Welcome to “Bible Ponderings #4” which finds me in the book of 1 Samuel in the chronological reading plan. Every few weeks or so I hope to toss out there what I’m currently reading and invite you to ponder with me!
Then Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armor, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; it may be that the Lord will work for us. For nothing restrains the Lord from saving by many or by few.” So his armor bearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart. Go then; here I am with you, according to your heart.” 1 Samuel 14:6-7
What courage on the part of these two men. Jonathan we know, the un-named armor-bearer we do not.
Who is he? How did his heart so knit with Jonathan’s?
I love how we often come across these types of un-named characters in the bible. Without them would the more “famous” characters have been able to do their exploits?
Three things come to mind when I think about the Un-Named armor bearer.
1) He acted courageously. Perhaps that’s you? Perhaps you care for a loved one day in day out. Few know or see, but God does. He sees the way you intercede, and serve sacrificially, and the tears you cry. You’re in the thick of the battle. Faithful and true.
2) Friends like the Un-Named armor bearer are the best encouragers in the world. They come alongside and are willing to fight the battle with you. They’re not afraid of the mess. Do you recognize someone who does that for you? Or perhaps you need to be that friend to someone else?
3) The Un-Named armor bearer shared in the victory. They may not receive the same accolades, but they are humble and content in the knowledge that God has seen and they are happy for the Lord to receive all the glory.
Do you need to stay in the battle?
Or do you have a faithful friend you need to thank?
Or is God calling you to come alongside another in their battle?
Or are you content to act in obedience to whatever the Lord is asking you to do and to see that He gets all the glory?
There is much we can learn from Jonathan’s armor bearer. The scriptures tell us that together they slew twenty of the Philistines within half an acre, and that the rest of the Philistine camp fled in panic.
What would have happened if the Un-Named armor bearer had not been such a character of valor?
Something to ponder!
Quietly Roaring 
Thanks Jo, you’ve shared great reflective questions.
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Questions I’m asking myself. 🙂 Thanks for commenting Manette. Blessings to you.
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This post reminds me of one of my friends. Thank you for sharing your ponderings with us!
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Hi Funmi you’re blessed to have a faithful friend like that! Thanks for reading.
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Amen. Excellent job flushing out this unnamed man of valor!
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Thanks David. Now that would have been a better title, “Un-Named Man of Valor!”
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This is a great word, Jo! Thank you so much for an on-time word of power for me! God bless you!!
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I’m so glad it blessed you G.W! Have a wonderful day!
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This a very encouraging reminder. Loved that you pointed out the armour bearer who misses the accolades but is doing the brave and right thing because he knows God sees. Reminds us – that all we need is an audience of one and that is God. That is what should truly matter.
Thank you Jo. Excellent pondering. Going to share this with a couple of friends.
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Hi Manu thanks so much for your comment. I love how God highlights different things to each of us. Have a wonderful day!
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This is a wonderful reflection Jo that gives me lots to ponder! Thank you for pointing out a person I’ve read about before but never stopped to notice.
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I hadn’t noticed him before either Beth. I love the hidden surprises in God’s Word.
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Insightful perspective. Thank God for those He has allowed to come into our lives [ or we into theirs], even if but for a season. Those who support ‘whatever God has planted in our spirits’ – even when they don’t understand.😊 Love this!
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I love how you’ve phrased that RH… touching each other’s lives, if only for a season. I hadn’t thought of it from that perspective, so thankyou for sharing!
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Well done, Jo! You’ve highlighted a worthy hero for us to emulate, even though we don’t know his name. I too am struck by his courage, loyalty, and encouragement to Jonathan. May I be as content as he was to act in obedience to God and see that He gets all the glory.
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Thanks Nancy and I hope the same thing, he certainly is a character we can all learn from. Blessings to you.
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