Honey on the Ground

In 1 Samuel 14, at the time when Jonathan took on the Philistines single-handedly, we see that he provided an example that inspired the rest of the Israelite army to step out in battle and act as he did. There was no doubt that God was with them—He caused the Philistines to run in panic and He sent an earthquake to rattle them even more. He even provided honey on the ground, so the Israelites could eat as they pursued their enemies.

But there was a problem. King Saul had bound his soldiers with an oath that they could not eat until they had killed every Philistine. No doubt he was trying to motivate his men, but in fact, he denied them the very thing God was offering to sustain them.

Saul’s son Jonathan had not heard this rule, since he was out fighting. He helped himself to the honey and only then was told about it. Jonathan replied that his father had been wrong to bind the soldiers in this way. How much more of a victory could they have had, if the men had been able to eat?

By the end of the day, Saul found out about Jonathan’s inadvertent disobedience, and he was ready to put his son to death as a penalty. But the soldiers rose up to protect Jonathan. They defied the king and said, “You will not do this. Jonathan has worked with God today and brought us this great victory. You will not harm a hair on his head!”

Here are some observations that every teacher, parent, boss, church leader, and government official should note:

First, true leaders do not push or force their people. Cruelty will only take a leader so far before it backfires and the people rise up in rebellion.

Second, leaders do the right thing first. They provide an example of how the rest of the people should act. Their nobility inspires the rest of us to try harder. When the Israelites saw Jonathan’s courage, they found their own courage, and backed up their leader.

Third, leadership inspires loyalty. The Israelite army stood against the king in order to support their real leader.

And last, it is important to pay attention to the blessings right in front of us. How many times have we denied ourselves something refreshing because we were too busy to take note? Is there honey on the ground in front of you? Pay attention and maintain your strength.