Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Saul and his son Jonathan and the men with them were staying in Gibeah in Benjamin, while the Philistines camped at Mikmash. New Living Translation Saul and Jonathan and the troops with them were staying at Geba in the land of Benjamin. The Philistines set up their camp at Micmash. English Standard Version And Saul and Jonathan his son and the people who were present with them stayed in Geba of Benjamin, but the Philistines encamped in Michmash. Berean Standard Bible Now Saul and Jonathan his son and the troops with them were staying in Geba of Benjamin, while the Philistines camped at Michmash. King James Bible And Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people that were present with them, abode in Gibeah of Benjamin: but the Philistines encamped in Michmash. New King James Version Saul, Jonathan his son, and the people present with them remained in Gibeah of Benjamin. But the Philistines encamped in Michmash. New American Standard Bible Now Saul, his son Jonathan, and the people who were present with them were staying in Geba of Benjamin while the Philistines camped at Michmash. NASB 1995 Now Saul and his son Jonathan and the people who were present with them were staying in Geba of Benjamin while the Philistines camped at Michmash. NASB 1977 Now Saul and his son Jonathan and the people who were present with them were staying in Geba of Benjamin while the Philistines camped at Michmash. Legacy Standard Bible Now Saul and his son Jonathan and the people who were present with them were staying in Geba of Benjamin, and the Philistines camped at Michmash. Amplified Bible Saul and his son Jonathan and the people with them were staying in Geba of Benjamin, while the Philistines camped at Michmash. Christian Standard Bible Saul, his son Jonathan, and the troops who were with them were staying in Geba of Benjamin, and the Philistines were camped at Michmash. Holman Christian Standard Bible Saul, his son Jonathan, and the troops who were with them were staying in Geba of Benjamin, and the Philistines were camped at Michmash. American Standard Version And Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people that were present with them, abode in Geba of Benjamin: but the Philistines encamped in Michmash. Contemporary English Version Saul, Jonathan, and their army set up camp at Geba in Benjamin. The Philistine army was camped at Michmash. English Revised Version And Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people that were present with them, abode in Geba of Benjamin: but the Philistines encamped in Michmash. GOD'S WORD® Translation Saul, his son Jonathan, and the troops who were with them stayed at Geba in Benjamin while the Philistines camped at Michmash. Good News Translation Saul, his son Jonathan, and their men camped in Geba in the territory of Benjamin; the Philistine camp was at Michmash. International Standard Version Saul, his son Jonathan, and the people present with them remained in Geba of Benjamin, while the Philistines camped in Michmash. NET Bible Saul, his son Jonathan, and the army that remained with them stayed in Gibeah in the territory of Benjamin, while the Philistines camped in Micmash. New Heart English Bible Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people who were present with them, stayed in Geba of Benjamin: but the Philistines camped in Michmash. Webster's Bible Translation And Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people that were present with them, abode in Gibeah of Benjamin: but the Philistines encamped in Michmash. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNow Saul and Jonathan his son and the troops with them were staying in Geba of Benjamin, while the Philistines camped at Michmash. World English Bible Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people who were present with them, stayed in Geba of Benjamin; but the Philistines encamped in Michmash. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand Saul, and his son Jonathan, and the people who are found with them, are abiding in Gibeah of Benjamin, and the Philistines have encamped in Michmash. Young's Literal Translation and Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people who are found with them, are abiding in Gibeah of Benjamin, and the Philistines have encamped in Michmash. Smith's Literal Translation And Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people found with them, dwelt in the hill of Benjamin: and the rovers encamped in Michmash. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Saul and Jonathan his son, and the people that were present with them, were in Gabaa of Benjamin: but the Philistines encamped in Machmas. Catholic Public Domain Version And Saul, and his son Jonathan, and the people who had been found to be with them, were at Gibeah of Benjamin. But the Philistines had settled in at Michmash. New American Bible Saul, his son Jonathan, and the soldiers they had with them were now occupying Geba of Benjamin, and the Philistines were encamped at Michmash. New Revised Standard Version Saul, his son Jonathan, and the people who were present with them stayed in Geba of Benjamin; but the Philistines encamped at Michmash. