Wednesday Bible Study: Writer ' s workshop edition

1 Samuel 14 is a) very long and b) not very well written. The narrative is jumbled, it contains details that seem irrelevant and on the other hand fails to explain others that are. Saul continues to be inept, but this is more about the adventures of his son Jonathan, who has not previously been introduced but suddenly here he is. And as usual, there ' s plenty of slaughter.14 1 One day Jonathan son of Saul said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.” But he did not tell his father.This is the first time the concept of an armor-bearer has appeared. His duties are not explained.2 Saul was staying on the outskirts of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree in Migron. With him were about six hundred men,3 among whom was Ahijah, who was wearing an ephod. He was a son of Ichabod ’s brother Ahitub son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, theLord’s priest in Shiloh. No one was aware that Jonathan had left.4 On each side of the pass that Jonathan intended to cross to reach the Philistine outpost was a cliff; one was called Bozez and the other Seneh.5 One cliff stood to the north toward Mikmash, the other to the south toward Geba.Another irrelevant detail.6 Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps theLord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder theLord from saving, whether by many or by few. ”7 “Do all that you have i...
Source: Stayin' Alive - Category: American Health Source Type: blogs