Eager to please God after being rebuked (Chapter 13), Saul gave a command that wearied his troops. They may not eat until they have accomplished victory against the Philistines. Jonathan publicly disobeyed his father's declaration and led the people in gratifying their hunger. Abandoning self-control, the soldiers began slaughtering the spoil and eating the meat with blood still in it. For Israel, eating the blood of an animal was not acceptable according to God's Law. But they were very weary, and fulfilling their hunger was their first priority after withholding for the duration of the battle.
Jonathan's wisdom told him that his father made a poor leadership decision as King. But in his own rebelliousness, he ate and led the people against the King's command. In judging his father, Jonathan also made a poor leadership decision. Israel's soldiers responded with self-fulfillment as their first priority.
The author of 1 Samuel repeated, "the people were hardpressed," "weary," and "very weary;" and couples it with the closing comment, "Now the war against the Philistines was severe all the days of Saul" (v. 24, 28, 31, 52). Their strength was waning as a nation and as individuals. By the end of the chapter, I feel pity for this young nation.
Sin brings about chaos, both publicly and privately. It creates unrest within the soul. Sin sends us striving for affirmation, for personal victory without God, for anything that will bring us temporary rest. It is at the foot of the cross that we rest, through grace that cannot be earned. Our place of rest and exaltation is the cross of Jesus Christ. He did the work to salvage our souls.
Can you rest today? Is the work of Christ and His greatness enough for your soul to relish in, though life may be chaotic? Rest, my friend. One thing is enough (Psalm 27).
© 2006 by Kendra Hinkle.
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