Jonathan was first introduced into the narrative in ch. 13, where he was entrusted with a third of the national guard located at Gibeah. Saul, with the other two thirds, encamped to the northeast at Michmash. At the appearance of the Philistines to avenge Jonathan’s defeat of the garrison at Geba, Saul retreated to Gilgal, while it seems that Jonathan remained at Geba and the Philistines occupied Michmash (ch. 13:16). The text is not clear as to whether Samuel returned to Ramah or remained at Gibeah (v. 15), but it is most certain, as the narrative unfolds in this chapter, that God was seeking to convince the Israelites of the need of strict dependence on Him.

Jonathan’s secrecy is clear evidence of his faith in God despite Saul’s rejection at Gilgal. That which would ordinarily be classed as foolhardiness becomes strong proof of the operation of divine providence. The Lord made use of every material evidence possible to convince an illiterate people of His love for them, and of the fact that all things are possible to those whose hearts yearn for deliverance from the bondage of sin.