1 Samuel 13:23
And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmash.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּצֵא֙
went out
H3318
וַיֵּצֵא֙
went out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
1 of 6
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
מַצַּ֣ב
And the garrison
H4673
מַצַּ֣ב
And the garrison
Strong's:
H4673
Word #:
2 of 6
a fixed spot; figuratively, an office, a military post
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
of the Philistines
H6430
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
of the Philistines
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
3 of 6
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
Cross References
Isaiah 10:28He is come to Aiath, he is passed to Migron; at Michmash he hath laid up his carriages:1 Samuel 14:1Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison, that is on the other side. But he told not his father.
Historical Context
The pass of Michmash was a narrow, steep-sided gorge that provided the main route through the central highlands. Control of this pass gave the Philistines strategic dominance over the entire region. The terrain features - two rocky crags flanking the pass - would figure prominently in Jonathan's daring attack.
Questions for Reflection
- How does strategic positioning by enemies of God's purposes set the stage for divine intervention?
- What 'impossible situations' in your life might be preparation for God's dramatic action?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmash.
The chapter concludes with Philistine forces at 'the passage of Michmash,' controlling the strategic pass that Jonathan will use for his assault in chapter 14. The Hebrew mattsab ('garrison' or 'outpost') indicates an advance position designed to prevent Israelite movement. This geographical detail sets up the narrative tension: the enemy controls the heights, Israel cowers below, and only divine intervention can change the situation. The stage is set for faith's triumph over fear.