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redeemed by the people

1 Samuel 14:43-52 (JDV)

1 Samuel 14:43 Saul commanded him, “Tell me what you did.” Jonathan told him, “I tasted a little honey with the end of the staff I was carrying. Notice, I am ready to die!”
1 Samuel 14:44 Saul declared to him, “May God punish me and do so severely if you do not die, Jonathan!”
1 Samuel 14:45 But the people said to Saul, “Must Jonathan die, who accomplished such a great deliverance for Israel? No, as Yahveh lives, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground, for he worked with God’s help today.” So, the people redeemed Jonathan, and he did not die.
1 Samuel 14:46 Then Saul gave up the pursuit of the Philistines, and the Philistines returned to their own territory.
1 Samuel 14:47 When Saul assumed the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies in every direction: against Moab, the Ammonites, Edom, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines. Wherever he turned, he caused havoc.
1 Samuel 14:48 He fought efficiently, defeated the Amalekites, and rescued Israel from those who plundered them.
1 Samuel 14:49 Saul’s sons were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchishua. The names of his two daughters were Merab, his firstborn, and Michal, the younger.
1 Samuel 14:50 The name of Saul’s wife was Ahinoam daughter of Ahimaaz. The name of the commander of his army was Abner son of Saul’s uncle Ner.
1 Samuel 14:51 Saul’s father was Kish. Abner’s father was Ner son of Abiel.
1 Samuel 14:52 The conflict with the Philistines was fierce all of Saul’s days, so whenever Saul noticed any strong or efficient man, he enlisted him.

redeemed by the people

Saul was wise to listen to his own soldiers that day. He had to go back on his own promise because the people rightly pointed out to him that it was Jonathan’s courage to begin fighting that started the whole battle — leading to a great victory. Jonathan should not have to pay for his father’s foolish rash words.

There will be times when great men and women who fear God and seek to obey him in all they do will make mistakes. Our tendency as the church will be to destroy them, to defrock them, to excommunicate them. But God’s first choice is always restoration. We should not be so quick to rid ourselves of embarassment. Jesus tells us to to go to an offending brother privately, seeking to restore him.

Today’s text lists Jonathan as first among the strong and efficient men who battled against the Philistines under Saul. The people had redeemed him, and he remained faithful all his life.