1 Samuel 14 5

1 Samuel 14:5 kjv

The forefront of the one was situate northward over against Michmash, and the other southward over against Gibeah.

1 Samuel 14:5 nkjv

The front of one faced northward opposite Michmash, and the other southward opposite Gibeah.

1 Samuel 14:5 niv

One cliff stood to the north toward Mikmash, the other to the south toward Geba.

1 Samuel 14:5 esv

The one crag rose on the north in front of Michmash, and the other on the south in front of Geba.

1 Samuel 14:5 nlt

The cliff on the north was in front of Micmash, and the one on the south was in front of Geba.

1 Samuel 14 verses

1 Samuel 14 5 Meaning

1 Samuel 14:5 describes the precise topographical setting of the two distinct crags that flanked the strategic pass where Jonathan initiated his daring raid against the Philistines. It specifies that one steep rock formation lay on the north side, facing the Philistine encampment at Micmash, while the other, equally formidable crag, was situated on the south, opposite the Israelite garrison at Geba. This detailed geographical description sets the stage by illustrating the severe physical obstacles and the naturally fortified nature of the battleground, highlighting the challenging terrain Jonathan and his armor-bearer were about to traverse.

1 Samuel 14 5 Context

This verse is part of the larger narrative detailing Jonathan's incredibly courageous and faith-driven initiative against the Philistine oppressors. It immediately follows the introduction of Jonathan's secret plan to attack the Philistine garrison (14:1) and the preliminary description of the two rocky crags (14:4) that separated the Philistine and Israelite forces. Saul, having only 600 men and being strategically disadvantaged, was passive. Jonathan's action directly counters this stagnation.

Historically and culturally, this period was characterized by overwhelming Philistine military and technological superiority, particularly in iron weaponry, which left Israel largely disarmed (1 Sam 13:19-22). The Michmash-Geba pass was a crucial choke point controlling access through the central Benjamin plateau. Its rugged topography, featuring deep wadis and prominent cliffs, made it an ideal defensive position, further amplifying the audacious nature of Jonathan's solo infiltration. The Philistines, encamped on one side (Micmash), controlled this vital corridor. By specifying the precise northern and southern orientation of these formidable crags relative to Micmash and Geba, the author emphasizes the severity of the physical challenge and the strategic depth of the Philistine's control over the territory, underscoring that any attack from the Israelite side (Geba) would necessitate scaling these daunting natural barriers.

1 Samuel 14 5 Word analysis

• "The one crag": From the Hebrew Ha-shena ha-echat (הָשֵׁן הָאֶחָת), meaning "the one tooth" or "the one crag/cliff." The word "shen" (tooth) metaphorically describes a sharp, projecting rock, emphasizing its pointed, jagged, or isolated nature rather than a mere hillside. It refers specifically to one of the two distinct formations (Bozez and Seneh from 14:4).

• "rose": Implies a prominent, steep ascent or projection. The crag stood tall and visible, not merely lying flat, which indicates a significant vertical challenge.

• "on the north": A precise directional marker, crucial for understanding the topographical layout of the battlefield. It places the first crag relative to the valley and the two opposing forces.

• "in front of Micmash": From the Hebrew neged Michmas (נֶגֶד מִכְמָשׂ), meaning "opposite Michmash" or "facing Micmash." Micmash was the location of the Philistine encampment. This indicates that the northern crag presented a barrier leading towards or protecting the Philistine position.

• "and the other": V'ha-shena ha-acheret (וְהַשֵּׁן הָאַחֶרֶת) refers to the second distinct crag mentioned in 14:4. This parallel structure highlights the dual, symmetrical nature of the obstacles.

• "on the south": The complementary directional marker, establishing the geographical relationship of the second crag to the first.

• "in front of Geba": Neged Geva (נֶגֶד גָּבַע), meaning "opposite Geba" or "facing Geba." Geba was where Saul's army and the Israelite garrison were located. This clarifies that the southern crag was the one immediately accessible to Jonathan from the Israelite side.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "The one crag... and the other": This phrase emphasizes the two formidable and distinct geological features that define the narrow pass. They were not just general rocky areas but specific, named (in the previous verse) crags acting as natural fortifications. This dual aspect created a narrow, challenging defile.
  • "rose on the north in front of Micmash, and the other on the south in front of Geba": This comprehensive description precisely positions both crags, demonstrating how they bordered the strategic Wadi Suweinit valley. It highlights that Jonathan had to descend from Geba, cross the valley, and then scale a crag (presumably Bozez) to reach the Philistine position at Micmash, underlining the near-impossible nature of his self-appointed mission. This detailed topography sets the stage for a truly audacious, faith-inspired maneuver, where human might and strategy would fall short without divine intervention.

1 Samuel 14 5 Bonus section

• Literary Foreshadowing: The detailed description of these formidable physical barriers serves as literary foreshadowing, building tension and magnifying the significance of Jonathan's action. The audience understands the immense challenge even before Jonathan states his bold intention.
• Bozez and Seneh Connection: While 1 Sam 14:5 describes "the one crag" and "the other," it directly follows 1 Sam 14:4 which names these crags as "Bozez" and "Seneh." Bozez means "shining" or "slippery," perhaps alluding to the rock's smooth, steep, and exposed nature. Seneh means "thorn-bush," possibly referring to the vegetation on it or its sharp, jagged appearance. These names add another layer to the dangerous ascent.
• Topographical Verification: Modern archaeological and geographical studies of the region around Geba (Jeba) and Micmash (Mukhmas) confirm the accuracy of this biblical description. The deep, rocky Wadi Suweinit fits precisely the description of this valley, flanked by formidable cliffs that serve as natural defenses, making the account deeply rooted in reality and further affirming the truthfulness of the historical narrative.
• Faith Overcomes Terrain: The focus on the imposing nature of these "crags" contrasts with Jonathan's simple, resolute faith. This physical barrier symbolizes any overwhelming obstacle. Just as Jonathan's faith enabled him to scale these literal rocks, so too does spiritual faith enable believers to overcome spiritual "rocks" or seemingly impossible situations (Matt 17:20; Zech 4:7).

1 Samuel 14 5 Commentary

1 Samuel 14:5 provides essential geographical information that illuminates the extreme physical difficulty and tactical brilliance (or perhaps, recklessness from a human perspective) of Jonathan's impending raid. The verse depicts a "gorge pass" between two sharp, steep crags, creating a natural stronghold. The crag "on the north in front of Micmash" describes the imposing rock face that protected the Philistine stronghold. The crag "on the south in front of Geba" indicates the equally formidable terrain that Jonathan and his armor-bearer had to descend from or navigate to reach the valley floor before ascending the northern crag. This detailed picture underscores that Jonathan's faith was not just in God's willingness but in His ability to enable a humanly impossible feat. It exemplifies the biblical principle that God can deliver, "by many or by few" (1 Sam 14:6), and can use even the most challenging physical landscapes to display His power and secure victory for His people, particularly when confronted with overwhelming odds and human limitations.