Jonathan: The Philistine Slayer

Summary

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The Chosen People

Episode: Jonathan: The Philistine Slayer

Host: Pray.com
Release Date: May 14, 2026
Summary by Podcast Expert

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Episode Overview

This episode of The Chosen People delves into the gripping Old Testament tale of Jonathan’s faith, courage, and leadership during Israel’s struggle against the Philistines. Through vivid storytelling and dramatic performances, the episode explores the contrasting leadership styles of Jonathan and his father, King Saul, the anatomy of trust and obedience in battle, and the tragic cost of rash vows. The story is both an action-packed retelling and a contemplative study of spiritual strength, impulsive authority, and what it means to place one’s faith in God versus human schemes.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Faith in the Face of Overwhelming Odds

• Jonathan’s Leadership (00:37–01:10):
  Jonathan is depicted as a natural leader, inspiring his men not through fear but "out of trust" (00:45). He willingly takes on impossible odds, trusting in God's favor.

  • Quote:
    "The Lord has favored us brothers. They outnumber us 2 to 1. Good odds for God's chosen people." — Jonathan (00:37)

• Contrast with Saul (00:56–01:20):
  Saul is shown as anxious, desperate for control, and increasingly insecure about his standing with both God and his people.

  • Quote:
    "They're losing hope in God. They're losing hope in me." — Saul (01:10, 01:18)

2. The Catalyst: Saul’s Disobedience and Its Fallout

• Prophetic Rebuke (01:28–01:39):
  The high priest Ahijah rebukes Saul for his disobedience, declaring the end of his dynasty.

  • Quote:
    "You have disregarded the command of the Lord your God. Had you obeyed, your kingdom would have been established forever." — Ahijah (01:28)

• Narrative Shift to Jonathan’s Mission (02:24–03:11):
  Before dawn, Jonathan stealthily prepares for an audacious attack, motivated by faith and strategy rather than brute force or numbers.

3. Jonathan’s Bold Plan and Trust in God

• Jonathan and Cobus Prepare (04:32–05:13):
  Jonathan recruits his young armor-bearer, Cobus, for a nearly suicidal two-man assault.

  • Quote:
    "You're a madman, son of Saul. But here I am, ready to follow you. What's that make me?" — Cobus (05:03)
    "A madman of the Lord, dear Cobus. Now let's go." — Jonathan (05:10)

• Divine Perspective (06:11–06:21):
  Jonathan’s unwavering assurance in God’s power contrasts the fear around him.

  • Quote:
    "Tell me, does anything restrain God? ... If he is with us, it doesn't matter if we are two or two thousand." — Jonathan (06:11, 06:21)

4. The Surprise Attack: Faith in Action

• The Ambush (07:39–10:52):
  Jonathan and Cobus are mocked by the Philistines, which Jonathan interprets as a divine sign to proceed. Their surprise attack causes panic and confusion in the Philistine camp.

• Supernatural Intervention (09:55–10:52):
  In the midst of the chaos, an earthquake shakes the battlefield, amplifying the terror among the Philistines and demonstrating God’s direct intervention.

  • Quote:
    "The Lord has given them into our hands." — Jonathan (10:52)

5. Saul’s Leadership: Rashness and Insecurity

• Saul Hesitates, Then Acts (11:44–12:50):
  Saul, upon hearing of the Philistine rout, scrambles to respond and orders the Ark and priests, but ultimately acts impatiently.

  • Quote:
    "Blast it. There's no time to wait for an answer. It seems as though he's already spoken. We march." — Saul (12:42, 12:50)

• The Battle Turns (12:52–14:01):
  Inspired Israelites and freed Hebrew slaves join the fray, turning the tide decisively. But Saul’s hunger for validation, not faith, becomes evident.

6. The Rash Oath and Its Consequences

• Saul’s Foolish Command (14:12–14:21):
  Saul issues a curse forbidding his troops from eating until evening out of a desire for vengeance, not wisdom.

