F-260 1 Samuel 13:16-14:23 Israel Without Weapons and Jonathan Attacks the Philistines What act of individual bravery has impressed you lately? Why does the bravery of one individual often set the stage for others to dare something difficult? What are the characteristics of the initiative-takers you know or know of? In what ways were the Philistines flexing their muscles before Israel? (13:16-17) Why did the Philistines deprive the Israelites of the blacksmith’s trade? (13:19) How did the Israelites have their farming implements sharpened? (13:20) How were the Israelite soldiers armed? (13:22) What plan did Jonathan propose to his armor-bearer? (14:1) Who was aware of Jonathan’s plan besides his armor-bearer? (14:1, 3) Where was Saul staying while the Philistines were on the move? (14:2) What was the ancestry of the priest who was with Saul on the outskirts of Gibeah? (14:3) What physical barriers would Jonathan have to navigate in order to reach the Philistines? (14:4) How did Jonathan express his faith when he proposed the plan to his armor-bearer? (14:6) What was the servant’s answer to Jonathan’s plan? (14:7) What method did Jonathan propose for determining whether God would give them victory? (14:8-10) Why did Jonathan go ahead despite the Philistine taunts? (14:10) What was the Philistine taunt when they saw Jonathan and his armor-bearer? (14:11-12) What was the initial Philistine loss at the hands of Jonathan and his armor-bearer? (14:14) What was the effect of the initial loss on the rest of the Philistine troops? (14:15) How did Saul determine who had started the rout of the Philistines? (14:17) Why did Saul cut short the consultation of the ark of God? (14:18-19) When Saul and his men entered the battle, what was the condition of the Philistine troops? (14:20) What was one of the symptoms of confusion among the Philistines? (14:20) What groups joined in to help defeat the Philistines? (14:21-22) What was God’s part in the battle that followed Jonathan’s bravery? (14:23) What was particularly pitiful about the Hebrew army as they faced the Philistines? What did Jonathan know about God’s nature that enabled him to be bold? Why were the Philistines feeling cocky in relation to the Hebrews? Why might Jonathan have decided to act alone, without telling his father’s troops? Why are we more likely to “come out of hiding” when the enemy is already in retreat? From God’s perspective, why were Jonathan’s actions wise? In what circumstance or area of life has God given you the faith to blaze a trail where others see only hopelessness? What problem confronting you this week could be put in perspective by reminding yourself, “Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving”?