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Saul and Jonathan his son dwelt in Gibeah of Benjamin; but the Philistines encamped in Michmash. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Shaul and Yonathan his son dwelt in Gebatha of Benyamin, and the Philistines camped in Mekmas OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people that were present with them, abode in Gibeath-benjamin; but the Philistines encamped in Michmas. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Saul and Jonathan his son, and the people that were found with them, halted in Gabaa, of Benjamin; and they wept: and the Philistines had encamped in Machmas. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Israel Without Weapons16Now Saul and Jonathan his son and the troops with them were staying in Geba of Benjamin, while the Philistines camped at Michmash. 17And raiders went out of the Philistine camp in three divisions. One headed toward Ophrah in the land of Shual,… Cross References 1 Samuel 14:1-2 One day Jonathan son of Saul said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.” But Jonathan did not tell his father. / Meanwhile, Saul was staying under the pomegranate tree in Migron on the outskirts of Gibeah. And the troops who were with him numbered about six hundred men, 1 Samuel 10:5 After that you will come to Gibeah of God, where the Philistines have an outpost. As you approach the city, you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place, preceded by harps, tambourines, flutes, and lyres, and they will be prophesying. 1 Samuel 14:52 And the war with the Philistines was fierce for all the days of Saul. So whenever he noticed any strong or brave man, Saul would enlist him. 1 Samuel 7:2-3 And from that day a long time passed, twenty years in all, as the ark remained at Kiriath-jearim. And all the house of Israel mournfully sought the LORD. / Then Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the foreign gods and Ashtoreths among you, prepare your hearts for the LORD, and serve Him only. And He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.” 1 Samuel 14:6-7 Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” / His armor-bearer replied, “Do all that is in your heart. Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.” 1 Samuel 17:1 Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war at Socoh in Judah, and they camped between Socoh and Azekah in Ephes-dammim. 1 Samuel 9:16 “At this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you are to anoint him ruler over My people Israel; he will save them from the hand of the Philistines. For I have looked upon My people, because their cry has come to Me.” 1 Samuel 14:11-12 So the two of them showed themselves to the outpost of the Philistines, who exclaimed, “Look, the Hebrews are coming out of the holes in which they were hiding!” / So the men of the outpost called out to Jonathan and his armor-bearer, “Come on up, and we will teach you a lesson!” “Follow me,” Jonathan told his armor-bearer, “for the LORD has delivered them into the hand of Israel.” 1 Samuel 14:22-23 When all the Israelites who had been hiding in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were fleeing, they also joined the battle in close pursuit. / So the LORD saved Israel that day, and the battle moved on beyond Beth-aven. 1 Samuel 14:31 That day, after the Israelites had struck down the Philistines from Michmash to Aijalon, the people were very faint. 2 Samuel 5:17 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they all went in search of him; but David learned of this and went down to the stronghold. 2 Kings 13:3 So the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He delivered them continually into the hands of Hazael king of Aram and his son Ben-hadad. Judges 3:31 After Ehud came Shamgar son of Anath. And he too saved Israel, striking down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad. Judges 6:33 Then all the Midianites, Amalekites, and other people of the east gathered together, crossed over the Jordan, and camped in the Valley of Jezreel. Judges 10:7 So the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He sold them into the hands of the Philistines and Ammonites, Treasury of Scripture And Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people that were present with them, stayed in Gibeah of Benjamin: but the Philistines encamped in Michmash. Gibeah [heb] 1 Samuel 13:3 And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear. Jump to Previous Abode Benjamin Camped Encamped in Jonathan Michmas Michmash Micmash Philistines Present Saul Staying Tents WaitingJump to Next Abode Benjamin Camped Encamped in Jonathan Michmas Michmash Micmash Philistines Present Saul Staying Tents Waiting1 Samuel 13 1. Saul's select band3. He calls the Hebrews to Gilgal against the Philistines 5. The Philistines' great army 6. The