  • Quote:
    "Cursed is the man who eats any food before evening, before I have had my vengeance on upon the Philistines." — Saul (14:12)

• Jonathan Unwittingly Breaks the Oath (15:36–15:53):
  Exhausted, Jonathan eats honey and instantly regains his strength, questioning the validity of his father's command.

  • Quote:
    "My father has burdened you all. Look at me. I've eaten, and now I am strong again. If I had let them eat from the spoils of war, I would have won this battle already." — Jonathan (15:43)

7. Breakdown of Order and Saul’s Compounding Mistakes

• Aftermath of the Battle (15:53–16:58):
  Saul’s command leads the famished Israelites to sin by eating raw meat, violating Mosaic Law.

• Saul’s Misplaced Blame (17:26–18:12):
  When God does not answer further inquiries, Saul blames his men, refusing introspection about his own failures.

8. The Crisis: Saul vs. Jonathan

• Casting Lots and Confrontation (18:44–20:12):
  Saul vows to execute the oath-breaker, even if it's his own son. The lots fall to Jonathan, who bravely owns up to his actions.

  • Quote:
    "I ate honey so I can continue battling our enemies. If that means I must die, then so be it. Kill me where I stand, Father. Make an example of me." — Jonathan (19:38)

• The Men Intervene, Saul Isolated (20:12–20:58):
  The soldiers refuse to allow Saul to harm Jonathan, forcing Saul to abandon his rash intent and leaving him increasingly isolated.

  • Quote:
    "They would defy their king to protect their prince. Saul's grip slackened. The sword fell from his hand." — Narrator (20:28)

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Memorable Moments & Quotes (with Timestamps)

• "Good odds for God's chosen people." — Jonathan (00:37)
• "You have disregarded the command of the Lord your God..." — Ahijah (01:28)
• "Tell me, does anything restrain God?" — Jonathan (06:11)
• "Lord has given them into our hands." — Jonathan (10:52)
• "Blast it. There's no time to wait for an answer. ... We march." — Saul (12:42, 12:50)
• "Cursed is the man who eats any food before evening..." — Saul (14:12)
• "My father has burdened you all. Look at me. I've eaten, and now I am strong again. If I had let them eat from the spoils of war, I would have won this battle already." — Jonathan (15:43)
• "I ate honey so I can continue battling our enemies. If that means I must die, then so be it." — Jonathan (19:38)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Jonathan’s spiritual preparation on the mountaintop: 02:24–03:26
• Jonathan’s bold plan with Cobus: 04:32–06:36
• The ambush and battle: 08:01–10:52
• Earthquake and divine intervention: 09:55–10:52
• Saul’s rash oath: 14:12–15:53
• Jonathan eats honey: 15:36–15:53
• The consequence of Saul’s command: 15:53–16:58
• Jonathan is identified (casting lots): 18:44–19:38
• Confrontation and resolution (the men stand with Jonathan): 20:12–20:58

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Tone and Style

The episode blends high drama, action, and reflective moments, staying true to the epic narrative style of the Old Testament. The dialogue captures both the courage and humor found among warriors (particularly in Jonathan and Cobus's banter), and the psychological torment and insecurity of Saul. The narration is rich, cinematic, and contemplative, making listeners feel the stakes and spirituality at the heart of the biblical account.

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Takeaway

"Jonathan: The Philistine Slayer" is both a thrilling reimagining of an ancient battle and a meditation on the nature of faith, leadership, and obedience. Through Jonathan’s faith and courage—contrasted with Saul’s insecurity and rash decision-making—listeners are invited to reflect on what it means to act with trust in God rather than out of fear or the need for control. The story’s relevance endures, challenging us to consider who or what we trust in times of challenge.

