1 Samuel 14:2
New International Version
Saul was staying on the outskirts of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree in Migron. With him were about six hundred men,

New Living Translation
Meanwhile, Saul and his 600 men were camped on the outskirts of Gibeah, around the pomegranate tree at Migron.

English Standard Version
Saul was staying in the outskirts of Gibeah in the pomegranate cave at Migron. The people who were with him were about six hundred men,

Berean Standard Bible
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,

King James Bible
And Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree which is in Migron: and the people that were with him were about six hundred men;

New King James Version
And Saul was sitting in the outskirts of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree which is in Migron. The people who were with him were about six hundred men.

New American Standard Bible
Saul was staying on the outskirts of Gibeah under the pomegranate tree that is in Migron. And the people who were with him numbered about six hundred men;

NASB 1995
Saul was staying in the outskirts of Gibeah under the pomegranate tree which is in Migron. And the people who were with him were about six hundred men,

NASB 1977
And Saul was staying in the outskirts of Gibeah under the pomegranate tree which is in Migron. And the people who were with him were about six hundred men,

Legacy Standard Bible
And Saul was staying in the outskirts of Gibeah under the pomegranate tree which is in Migron. And the people who were with him were about six hundred men,

Amplified Bible
Saul was staying in the outskirts of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree in Migron; and with him were about six hundred men,

Christian Standard Bible
Saul was staying under the pomegranate tree in Migron on the outskirts of Gibeah. The troops with him numbered about six hundred.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Saul was staying under the pomegranate tree in Migron on the outskirts of Gibeah. The troops with him numbered about 600.

American Standard Version
And Saul abode in the uttermost part of Gibeah under the pomegranate-tree which is in Migron: and the people that were with him were about six hundred men;

English Revised Version
And Saul abode in the uttermost part of Gibeah under the pomegranate tree which is in Migron: and the people that were with him were about six hundred men:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Saul was staying on the outskirts of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree at Migron. He had with him about 600 men

Good News Translation
who was camping under a pomegranate tree in Migron, not far from Gibeah; he had about six hundred men with him.

International Standard Version
Saul was sitting on the outskirts of Geba under the pomegranate tree which was at Migron, and with him were about 600 men.

Majority Standard Bible
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,

NET Bible
Now Saul was sitting under a pomegranate tree in Migron, on the outskirts of Gibeah. The army that was with him numbered about six hundred men.

New Heart English Bible
Now Saul stayed in the outskirts of Gibeah under the pomegranate tree by the threshing floor, and the people who were with him were about six hundred men.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree which is in Migron: and the people that were with him were about six hundred men;

World English Bible
Saul stayed in the uttermost part of Gibeah under the pomegranate tree which is in Migron; and the people who were with him were about six hundred men,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Saul is abiding at the extremity of Gibeah, under the pomegranate which [is] in Migron, and the people who [are] with him [are] about six hundred men,

Young's Literal Translation
And Saul is abiding at the extremity of Gibeah, under the pomegranate which is in Migron, and the people who are with him, about six hundred men,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Saul dwelt in the extremity of the hill under the pomegranate which is in the precipice. And the people that were with him, about six hundred men.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Saul abode in the uttermost part of Gabaa under the pomegranate tree, which was in Magron: and the people with him were about six hundred men.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Moreover, Saul was staying in the furthermost part of Gibeah, below the pomegranate tree that was at Migron. And the people with him were about six hundred men.

New American Bible
Saul was sitting under the pomegranate tree in Migron on the outskirts of Gibeah; with him were about six hundred men.

New Revised Standard Version
Saul was staying in the outskirts of Gibeah under the pomegranate tree that is at Migron; the troops that were with him were about six hundred men,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Saul was staying in the outskirts of Ramtha under the pomegranate tree which is in Gibeon; and the people who were with him were about six hundred men;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Shaul dwelt at the end of Ramtha under a pomegranate tree that was in Gebuun, and the people were with him, about six hundred men
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah under the pomegranate-tree which is in Migron; and the people that were with him were about six hundred men,

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Saul sat on the top of the hill under the pomegranate tree that is in Magdon, and there were with him about six hundred men.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jonathan's Victory over the Philistines
1One 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. 2Meanwhile, 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, 3including Ahijah, who was wearing an ephod. He was the son of Ichabod’s brother Ahitub son of Phinehas, the son of Eli the priest of the LORD in Shiloh. But the troops did not know that Jonathan had left.…

Cross References
1 Samuel 13:15-16
Then Samuel set out from Gilgal and went up to Gibeah in Benjamin. And Saul numbered the troops who were with him, about six hundred men. / Now Saul and Jonathan his son and the troops with them were staying in Geba of Benjamin, while the Philistines camped at Michmash.

