1 Samuel 13

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 13 of 31

¹ It was one year since Saul began to reign, and he reigned two more years over Israel.

² And Saul chose for himself three thousand out of Israel. And two thousand were with Saul in Michmash, and in the hills of Bethel. And a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin. And he sent the rest of the people each man to his tent.

³ And Jonathan struck the garrison of the Philistines in Geba. And the Philistines heard. And Saul blew with the rams' horn throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear.

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Chapter Summary

Saul's selected band. He calls the Hebrews to Gilgal against the Philistines. The distress of the Israelites. Saul, weary of staying for Samuel, sacrifices. Samuel reproves him.

Key Hebrew Words

נְצִיב garrison H5333 · TWOT 1398b

עֹלָה burnt offering H5930 · TWOT 1624d

סָכַל acted foolishly H5528 · TWOT 1493

מִצְוָה command H4687 · TWOT 1887b

מַמְלָכָה kingdom H4467 · TWOT 1199f

נָגִיד leader, ruler H5057 · TWOT 1289b

People & Context

Saul

Israel's king who, weary of waiting for Samuel, unlawfully offers the burnt offering and is told his kingdom will not stand

Jonathan

Saul's son who strikes the Philistine garrison at Geba, provoking the war

Samuel

The prophet who arrives late, rebukes Saul for disobeying Jehovah's command, and departs to Gibeah

Timeline

Jonathan Strikes the Philistine Garrison

Saul forms a standing army of 3,000. Jonathan strikes a Philistine garrison in Geba, prompting Saul to blow the ram's horn and summon all Israel to Gilgal.

1 Samuel 13:1-4

Philistines Gather at Michmash

The Philistines amass a massive army of chariots and horsemen at Michmash. Terrified Israelites hide in caves, crevices, and tombs, while some cross the Jordan.

1 Samuel 13:5-7

Saul Unlawfully Offers a Sacrifice

Waiting seven days in Gilgal as his troops scatter and Samuel delays, Saul forces himself to unlawfully offer the burnt offering.

1 Samuel 13:8-9

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