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Transcript

[Megan Basham]

This is Megan Basham of the Daily Wire inviting you to join me for the 2026 issues etc making the case conference, Friday, June 12 and Saturday, June 13 at Concordia University, Chicago. I'll be speaking and signing copies of my book, Shepherds for Sale. And joining me at this annual conference for Christian laity are Molly Hemingway of the Federalist, Robert Spencer of Jihad Watch, and Erin Holley of Alliance Defending Freedom. Learn more at issuesetc.org issuesetc.org previously on the Chosen People.

[Jonathan]

The Lord has favored us brothers. They outnumber us 2 to 1. Good odds for God's chosen people.

[Narrator]

The men chuckled. Jonathan was not their king, but they followed him as if he were not out of duty or fear, but out of trust.

[Saul]

Every hour that passes without Samuel's arrival is another hour the men spend whispering in fear.

[Narrator]

And with every whisper, Saul felt control slipping from his grasp.

[Saul]

They're going to leave me. They're losing hope in God.

[Jonathan]

They're.

[Saul]

They're losing hope in me.

[Narrator]

Saul needed the men to see him as holy. The sacrifice burned and the smoke rose high into the sky.

[Ahijah]

You have disregarded the command of the Lord your God. Had you obeyed, your kingdom would have been established forever.

[Saul]

But now.

[Narrator]

Now your kingdom shall not continue. He may have lost God's favor, but he would not lose his throne.

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[Saul]

A choice.

[Narrator]

Jonathan awoke before dawn, the sky still dark and cool. He moved with quiet purpose, careful not to wake the others as he slipped from the camp. The cold mountain air kissed his skin as he climbed, his fingers gripping the rock, his legs burning as he pushed himself higher. He wanted to reach the summit before the sun. The wind carried the scent of dry earth and morning dew as he reached the peak below. The valley stretched out before him, bathed in soft shadows. The Philistine encampment lay in the distance. The light from their torches was muffled by the morning mist. Jonathan knelt on the stone, bowing his head, his breath steady.

[Jonathan]

Lord, you have not abandoned us. Even when we are faithless. You are faithful. If there is to be a battle, let it be fought in your Name?

[Narrator]

The sun broke over the horizon, washing the land in hues of gold and orange. Jonathan opened his eyes and exhaled slowly. From this height, he could see it clearly. A narrow path winding through the rocks leading up to the Philistine camp. Jagged stones flanked the trail, sharp as knives. A bottleneck. A perfect place for a small force to fight a larger one. Jonathan traced the path in the dirt with his finger. He knew in his heart what had to be done. He stood, brushing the dust from his knees, and descended back into camp. Most of the men were still asleep when Jonathan returned. He moved swiftly between the tents, stopping before his young armor bearer, Cobus. The boy was barely older than a squire, his face still round with youth. Though his hands were calloused from years of labor, he was a strong, sturdy lad. Jonathan crouched, placing a hand over his mouth in silent command.

[Jonathan]

Quick, Kobus, put on your armor and gather your weapons.

[Cobus]

I'll be marching.

[Jonathan]

You and I are going to take the Philistine garrison on the other side of the mountain.

[Cobus]

Oh, yes, yes, yes. Just the two of us against an entire garrison of Philistines? Great plan. Wait. You're serious? I'm not in just us.

[Narrator]

Jonathan nodded. Cobus let out a short laugh and grabbed his hammer.

[Cobus]

You're a madman, son of soul. But here I am, ready to follow you. What's that make me?

[Jonathan]

A madman of the lore, dear Cubis. Now let's go.

[Narrator]

The two moved quickly, scaling the mountain before the others even stirred. At the top, Jonathan pointed out the path. He had seen the way the rocks formed a natural arch, shielding them from sight as they approached the garrison. It was a perfect route for an ambush. They hid beneath the stones, watching as the Philistine watchmen patrolled. Their defenses were stronger than before. They had learned from Jonathan's past victory in Ghiba. No side of camp was left unwatched. Jonathan smirked. Good.

[Jonathan]

Let them be afraid.

[Narrator]

Kobus shifted his weight, unsure of Jonathan's plan.

[Cobus]

And that's so short that

[Saul]

if the

[Cobus]

sheer numbers aren't enough already. Look at that. Newly forged weapons.

[Narrator]

Jonathan did not answer immediately. His eyes remained locked on the Philistine banners rippling in the wind. Then he turned to Cobus, his expression firm.

[Jonathan]

Tell me, does anything restrain God?

[Narrator]

Cobus hesitated, then shook his head. Jonathan nodded toward the camp.

[Jonathan]

I say we go over there to the Philistines head on. Lord may work for us. And if he is with us, it doesn't matter if we are two or two thousand. We'll reveal ourselves to them. They invite us into their camp we'll take it as a sign that the Lord has given us favor.

[Cobus]

Our history together tells me to not doubt you. But my churning stomach and clenched bottom are telling me to get the heck out of here.

[Narrator]

Do what's in your heart.

[Cobus]

I and my hammer go with you.

[Narrator]

Jonathan grinned, clapping him on the back.

[Jonathan]

That's the spirit. Follow me.

[Narrator]

They moved swiftly, stepping from the shadows of the stone. Jonathan's armor was simple, sturdy leather reinforced with bronze. Nothing like the gold plated breastplate of his father. He carried himself not as a prince, but as a soldier of the Lord. Cobus walked a pace behind his armor lighter, worn at the edges since the blacksmiths had been taken from them. His weapons were crude, a hammer strapped to his side, three daggers tucked into his belt. They looked like deserters, and that was exactly what the Philistines thought. The watchman at the garrison laughed when he spotted them. He nudged his companion, pointing. Ah, look at them.

[Ahijah]

Poor Israelite pups, crawling away from their masters.

[Saul]

Have you come to seek refuge, Hebrews? Come here and we'll show you our camp. We'll wrap you in a blanket and serve you some warm milk.

[Narrator]

Jonathan turned to Cobus, his expression calm.

[Jonathan]

There's our sign. The Lord has given us favor. Are you ready?

[Cobus]

Of course I'm not ready, but I'm here. Let's move.

[Narrator]

They climbed the rocky incline on all fours, dust kicking up around them. The Philistines stood lazily, arms crossed, waiting. One of them stepped forward, sneering. Jonathan stood face to face with him, head low.

[Ahijah]

I suppose you wanted to desert that desert king of yours, eh? Ah, smart lady. Come over here and I'll sh.

[Narrator]

Jonathan's blade flashed. The man's head hit the dirt before his body. The laughter from the others died. Jonathan didn't wait. He surged forward, sword cutting through flesh and bone. The Philistines stumbled back, unprepared for the sudden attack. Cobus followed close behind, swinging his hammer with brutal force. The first guard fell, then the second, then the third. Jonathan moved like a shadow, his blade striking faster than the eye could follow. A Philistine lunged with an axe. Jonathan pivoted, driving the hilt of his sword into the man's ribs. The soldier gasped, stumbling forward, right into the downswing of Cobus. Hammer. They fought as one. Jonathan's speed, Kobus strength. The Philistines tried to regroup, but the two warriors lured them into the bottleneck of the rocky path. Only three could attack at a time. They came wave after wave, and each time they fell, one soldier managed to press the Shaft of his spear against Cobus throat. Cobus choked, his vision darkening. Then he drew a knife from his belt and drove it into the man's ribs. Jonathan ducked. A sword swing, severed an arm, kicked another man into the dirt. 20 dead. The camp heard the screams. Panic spread. The Philistines, unable to see the battle clearly, imagined a greater force. Jonathan parried a blow, locked eyes with Kobus and grinned. Then the ground trembled. It started as a whisper beneath their feet. A shifting of the earth, barely noticeable at first. Then a roar. Rocks cracked. The ground beneath them groaned, splitting. The Philistines screamed. A great quake shook the land, knocking men from their feet. Tents collapsed. The garrison fell into chaos, soldiers tripping over one another as they scrambled for their weapons. The Lord had joined the battle. Jonathan stepped, steadied himself against the trembling earth. He looked up, watching as the Philistines turned on each other in confusion. A smile flickered across his lips.

