1 Samuel 14:2
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;
Original Language Analysis
וְשָׁא֗וּל
And Saul
H7586
וְשָׁא֗וּל
And Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
1 of 14
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
יוֹשֵׁב֙
tarried
H3427
יוֹשֵׁב֙
tarried
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
הַגִּבְעָ֔ה
part of Gibeah
H1390
הַגִּבְעָ֔ה
part of Gibeah
Strong's:
H1390
Word #:
4 of 14
gibah; the name of three places in palestine
תַּ֥חַת
H8478
תַּ֥חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
5 of 14
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
הָֽרִמּ֖וֹן
under a pomegranate tree
H7416
הָֽרִמּ֖וֹן
under a pomegranate tree
Strong's:
H7416
Word #:
6 of 14
a pomegranate, the tree (from its upright growth) or the fruit (also an artificial ornament)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
וְהָעָם֙
and the people
H5971
וְהָעָם֙
and the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
9 of 14
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עִמּ֔וֹ
H5973
עִמּ֔וֹ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
11 of 14
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
כְּשֵׁ֥שׁ
that were with him were about six
H8337
כְּשֵׁ֥שׁ
that were with him were about six
Strong's:
H8337
Word #:
12 of 14
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
Historical Context
Pomegranate trees provided shade in the hot Palestinian climate. The location 'in the uttermost part of Gibeah' suggests Saul positioned himself as far as possible from the Philistine threat while maintaining a presence. This defensive posture contrasts with Jonathan's offensive action.
Questions for Reflection
- What causes leaders to become passive when decisive action is needed?
- How does fear of failure produce the very failure it fears?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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;
While Jonathan prepares to advance, Saul 'tarried' (yoshev) 'in the uttermost part of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree.' The contrast could not be sharper: the king sits passively while his son advances in faith. The mention of 'about six hundred men' recalls the depleted force from chapter 13 - Saul has gained nothing through his failed sacrifice. The pomegranate tree at Migron creates a picture of royal inaction, the king literally 'sitting it out' while his kingdom crumbles.