distress of the Israelites 8. Saul, weary of staying for Samuel, sacrifices 11. Samuel reproves him 17. The three raiding parties of the Philistines 19. The policy of the Philistines, to allow no blacksmith in Israel Now Saul and Jonathan his son Saul, the first king of Israel, was chosen by God but later rejected due to disobedience. Jonathan, his son, is often depicted as a noble and courageous figure, known for his deep friendship with David. Their relationship highlights the tension between Saul's declining kingship and Jonathan's loyalty to God's anointed, David. and the troops with them were staying in Geba of Benjamin while the Philistines camped at Michmash Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. At this point in the account, Saul is leading Israel against the Philistines. 2. Jonathan Saul's son, known for his bravery and faith in God. He plays a significant role in the battles against the Philistines. 3. Geba A town in the territory of Benjamin, where Saul and his troops are stationed. It serves as a strategic location for the Israelites. 4. Philistines A recurring enemy of Israel, known for their military strength and oppression of the Israelites during this period. 5. Michmash A location where the Philistines have set up camp, posing a threat to the Israelites and setting the stage for the ensuing conflict. Teaching Points Faith in LeadershipSaul and Jonathan's presence in Geba highlights the importance of leadership in times of conflict. Leaders must rely on God's guidance to make strategic decisions. Spiritual Warfare The physical battle between Israel and the Philistines can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual warfare. Believers must be vigilant and prepared to stand against spiritual adversaries. Trust in God's Timing The Israelites were in a precarious position, yet God's timing and plan were at work. Trusting in God's timing is crucial, even when circumstances seem dire. Unity in Purpose Saul, Jonathan, and their troops were united in their purpose to defend Israel. Unity among believers is essential for overcoming challenges and fulfilling God's mission. Courage in Adversity Jonathan's later actions in the account show that courage, rooted in faith, can lead to victory even against overwhelming odds. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 13:16?2. How does 1 Samuel 13:16 illustrate Saul's leadership challenges and their consequences? 3. What can we learn from Saul's actions about trusting God's timing? 4. How does 1 Samuel 13:16 connect with Proverbs 3:5-6 on trusting God? 5. In what ways can we apply Saul's experiences to our spiritual leadership today? 6. How does Saul's situation encourage reliance on God during overwhelming circumstances? 7. What historical evidence supports the events described in 1 Samuel 13:16? 8. How does 1 Samuel 13:16 reflect the political climate of ancient Israel? 9. What is the theological significance of Saul's actions in 1 Samuel 13:16? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 13? 11. In 1 Samuel 16:1-3, why does God instruct Samuel to conceal his true purpose from Saul, seemingly endorsing deception? 12. Why does 1 Samuel 13:3-4 give conflicting impressions of who actually attacked the Philistine garrison, Jonathan or Saul? 13. How does 1 Samuel 13:1-2 reconcile with Acts 13:21, which states Saul reigned for forty years? 14. 2 Samuel 1:26: How do critics reconcile David's intense lament for Jonathan with cultural norms of warfare and rivalry at the time? What Does 1 Samuel 13:16 Mean Now Saul“Now Saul …” (1 Samuel 13:16) drops us into the middle of the king’s early reign. Saul has already been anointed (1 Samuel 10:1) and confirmed as king before the people (1 Samuel 11:15). Here we see him: • Still entrusted with leadership despite his recent impatience and disobedience in offering the sacrifice himself (1 Samuel 13:8-14). • Standing as a reminder that God holds leaders accountable to obey His word even while He continues to use them (cf. 1 Samuel 15:17-19). This half-sentence sets the tone: God’s chosen but flawed king is positioned for another critical moment. and Jonathan his son Jonathan isn’t merely mentioned for genealogy; he is central to God’s unfolding plan. • Earlier he struck the Philistine garrison in Geba (1 Samuel 13:3), triggering the conflict that now escalates. • His faith soon shines when he says, “Perhaps the LORD will act on our behalf” (1 Samuel 14:6). • Jonathan’s courageous character foreshadows the self-sacrificing loyalty he will later show David (1 Samuel 18:4). Father and son stand together, yet their hearts toward the LORD will increasingly diverge—a contrast Scripture will highlight. and the troops with them The text reminds us that this is not just a personal story; an army waits on its leaders. • Originally Saul had 3,000 select men (1 Samuel 13:2), but desertions after the Philistine build-up (1 Samuel 13:6-7) have thinned their ranks. • Israel’s soldiers are drastically under-equipped—“on the day of battle not a sword or spear was found in the hand