[Jonathan]

Lord has given them into our hands.

[Saul]

Forward.

[Narrator]

Tavi stood with the watchman at Gibeah and peered down at the Philistine camp. His eyes narrowed against the glare of the afternoon sun. What they saw puzzled them. The enemy garrison was in chaos. Shadows flickered between the tents. Blades flashed and men cried out in terror. The ground trembled, a low, rumbling groan that carried through the valley. The watchmen could not make sense of it. There was no battle, no sign of an attacking force. And yet the Philistines were retreating. He sprinted down from the watchtower, breathless, as he reached Saul's tent.

[Ahijah]

A force has engaged the Philistines, my king. They're breaking the ranks.

[Saul]

What? Who has attacked them without my command?

[Ahijah]

Who do you suppose, my lord? Who would possibly be foolish enough to attack them head on?

[Saul]

Oh, Jonathan. That insolent boy.

[Narrator]

Saul clenched his jaw, his hands curling into fists. His son had forced his hand. If Jonathan had started this battle, then Saul would be left with no choice but to act.

[Saul]

Someone retrieve High Priest Ahijah. Tell him to bring the ark of God. Pray to the Lord. Cast the lots. We must know if we are to march.

[Narrator]

Ahijah began to pray, lifting his hands over the sacred relic, murmuring the words of old. But even as the ritual began, the noise from the valley grew deafening. The screams of the Philistines, the clash of steel, the roar of the earthquake. It was as if the heavens themselves were already waging war.

[Saul]

Blast it. There's no time to wait for an answer. It seems as though he's already spoken.

We march.

[Narrator]

With a mighty cry, Saul drew his sword, the sun catching the golden filigree on his Breastplate. His men gathered behind him, their battle worn, weapons raised high. Saul rode at the head of the charge, his white horse picking up dust as they surged forward. The Israelites crashed into the disoriented Philistines like a wave upon crumbling stone. Hebrew slaves who had been bound in Philistine chains turned on their captors, striking them down with stolen swords. The battle stretched across the valley to Beth Aven, a glorious slaughter where the enemy's own fear became their undoing. The Philistines outnumbered them still, but they were no match for the God of Israel. Victory was within their grasp. But it was not enough for Saul. Saul should have rejoiced, but his hunger for vengeance burned hotter than the battle itself. His mind still lingered on Gilgal, on Samuel's rejection, on the shame of being told his kingdom would not endure.

[Saul]

I have to prove myself.

[Narrator]

And so, as the battle raged, Saul raised his voice above the fray and called out to his men.

[Saul]

Cursed is the man who eats any food before evening, before I have had my vengeance on. Upon the Philistines.

[Narrator]

It was a foolish command. Saul, for lack of true loyalty and trust in his men, always looked for threats and incentives. He couldn't rally the men on his own, so he relied on cheap tools of coercion and motivation. The soldiers wearily obeyed. They fought on their stomachs, empty, their strength waning. They pressed deeper into enemy territory, pushing their bodies past their limits, driven by their king's command. Jonathan, however, had not heard his father's words. He was too far ahead of the battle to hear such nonsense. He had been fighting since morning, cutting down retreating Philistines through the dense forest, his armor stained with blood and dust. His limbs ached. His breath became ragged. And then he saw it. Golden honey, thick and glistening, dripping from the trees. Jonathan dipped the tip of his staff into the honeycomb and brought it to his lips. The moment the sweetness touched his tongue, strength flooded back into his body. His vision sharpened and his exhaustion melted away. One of the soldiers nearby gasped.

[Ahijah]

My prince, what you doing with that? Your father has commanded us not to eat.

[Narrator]

Jonathan wiped his mouth, unconcerned.

