,
befolready look at the newly forted lliance.
Speaker 1 (05:56):
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.
Speaker 4 (06:07):
Tell me, does anything restrain God?
Speaker 1 (06:10):
Cobos hesitated, then shook his head. Jonathan nodded toward the camp.
Speaker 3 (06:16):
I say we go over there to the Philistine's head on.
Speaker 2 (06:19):
Lord may work for us, and if he is with us,
it doesn't matter if we are two or two.
Speaker 3 (06:24):
Thousand, or reveal ourselves to them.
Speaker 2 (06:27):
They invite us into their camp, we'll take it as
a sign if the Lord has given us favor.
Speaker 6 (06:31):
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?
Speaker 1 (06:45):
Jonathan grinned, clapping him on the back.
Speaker 3 (06:47):
That's the spirit. Follow me.
Speaker 1 (06:50):
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
(07:10):
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
(07:35):
Israelite pups crawling away from their masters.
Speaker 3 (07:40):
Have you a come to seek refuge? Hebras, come here
and uh, we will show you our camp.
Speaker 8 (07:48):
We'll wrap you in a blanket and serve you some
some warm milk.
Speaker 1 (07:53):
Jonathan turned to Cobos, his expression calm.
Speaker 3 (07:57):
There's our sign Lord has given us fair. Are you ready?
Speaker 6 (08:01):
Of course I'm not ready. What I'm here, Let's move.
Speaker 1 (08:06):
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.
Speaker 5 (08:23):
Eh, A smart lad come.
Speaker 4 (08:27):
Over here, and.
Speaker 1 (08:29):
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
(08:52):
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.
(09:19):
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
(09:40):
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,
(10:01):
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
(10:23):
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
(10:43):
in confusion. A smile flickered across his lips.
Speaker 3 (10:47):
Lord has given them into our hands. Forward.
Speaker 1 (10:56):
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,
(11:17):
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.
Speaker 2 (11:36):
Forces engaged the Philistines, My king, they're breaking the ranks.
Speaker 8 (11:40):
What who was attacked them without my command?
Speaker 2 (11:44):
Who do you suppose, my lord, who would possibly be
foolish enough to attack them head on?
Speaker 8 (11:49):
Oh, Shonathan, that insolent boy.
Speaker 1 (11:53):
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.
Speaker 8 (12:06):
Someone retrieve high priest the Hydi tell him to bring
the ark of God, pray to the Lord, cast the loss.
Speaker 3 (12:14):
We must know if we are to march.
Speaker 1 (12:16):
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.
Speaker 3 (12:38):
Last there's not time to wait for an answer. It
seems as though he's already spoken Wimar.
Speaker 1 (12:47):
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,
(13:13):
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.
(13:35):
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.
Speaker 3 (13:57):
I have to proved myself.
Speaker 1 (14:00):
And so as the battle raged, Saul raised his voice
above the fray and called out to his men.
Speaker 8 (14:08):
Erst is the men who eats any food before him before?
I am mad my vengeance upon the Pistines.
Speaker 1 (14:17):
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,
(14:38):
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
(15:00):
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
(15:21):
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.
Speaker 3 (15:39):
My father has burdened you all. Look at me.
Speaker 4 (15:42):
I've eaten, and now I am strong again.
Speaker 2 (15:44):
If I had let him eat from the spoils of war,
would have won this battle already.
Speaker 1 (15:49):
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
(16:10):
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,
(16:36):
causing them to break the commands that actually mattered. But
Saul did not repent. Instead, he rebuked them.
Speaker 8 (16:44):
Good, treacherous people, compose yourselves, bring the meat to the altar,
and slaughter it properly before the lord.
Speaker 1 (16:53):
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
(17:13):
Philistines were retreating, but the war was not yet won.
Saul's heart was restless. He could not bear to let
them escape.
Speaker 8 (17:22):
Let's pursue them now, before they have a chance to
escape back a gap.
Speaker 1 (17:27):
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.
(17:49):
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.
Speaker 3 (18:00):
Someone here in this canvas. That must be why the
Lord does not answer us.
Speaker 1 (18:08):
He rose abruptly and stormed out of the tent, his
eyes wild, his mind racing.
Speaker 8 (18:14):
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.
Speaker 1 (18:36):
The elders of Israel flinched as he drew his sword.
Speaker 5 (18:40):
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.
Speaker 1 (18:55):
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.
(19:20):
He marched forward, Gripping his sword. He towered over his
son his chest, heaving, what.
Speaker 4 (19:28):
Have you done?
Speaker 1 (19:31):
Jonathan did not flinch.
Speaker 3 (19:33):
Eight honeys, so I can continue battling our enemies.
Speaker 2 (19:37):
That means I must die, and sob be it kill
me where I stand, father, make.
Speaker 3 (19:43):
An example of me.
Speaker 1 (19:44):
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.
Speaker 4 (20:02):
Very well, he shall be done.
Speaker 1 (20:08):
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
(20:31):
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,
(20:51):
in his solitude, felt the weight of God's absence heavier
than ever before.
Speaker 7 (21:03):
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
(21:24):
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.
(21:44):
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
(22:08):
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
(22:31):
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.
(22:54):
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
(23:18):
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.
(23:43):
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
(24:06):
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.
(24:28):
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
(24:48):
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
(25:12):
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,
(25:35):
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.
(25:57):
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
(26:22):
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
(26:43):
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?
(27:05):
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
(27:27):
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.
Speaker 1 (27:48):
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,
(28:11):
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
(28:36):
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
(28:57):
leave a review.
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