By the many or the few
We have a very great promise, that our God brings victory and saves, by the many or the few. Not because of our strength, but often through our weakness.
Between the passes, by which Jonathan sought to go over to the Philistines’ garrison, there was a sharp rock on one side and a sharp rock on the other side. And the name of one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh. 5 The front of one faced northward opposite Michmash, and the other southward opposite Gibeah. 6 Then Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armour, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; it may be that the Lord will work for us. For nothing restrains the Lord from saving by many or by few.” – 1 Samuel 14:4-6
Saul made a series of bad decisions, but God was still with His people. At this time, as they faced the Philistine enemy, the Israelite army was a feeble group. They were having to use farm tools as weapons and the only two swords belonged to Saul and Jonathan (1 Samuel 13:22).
While Saul and the Israelites were fearful, Jonathan went to look over toward the enemy with his armour bearer. These may have been the only two brave men in the camp, or at least the only two willing to trust God could still be with them.
We can learn so many lessons from this. When we are embattled, we must not stay seated with the shivering, but we must trust God and go with the goers.
It’s also wise to check the friendships we rely on. Some of our friends will not come with us into battle and would not support us either. Godly friendships can both support and protect you in your decisions.
Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33
Jonathan chose well and I love the response of his companion.
So his armour bearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart. Go then; here I am with you, according to your heart.” – 1 Samuel 14:7
Jonathan had the support of a friend who trusted him at a heart level, we all need this type of friend.
Before they even get to the battle, they had to overcome two cliffs called Bozez and Seneh. They were made up of sharp rocks and thorns, which was the only way to victory. This reminds us that we will have many obstacles and excuses to overcome before we fight for victory. I like to imagine that as they went, they encouraged each other and reminded each other that God could overcome by the many or the few.
God still brings about His victory despite the vastness of our enemy, the feeble state we are in and the lack of support we have around us. The victory is already won when we trust God with all our hearts. We must encourage others with the same heart desire and never be afraid to go into battle because God is on your side. He will bring about victory and our salvation by many or by few.