1 Samuel 22:1-2
So David left Gath and took refuge in the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and the rest of his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. / And all who were distressed or indebted or discontented rallied around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him.

1 Samuel 10:8
And you shall go before me to Gilgal, and surely I will come to you to offer burnt offerings and to sacrifice peace offerings. Wait seven days until I come to you and show you what you are to do.”

1 Samuel 15:34
Then Samuel went to Ramah, but Saul went up to his home in Gibeah of Saul.

1 Samuel 28:4
The Philistines gathered together and camped at Shunem, while Saul gathered all Israel and camped at Gilboa.

1 Samuel 31:1-2
Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa. / The Philistines hotly pursued Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua.

2 Samuel 2:8-9
Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, moved him to Mahanaim, / and made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin—over all Israel.

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.

Judges 20:47
But 600 men turned and fled into the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon, where they stayed four months.

Judges 7:2-3
Then the LORD said to Gideon, “You have too many men for Me to deliver Midian into their hands, lest Israel glorify themselves over Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’ / Now, therefore, proclaim in the hearing of the men: ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’” So twenty-two thousand of them turned back, but ten thousand remained.

1 Kings 19:3-4
And Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, / while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”

2 Kings 6:8
Now the king of Aram was at war against Israel. After consulting with his servants, he said, “My camp will be in such and such a place.”

2 Kings 13:7
Jehoahaz had no army left, except fifty horsemen, ten chariots, and ten thousand foot soldiers, because the king of Aram had destroyed them and made them like the dust at threshing.

Psalm 27:3
Though an army encamps around me, my heart will not fear; though a war breaks out against me, I will keep my trust.

Isaiah 10:20-22
On that day the remnant of Israel and the survivors of the house of Jacob will no longer depend on him who struck them, but they will truly rely on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel. / A remnant will return—a remnant of Jacob—to the Mighty God. / Though your people, O Israel, be like the sand of the sea, only a remnant will return. Destruction has been decreed, overflowing with righteousness.


Treasury of Scripture

And Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree which is in Migron: and the people that were with him were about six hundred men;

in the uttermost

1 Samuel 13:15,16
And Samuel arose, and gat him up from Gilgal unto Gibeah of Benjamin. And Saul numbered the people that were present with him, about six hundred men…

Isaiah 10:28,29
He is come to Aiath, he is passed to Migron; at Michmash he hath laid up his carriages: …

a pomegranate.

Judges 20:45
And they turned and fled toward the wilderness unto the rock of Rimmon: and they gleaned of them in the highways five thousand men; and pursued hard after them unto Gidom, and slew two thousand men of them.

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Abiding Abode Extreme Extremity Hundred Migron Outskirts Part Pomegranate Pomegranate-Tree Saul Six Staying Tarried Tree Uttermost Waiting
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Abiding Abode Extreme Extremity Hundred Migron Outskirts Part Pomegranate Pomegranate-Tree Saul Six Staying Tarried Tree Uttermost Waiting
1 Samuel 14
1. Jonathan goes and miraculously smites the Philistine's garrison
15. A divine terror makes them beat themselves
17. Saul, not staying the priest's answer, sets on them
21. The captivated Hebrews, and the hidden Israelites, join against them.
24. Saul's unadvised adjuration hinders the victory
31. He restrains the people from eating blood
35. He builds an altar
37. Jonathan, taken by lot, is save by the people
47. Saul's victories, strength, and family














Meanwhile, Saul was staying under the pomegranate tree
This phrase indicates a pause or a moment of inaction on Saul's part. The pomegranate tree is often associated with abundance and fertility in the Bible, but here it may symbolize a lack of decisive leadership. Saul's inactivity contrasts with Jonathan's proactive faith in the preceding verses. The pomegranate tree could also suggest a place of shade and rest, indicating Saul's hesitance or indecision during a critical time.

in Migron on the outskirts of Gibeah.
Migron is a location near Gibeah, Saul's hometown and the center of his early reign. The mention of Migron provides a geographical context, suggesting a strategic position near the Philistine threat. Gibeah, meaning "hill," was a significant location in Saul's life, serving as his base of operations. The proximity to Gibeah highlights Saul's connection to his roots and the tribal lands of Benjamin, emphasizing the local nature of his kingship at this point.

