Now prepared for Battle

 1 Samuel 13:16-23

I was a member of the United States Army, I went through Basic Training and spent six long years playing soldier in the National Guard, but I would not have considered myself a soldier, much less a warrior.  But I enjoy reading about soldiers, and I’ve been blessed to know a few, one is my friend Buddy Neubauer.  And I am sure that he and others would tell you that the element of surprise and having the high ground is essential, also knowing the location of your enemy.

We are told in verse 16 that Saul and about 600 men went to Geba of Benjamin, and the Philistines camped in Michmash.  Now Geba of Benjamin is only about two miles from Michmash where the Philistines encamped.  The Philistines had a large number of soldiers, and they were seasoned warriors, so they sent out raiding parties in three directions.  A good plan for the Philistines, but with so few men it became a big problem for Saul and his son Jonathan.

Now when you are engaging in battle, it is essential to have both men and weapons, and Israel was a little weak in both areas.  The Philistines knew what the progressive of our day understands, and it’s also whatever evil leader has done to control the people, take away the weapons and you can control the nation.  So what did the Philistines do, they removed the blacksmith from Israel and by doing so controlled who had weapons?  Much like what George Soros did trying to buy the makers of ammunition to control who got bullets?

So it is the day of the battle, and only Saul and Jonathan have a weapon, and His ragtag army is going to go into action with I’m assuming hoes and pitchforks.  This reminds me of my National Guard days where I had the pleasure of carrying a BAR, M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle.  Without ammunition its weight was over 16 lbs.  I never had any bullets nor did I ever fire an M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle, I just got to carry it for miles over the hills and over dale, whatever that is. 

One day I made a big mistake, I ask Captain Melton, my close neighbor, and friend, when not playing soldier, if I could carry a stick and go up and down those hills at Fort Hood, and I learned that the Captain did not have an understanding of humor.  Anyway, I sure felt as if my training needed something, I’m sure it would have been of help to have fired the weapon that was assigned to me and learn how to assemble it and break it down in times of battle.

I can only imagine the thoughts going through the minds of Saul’s army, and you know the guys that are going against swords and spears with a hoe.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice