1 Samuel 13 16

1 Samuel 13:16 kjv

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.

1 Samuel 13:16 nkjv

Saul, Jonathan his son, and the people present with them remained in Gibeah of Benjamin. But the Philistines encamped in Michmash.

1 Samuel 13:16 niv

Saul and his son Jonathan and the men with them were staying in Gibeah in Benjamin, while the Philistines camped at Mikmash.

1 Samuel 13:16 esv

And Saul and Jonathan his son and the people who were present with them stayed in Geba of Benjamin, but the Philistines encamped in Michmash.

1 Samuel 13:16 nlt

Saul and Jonathan and the troops with them were staying at Geba in the land of Benjamin. The Philistines set up their camp at Micmash.

1 Samuel 13 verses

1 Samuel 13 16 Meaning

1 Samuel 13:16 details the exact location of King Saul, his son Jonathan, and the remaining Israelite forces at a critical juncture. They were stationed in Gibeah of Benjamin, indicating a position of retreat or defensive preparation after many of the men had dispersed due to fear and the formidable Philistine threat. This verse sets the immediate geographical scene for the unfolding events of confrontation and divine intervention.

1 Samuel 13 16 Context

This verse is set immediately after Saul's disobedient sacrifice in Gilgal, which led to Samuel's declaration of the forfeiture of Saul's kingdom. The Philistine army, vast and well-equipped, had gathered at Michmash, creating immense fear among the Israelites, causing many to hide or flee beyond the Jordan. The men who remained with Saul numbered only about 600. Chapter 13 highlights Israel's dire military weakness and Saul's leadership failures, emphasizing their vulnerable position against the dominant Philistine power. Verse 16 specifies the strategic defensive location of the remaining Israelite forces, primarily centered around Saul's royal city and tribal land. This setup precedes Jonathan's decisive, faith-filled act in chapter 14.

1 Samuel 13 16 Word analysis

• And Saul,: Hebrew: וְשָׁאוּל (wə-šā’ūl). "Saul" is from the Hebrew root meaning "asked" or "desired," referring to Israel's first king chosen at their request, not entirely God's primary will for a king "like other nations." His name's significance resonates with the people's desire for a human king, foreshadowing the issues arising from human leadership disconnected from divine command.
• and Jonathan his son,: Hebrew: וִיהוֹנָתָן בְּנוֹ (wîhōw-nāṯān bə-nōw). "Jonathan" means "Yahweh has given" or "Gift of Yahweh," contrasting with Saul's name. His presence alongside Saul is noteworthy, as he emerges as a man of faith and courage, contrasting his father's actions. He is loyal but ultimately serves God's purposes more faithfully than Saul.
• and the people: Hebrew: וְהָעָם (wə-hā‘ām). This refers to the remnant, the few men who did not abandon Saul. It highlights the drastic reduction in Israel's fighting force, from thousands to mere hundreds. Their presence indicates lingering loyalty, desperate hope, or simply no other refuge.
• that were present with them,: Hebrew: הַנִּמְצְאִים אִתָּם (hanimṣə’îm ’ittām). Implies those who were found there or remained there, emphasizing the reduction from the initial force. It subtly conveys the precarious situation and the widespread defection.
• abode: Hebrew: יָשַׁב (yāshaḇ). This verb means "to sit," "to dwell," "to remain," or "to settle." It suggests a more fixed position, not merely passing through. They were stationed there, hunkered down, likely in a defensive posture due to their limited numbers. It implies a state of waiting and vulnerability.
• in Gibeah of Benjamin: Hebrew: בְּגִבְעַת בִּנְיָמִין (bə-giḇʿat bin-yā-mîn). "Gibeah" means "hill." It was Saul's hometown and likely his seat of government. "Benjamin" denotes the tribe. Locating them in "Gibeah of Benjamin" firmly roots the scene in Saul's own territory, highlighting that even in his familiar stronghold, his position was defensive and threatened. Gibeah has historical connotations of extreme moral depravity (Judges 19-21) and was also the chosen site for Israel's first king.

Words-group analysis

• And Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people...: This grouping clearly delineates the human leadership (Saul) and his immediate heir (Jonathan) alongside the remaining "people." It subtly highlights the two key figures who will dominate the immediate narrative, despite Saul's declining spiritual authority.
• abode in Gibeah of Benjamin: This phrase encapsulates their state and location. "Abode" suggests a static, waiting posture rather than active offensive. Being "in Gibeah of Benjamin," Saul's familiar ground, ironically emphasizes their confinement and defensive stance against an overwhelming external threat. It underscores that despite being home, they are not secure.

1 Samuel 13 16 Bonus section

The designation "Gibeah of Benjamin" is crucial. It’s Saul's own tribal territory and often his royal seat. This specific mention emphasizes that even in his power base, the king and his people were on the defensive, beleaguered by a foreign power. It stands in contrast to how the Lord had previously secured Israel's borders when judges ruled and the people truly sought Him. The concentration of the Israelite remnant in this small, besieged location vividly portrays the immediate consequences of national sin and leadership failure, setting up a situation where only divine intervention, often through unconventional means, can deliver.

1 Samuel 13 16 Commentary

1 Samuel 13:16, though descriptive, is a profoundly significant verse because it underscores Israel's precarious military state and Saul's diminished leadership following his act of disobedience. The choice of Gibeah, Saul's own stronghold and home, highlights the vulnerability of the fledgling kingdom and its king. The scattering of most of the army (not explicitly stated in v.16, but implied by "the people that were present with them" given previous context) points to a lack of faith in Saul's leadership and the severity of the Philistine threat. Jonathan's presence, distinct from his father, subtly foreshadows his impending courageous action that will challenge the stagnated, fear-driven leadership of Saul. This verse effectively sets the scene for God's eventual demonstration of His power through Jonathan, despite human weakness and failure.