1 Samuel 14:6

“And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, etc.] A second time, as Abarbinel thinks; the young man giving no answer to him the first time, perhaps through fear, he repeats it, and enlarges upon it for his encouragement: come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised; as these Philistines were, whereas several of the other nations, though Heathen, were circumcised; as the Edomites, Arabians, and others; and this Jonathan observes to the young man, in hope that they being such the Lord would deliver them into their hand: it may be that the Lord will work for us; a sign, as the Targum, a miracle, as indeed he did; and of which Jonathan was persuaded in his own…”

“it may be that the Lord will work for us--This expression did not imply a doubt; it signified simply that the object he aimed at was not in his own power--but it depended upon God--and that he expected success neither from his own strength nor his own merit.”

“It is remarkable that the epithet “uncircumcised,” used as a term of reproach, is confined almost exclusively to the Philistines. (Compare 1 Samuel 17:26, 1 Samuel 17:36; Judges 14:3; Judges 15:18, etc.) This is probably an indication of the long oppression of the Israelites by the Philistines and of their frequent wars. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Uncircumcised - So he calls them, to strengthen his faith by this consideration, that his enemies were enemies to God; whereas he was circumcised, and therefore in covenant with God, who was both able, and engaged to assist his people. It way be - He speaks doubtfully: for tho' he felt himself stirred up by God to this exploit, and was assured that God would deliver his people; yet he was not certain that he would do it at this time, and in this way. Work - Great and wonderful things. 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 14:10”

“14:6 pagans (literally uncircumcised): A disdainful term for enemies of Israel (see also 17:36; 31:4). • Perhaps: Jonathan had no guarantee of survival, but he was certain that God could grant them victory despite the odds. Victory was in God’s hands; Jonathan offered himself as an instrument God could use. • many warriors or only a few: Jonathan knew what Gideon had learned many years earlier (see Judg 7:2-8).”

“Come: This action of Jonathan's was totally contrary to the laws of war; no military operation should be undertaken without the knowledge and command of the general. But it is highly probable, that this gallant man was led to undertake the hazardous enterprise by an immediate divine impulse; and by the same influence was kept from informing the soldiers, and even from consulting his father, who might have opposed his design. uncircumcised: Sa1 17:26, Sa1 17:36; Gen 17:7-11; Jdg 15:18; Sa2 1:20; Jer 9:23, Jer 9:26; Eph 2:11, Eph 2:12; Phi 3:3 it may be: Sa2 16:12; Kg2 19:4; Amo 5:15; Zep 2:3 for there is no restraint: Where there is a promise of defense and support, the weakest, in the face…”