And the troops who were with him numbered about six hundred men,
The number six hundred is significant, as it reflects a small, perhaps insufficient, force compared to the Philistine army. This detail underscores the dire situation Israel faced and Saul's limited resources. The number also recalls previous instances in Israel's history where God delivered His people despite overwhelming odds, such as Gideon's three hundred men. This sets the stage for a demonstration of God's power and the importance of faith over numbers, a recurring theme in the biblical narrative.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Saul
The first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. At this point in the account, Saul is leading Israel against the Philistines.

2. Gibeah
A town in the territory of Benjamin, often associated with Saul as it was his hometown and the location of his royal residence.

3. Pomegranate Tree
A specific location under which Saul was staying. The pomegranate tree may symbolize abundance and fertility, but here it serves as a marker of Saul's inactivity.

4. Migron
A location near Gibeah, possibly a strategic military position or a place of encampment.

5. Six Hundred Men
The number of soldiers with Saul, indicating a small force compared to the Philistine army, highlighting the dire situation Israel faced.
Teaching Points
Leadership in Crisis
Saul's position under the pomegranate tree symbolizes a lack of decisive leadership. In times of crisis, leaders are called to be proactive and seek God's guidance rather than remain passive.

Spiritual Inactivity
Just as Saul was physically inactive, believers must guard against spiritual inactivity. We are called to be vigilant and active in our faith, especially when facing challenges.

Trust in God's Provision
Despite the small number of men with Saul, God's past deliverances remind us that victory does not depend on numbers but on God's power and presence.

Symbolism of the Pomegranate
While the pomegranate often symbolizes abundance, Saul's inactivity under the tree serves as a reminder that true abundance comes from obedience to God.

The Importance of Obedience
Saul's earlier disobedience set the stage for his current predicament. Obedience to God's commands is crucial for His favor and guidance.(2) Under a pomegranate tree.--The love of Saul for trees, which was so common among the children of Israel, has been noticed. (See again 1 Samuel 22, 1Samuel 14:6. The king is spoken of as under the tamarisk of Ramali; Deborah is specially mentioned as judging Israel under the palm-tree in Beth-el.)

Verse 2. - Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah. I.e. the part nearest Geba. Under, not a, but the pomegranate tree, the well known tree at Migron. Saul evidently shared to the full in the love of trees common among the Israelites (see 1 Samuel 22:6). The Hebrew word for pomegranate is Rimmon, but there is no doubt that the tree is here meant, and not the rock Rimmon (Judges 20:45, 47), so called probably from a fancied resemblance to the fruit. Migron, said to mean a cliff was apparently a common name for localities in this mountainous district, as in Isaiah 10:28 we read of one lying to the north of Michmash, whereas this is to the south.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Meanwhile, Saul
וְשָׁא֗וּל (wə·šā·’ūl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

was staying
יוֹשֵׁב֙ (yō·wō·šêḇ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

under
תַּ֥חַת (ta·ḥaṯ)
Preposition
Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of

the pomegranate tree
הָרִמּ֖וֹן (hā·rim·mō·wn)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7416: A pomegranate, the tree, the fruit

in Migron
בְּמִגְר֑וֹן (bə·miḡ·rō·wn)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4051: Migron -- an area near Gibeah, also a place North of Michmash

on the outskirts
בִּקְצֵ֣ה (biq·ṣêh)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7097: End, extremity

of Gibeah.
הַגִּבְעָ֔ה (hag·giḇ·‘āh)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1390: Gibeah -- 'hill', three cities in Palestine

And the troops
וְהָעָם֙ (wə·hā·‘ām)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

who [were]
אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

with him
עִמּ֔וֹ (‘im·mōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

numbered about six
כְּשֵׁ֥שׁ (kə·šêš)
Preposition-k | Number - feminine singular
Strong's 8337: Six (a cardinal number)

hundred
מֵא֖וֹת (mê·’ō·wṯ)
Number - feminine plural
Strong's 3967: A hundred

men,
אִֽישׁ׃ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person


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OT History: 1 Samuel 14:2 Saul abode in the uttermost part (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
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