[Jonathan]

My father has burdened you all. Look at me. I've eaten, and now I am strong again. If I had let them eat from the spoils of war, I would have won this battle already.

[Narrator]

He did not linger on the matter. He pressed forward. Victory was near. By nightfall, Saul's soldiers could endure no longer. Hunger had driven them to the brink of madness. When the day's battle was done, they fell upon the spoils like Starving wolves. They took sheep, oxen and calves from the enemy camps and slaughtered them on the ground, ripping the meat apart with their hands, devouring it. Raw blood ran down their chins. It was a ghastly sight. They had become like animals. Saul watched in horror. This was a grievous sin. The law of Moses forbade the eating of blood. Saul's foolish threat had led his people to starvation, causing them to break the commands that actually mattered. But Saul did not repent. Instead, he rebuked them.

[Saul]

You treacherous people. Compose yourselves. Bring the meat to the altar and slaughter it properly before the Lord.

[Narrator]

So they built an altar, sacrificed the animals, and ate the meat in accordance with the law. But the damage had already been done. The stain of Saul's rash oath would not wash away so easily. That night, as the fires burned low, Saul sat in his tent, brooding. The Philistines were retreating, but the war was not yet won. Saul's heart was restless. He could not bear to let them escape.

[Saul]

Let's pursue them now, before they have a chance to escape back to Gath.

[Narrator]

His elders were too terrified of Saul to oppose him. Priest Ahijah suggested they inquire of the Lord first. Saul, not wanting to come across as unholy, agreed. The priest inquired of the Lord, but there was no answer. Saul's face darkened. The silence of God was louder than thunder. Saul refused to acknowledge that it was his own sin that had created the distance between them and the Lord. Instead, he turned the blame outward at his men.

[Saul]

Someone here in this camp has sinned.

That must be why the Lord does not answer us.

[Narrator]

He rose abruptly and stormed out of the tent, his eyes wild, his mind racing.

[Saul]

Which one of you treacherous dogs has broken my oath? I told you not to eat during the battle. Surely one of you ate, or else the Lord would grant us favor. It's the only explanation.

[Narrator]

The elders of Israel flinched as he drew his sword.

[Saul]

Who dares defy their king? Who has cursed this battle? I will slaughter the guilty man where he stands, even if it is my own son.

[Narrator]

No one spoke, but they all knew. And yet not one of them stepped forward. Jonathan had won their hearts. They would sooner die than betray him. Saul had the priest cast lots. The stones fell. It was Jonathan. The soldiers stepped back. The young prince stood alone. Saul's nostrils flared. He marched forward. Gripping his sword, he towered over his son, his chest heaving.

[Saul]

What have you done?

[Narrator]

Jonathan did not flinch.

[Jonathan]

I ate honey so I can continue battling our enemies. If that means I must die, then so be it. Kill me where I Stand, Father. Make an example of me.

[Narrator]

Jonathan's demeanor was calm, steady. He composed himself in stark contrast to his father's frenetic and trembling rage. Saul lifted his sword to his son's throat.

[Saul]

Very well. It shall be done.

[Narrator]

Saul drew back his arm, blade cocked and ready to drive into Jonathan's throat. But the men surged forward. Each man rallied to Jonathan's side, eventually surrounding their king, ready to pounce. Saul faltered. His men stood between him and his son, their faces set with resolve. They would defy their king to protect their prince. Saul's grip slackened. The sword fell from his hand. Without a word, he turned and strode back into his tent, alone that night, as the fires burned low, Jonathan remained with his men, and Saul, in his solitude, felt the weight of God's absence heavier than ever before.

[Narrator/Production Credits]

This pray.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Catena, Max Bard, Zach Schellewager and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of the Chosen People. Narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwald, Sylvia zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Jr. Rosanna Pilcher and Mitch Leschinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith. Written by Aaron Salvato, Bree Rosalie and Chris Baig. You can hear more prey.com productions on the prey.com app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed the Chosen People, please rate and leave a review.

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