What does 1 Samuel 14:10 Mean?

Context Summary

Jonathan was a true knight of God. He was the Hebrew Galahad, a soldier without fear and without reproach. His life was pure, his word was true, he was faithful to the high claims of human love, and followed the Christ, though as yet he knew Him not.

He had entered into the spirit of the divine Covenant, and could not believe that God had forgotten and forsaken. Was not the old promise true that "one ^[1] chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight"? Deuteronomy 32:30. Happy are they who can rise above depression and misfortune into the clear heaven of fellowship with God, allying their weakness with His might, their ignorance with His wisdom! "It may be that the Lord will work for us," said Jonathan; "for there is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few." Then he offered himself as the humble instrument of God's will. The people recognized this. They said: "He hath wrought with God this day." And the soul that reckons on God cannot be ashamed. "The Lord saved Israel that day."In such works God and man co-operate. See John 3:21. [source]

Chapter Summary: 1 Samuel 14

¹  Jonathan goes and miraculously smites the Philistine's garrison
¹⁵  A divine terror makes them beat themselves
¹⁷  Saul, not staying the priest's answer, sets on them
²¹  The captivated Hebrews, and the hidden Israelites, join against them
²⁴  Saul's unadvised adjuration hinders the victory
³¹  He restrains the people from eating blood
³⁵  He builds an altar
³⁷  Jonathan, taken by lot, is save by the people
⁴⁷  Saul's victories, strength, and family