1 Samuel 14 4

1 Samuel 14:4 kjv

And between the passages, by which Jonathan sought to go over unto the Philistines' garrison, there was a sharp rock on the one side, and a sharp rock on the other side: and the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh.

1 Samuel 14:4 nkjv

Between the passes, by which Jonathan sought to go over to the Philistines' garrison, there was a sharp rock on one side and a sharp rock on the other side. And the name of one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh.

1 Samuel 14:4 niv

On each side of the pass that Jonathan intended to cross to reach the Philistine outpost was a cliff; one was called Bozez and the other Seneh.

1 Samuel 14:4 esv

Within the passes, by which Jonathan sought to go over to the Philistine garrison, there was a rocky crag on the one side and a rocky crag on the other side. The name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh.

1 Samuel 14:4 nlt

To reach the Philistine outpost, Jonathan had to go down between two rocky cliffs that were called Bozez and Seneh.

1 Samuel 14 verses

1 Samuel 14 4 Meaning

This verse precisely describes the formidable topography that confronted Jonathan as he planned his clandestine approach to the Philistine outpost. It sets the scene for an almost impassable obstacle, emphasizing a narrow passage guarded by two prominent, jagged rock formations. This difficult terrain highlights the sheer audacity of Jonathan's plan and implies a reliance not on conventional military strategy but on divine intervention given the extreme physical challenge.

1 Samuel 14 4 Context

Chapter 14 continues the narrative of Israel's struggle against Philistine oppression. Prior to this verse, King Saul's forces are greatly diminished and dispirited, while the Philistines have consolidated their military presence with outposts and raiding parties. Saul has also committed a grievous error by making a rash vow. Jonathan, frustrated by the inactivity and spiritual lethargy of his father's army, takes initiative with only his armor-bearer. This verse specifically describes the unique and dangerous terrain Jonathan selected for his approach, a vital detail as it explains the highly strategic and risky nature of his upcoming solo attack against the Philistine garrison. The historical context indicates the ongoing Philistine dominance over the region, particularly their control over key strategic passes.

1 Samuel 14 4 Word analysis

• Between the passes (בֵּין הַמַּעֲבָרִים – bēn hammaʿăḇārîm): The term "passes" refers to a system of narrow defiles or ravines typical of the central Benjamin plateau, specifically the Wadi Suweinit area which formed the "Michmash pass." These geological features were crucial strategic choke points. The choice of "passes" implies difficult, constricted access.
• by which Jonathan (יְהוֹנָתָן – Yəhōnāṯān): Hebrew "Yehonatan" meaning "Yahweh has given" or "Gift of Yahweh." This name carries prophetic significance, as God indeed uses Jonathan as an instrument for deliverance despite his solitary act. His name prefigures God's active hand in the subsequent events.
• sought to go over (בִּקֵּשׁ לַעֲבֹר – biqqēš la'ǎḇōr): "Biqqesh" suggests a strong desire, determination, or seeking, indicating a deliberate and intentional plan on Jonathan's part. It conveys purpose and initiative, not merely accidental discovery. The phrase implies he intended to navigate this specific, challenging path.
• to the Philistine garrison (אֶל מַצַּב פְּלִשְׁתִּים – ʾel maṣṣaḇ Pəlištîm): A "garrison" or "outpost" (maṣṣaḇ) indicates a fortified military station. The Philistines had several of these, asserting their control. The Hebrew term signifies a stationary force, distinct from roving bands, making it a more formidable target.
• there was a sharp rock (שֵׁן הַסֶּלַע – šēn hasselaʿ): Literally "tooth of the rock." This vivid imagery describes a prominent, jagged, pointed rocky outcrop. The Hebrew "shen" (tooth) suggests sharpness, prominence, and a formidable appearance, resembling an animal's tooth. It paints a picture of an uninviting and dangerous natural barrier.
• on the one side and a sharp rock on the other side: This repetition and dual description emphasizes the extreme narrowness and challenging nature of the pass. It was a confined pathway, naturally defended by these two "teeth," making any direct assault perilous. The two specific rocks would be identified in the very next verse as Bozez ("shining" or "slippery") and Seneh ("thorny"), further underscoring their treacherous characteristics.

• "Between the passes by which Jonathan sought to go over to the Philistine garrison...": This phrase establishes the specific geographical location and the military objective. It highlights the strategic decision-making involved in choosing this difficult, yet potentially covert, route to a well-defended enemy position. The inherent danger of such an approach points towards Jonathan's profound trust in God rather than reliance on a numerically superior force or easy access.
• "...there was a sharp rock on the one side and a sharp rock on the other side.": This description paints a vivid picture of the formidable natural defense. The "sharp rocks" acting as gatekeepers to the pass mean that anyone attempting to traverse it would be funneled into a very tight, observable, and easily defended choke point. The natural obstacle effectively negates the Philistine's numerical advantage and levels the playing field for Jonathan's daring infiltration. This detailed landscape provides a theological backdrop, illustrating how God can use insurmountable obstacles to display His power.

1 Samuel 14 4 Bonus section

The terrain described in this verse refers to what is commonly known as the Michmash Pass, a deep, narrow ravine called Wadi Suweinit, which forms a natural defensive barrier. The "sharp rocks" mentioned here are identified in the very next verse as Bozez ("slippery" or "shining") and Seneh ("thorny"). These names themselves suggest the extreme difficulty of scaling them, reinforcing the perilous nature of Jonathan's chosen route. This strategic chokepoint had historical significance, allowing a small force to hold off a larger one, and serves as a vital part of the biblical narrative illustrating God's strategic use of terrain to secure victory for His people, reminiscent of the battle of Thermopylae in its strategic significance.

1 Samuel 14 4 Commentary

This verse functions as a crucial stage-setting detail, highlighting the almost impossible physical challenges Jonathan was willing to confront. The meticulous description of the terrain — "between the passes" with "sharp rock[s]" on both sides — underscores that Jonathan's planned attack was not only against a strong Philistine garrison but also against an extremely arduous natural barrier. This immediately introduces the theme of faith and divine enablement; what humanly seems an impenetrable defense is precisely the pathway Jonathan chose, demonstrating a reliance not on his strength or military cunning, but implicitly on the Lord. The specific geography makes the Philistine's complacency understandable while simultaneously emphasizing the audacious faith of Jonathan, foreshadowing how God would work through seemingly impossible circumstances to deliver Israel.