1 Samuel 13:16
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.
Original Language Analysis
וְשָׁא֞וּל
And Saul
H7586
וְשָׁא֞וּל
And Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
1 of 12
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
בְּנ֗וֹ
his son
H1121
בְּנ֗וֹ
his son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 12
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וְהָעָם֙
and the people
H5971
וְהָעָם֙
and the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
4 of 12
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַנִּמְצָ֣א
that were present
H4672
הַנִּמְצָ֣א
that were present
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
עִמָּ֔ם
H5973
עִמָּ֔ם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
6 of 12
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
יֹֽשְׁבִ֖ים
with them abode
H3427
יֹֽשְׁבִ֖ים
with them abode
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
בִּנְיָמִ֑ן
of Benjamin
H1144
בִּנְיָמִ֑ן
of Benjamin
Strong's:
H1144
Word #:
9 of 12
binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
וּפְלִשְׁתִּ֖ים
but the Philistines
H6430
וּפְלִשְׁתִּ֖ים
but the Philistines
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
10 of 12
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
Historical Context
Geba (or Gibeah) and Michmash were separated by a deep wadi (valley) about four miles apart. The Philistine occupation of Michmash gave them strategic control of the central hill country and blocked Israelite movement. This standoff continued until Jonathan's initiative.
Questions for Reflection
- How does spiritual failure affect our capacity for faithful action?
- What is the difference between patient waiting on God and passive paralysis from failed leadership?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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.
The positioning of Saul, Jonathan, and their small force in Gibeah while the Philistines occupied Michmash creates the geographical setting for Jonathan's heroic action in chapter 14. The Hebrew yashab ('abode') suggests stationary, passive waiting - Saul has lost initiative after his rejection. The contrast between the paralyzed king and his bold son emerges as a major theme. Saul's spiritual failure has translated into military passivity; he awaits events rather than seeking God's guidance for action.