1 Samuel 14:5
The forefront of the one was situate northward over against Michmash, and the other southward over against Gibeah.
Original Language Analysis
הַשֵּׁ֧ן
The forefront
H8127
הַשֵּׁ֧ן
The forefront
Strong's:
H8127
Word #:
1 of 10
a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff
וְהָֽאֶחָ֥ד
and the other
H259
וְהָֽאֶחָ֥ד
and the other
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
מִצָּפ֖וֹן
northward
H6828
מִצָּפ֖וֹן
northward
Strong's:
H6828
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
מ֥וּל
over against
H4136
מ֥וּל
over against
Strong's:
H4136
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, abrupt, i.e., a precipice; by implication, the front; used only adverbially (with prepositional prefix) opposite
וְהָֽאֶחָ֥ד
and the other
H259
וְהָֽאֶחָ֥ד
and the other
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
מִנֶּ֖גֶב
southward
H5045
מִנֶּ֖גֶב
southward
Strong's:
H5045
Word #:
8 of 10
the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)
Historical Context
The north-south orientation of the crags created a natural defensive barrier the Philistines exploited. Their garrison position 'over against Michmash' gave them the high ground advantage essential in ancient warfare. Jonathan's approach required climbing directly toward armed enemies on superior terrain.
Questions for Reflection
- What impossible obstacles has God called you to face directly rather than circumvent?
- How does detailed awareness of dangers sometimes strengthen rather than weaken faith?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The forefront of the one was situate northward over against Michmash, and the other southward over against Gibeah.
The orientation of the crags - 'northward over against Michmash' and 'southward over against Gibeah' - positions them as barriers between the Israelite camp and the Philistine garrison. Jonathan must traverse this obstacle course while exposed to enemy observation and attack from above. The geographical detail invites readers to visualize the danger: climbing steep cliffs under potential attack with only two men against an entire garrison. Human calculation would forbid such an attempt.