of any of the people” (1 Samuel 13:22). Underwhelming numbers and weapons underscore the lesson that “the LORD saves not with sword and spear” (1 Samuel 17:47). were staying in Geba of Benjamin Geba lies on the northern edge of Benjamin’s hills, giving a defensive perch but also placing the Israelites squarely in covenant land promised to their tribe (Joshua 18:24). • Jonathan had earlier seized this outpost from a Philistine garrison (1 Samuel 13:3), reclaiming territory that rightly belonged to Israel. • By holding Geba, Saul’s force visibly testifies that God’s people are called to occupy what He gives, not retreat. Staying here keeps Israel close enough to monitor the enemy while waiting for God’s direction. while the Philistines camped at Michmash Michmash sits across a deep ravine from Geba—a strategic stronghold dominating the main pass into the Judean hill country. • The Philistines have massed “thirty thousand chariots … and people as numerous as the sand” (1 Samuel 13:5). • Their presence embodies the constant pressure God’s people face from hostile powers (cf. Judges 3:1-4). • Yet even here God’s promise stands: “No weapon formed against you shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17), a truth Jonathan will soon prove in his daring raid (1 Samuel 14:13-15). The verse positions Israel and the Philistines like two pieces on a chessboard—one vastly stronger, yet about to be outmaneuvered by the LORD. summary 1 Samuel 13:16 paints a snapshot of tension: God’s imperfect king Saul, the faithful warrior Jonathan, a poorly armed remnant of troops, all holding a reclaimed hilltop at Geba while a formidable Philistine army occupies Michmash across the gorge. The verse underscores: • God keeps His people in their inheritance even when they feel small. • Leadership choices matter, yet God can still work through flawed vessels. • Opposition may look overwhelming, but divine strategy will soon reveal that “the battle is the LORD’s” (1 Samuel 17:47). (16) Gibeah of Benjamin.--Saul and his son, uniting their sadly diminished forces, entrench themselves at Geba, in a strong position at the end of a pass, whence they could watch the movements of the Philistines. Their small number forbade any idea of an attack on the enemy.The English translators wrongly here substitute "Gibeah of Benjamin" for "Geba of Benjamin," probably led astray by the mention of Gibeah in the preceding verse. Verse 16. - In Gibeah of Benjamin. This is an arbitrary change of the A.V. (in company with the Septuagint and Vulgate) for Geba, which is the word in the Hebrew text. Our translators no doubt considered that as Gibeah of Benjamin occurs in the previous verse, this must be the same place. But our greater knowledge of the geography of the Holy Land enables us to say that Geba is right; for, as we have seen, it was at one end of the defile, at the other end of which was Michmash; and here alone could the small army of Saul have any chance of defending itself against the vast host of the Philistines. However much we may blame Saul's disobedience, he was a skilful soldier and a brave man, and his going with his little band to the end of the pass to make a last desperate stand was an act worthy of a king.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Now Saulוְשָׁא֞וּל (wə·šā·’ūl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites and Jonathan וְיוֹנָתָ֣ן (wə·yō·w·nā·ṯān) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3129: Jonathan his son בְּנ֗וֹ (bə·nōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1121: A son and the troops וְהָעָם֙ (wə·hā·‘ām) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock with them עִמָּ֔ם (‘im·mām) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 5973: With, equally with were staying יֹשְׁבִ֖ים (yō·šə·ḇîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry in Geba בְּגֶ֣בַע (bə·ḡe·ḇa‘) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1387: Geba -- a Levitical city of Benjamin of Benjamin, בִּנְיָמִ֑ן (bin·yā·min) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1144: Benjamin -- 'son of the right hand', youngest son of Jacob, also the name of two other Israelites while the Philistines וּפְלִשְׁתִּ֖ים (ū·p̄ə·liš·tîm) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia camped חָנ֥וּ (ḥā·nū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 2583: To incline, to decline, to pitch a, tent, gen, to encamp at Michmash. בְמִכְמָֽשׂ׃ (ḇə·miḵ·māś) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 4363: Michmash -- a city in Benjamin Links 1 Samuel 13:16 NIV1 Samuel 13:16 NLT 1 Samuel 13:16 ESV 1 Samuel 13:16 NASB 1 Samuel 13:16 KJV 1 Samuel 13:16 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 13:16 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 13:16 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 13:16 French Bible 1 Samuel 13:16 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 13:16 Saul and Jonathan his son and (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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