1 Samuel 13:23
1 Samuel 13:23 in Multiple Translations
And a garrison of the Philistines had gone out to the pass at Michmash.
And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmash.
And the garrison of the Philistines went out unto the pass of Michmash.
And the armed force of the Philistines went out to the narrow way of Michmash.
A Philistine garrison had taken control of the pass at Michmash.
And the garison of the Philistims came out to the passage of Michmash.
And the station of the Philistines goeth out unto the passage of Michmash.
The garrison of the Philistines went out to the pass of Michmash.
And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmash.
And the army of the Philistines went out in order to advance further in Machmas.
Before the battle started, some Philistia men went to ◄the pass/a narrow place between two cliffs► outside Micmash to guard it.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 13:23
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 13:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּצֵא֙
מַצַּ֣ב
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
אֶֽל
מַעֲבַ֖ר
מִכְמָֽשׂ
וַ/יֵּצֵא֙
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מַצַּ֣ב
matstsâb
H4673
station
N-ms
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Ngmpa
אֶֽל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מַעֲבַ֖ר
maʻăbâr
H4569
ford
N-ms
מִכְמָֽשׂ
Mikmâç
H4363
Michmash
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 13:23
וַ/יֵּצֵא֙
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
מַצַּ֣ב
matstsâb
H4673
"station"
N-ms
A fixed spot or office, like a military post, where someone stands or serves, as seen in the Bible with garrisons and outposts.
Definition: 1) station, garrison, standing-place 1a) standing-place (of feet) 1b) station, office, position 1c) garrison, post, outpost
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: garrison, station, place where...stood. See also: Joshua 4:3; 1 Samuel 14:6; Isaiah 22:19.
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
"Philistines"
Ngmpa
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.
אֶֽל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מַעֲבַ֖ר
maʻăbâr
H4569
"ford"
N-ms
This word refers to a crossing place, like a ford in a river or a pass in a mountain. It can also mean a transit or passage, and is used figuratively to describe overwhelming events. The KJV translates it as ford or pass.
Definition: 1) ford, pass, passing 1a) ford 1b) pass 1c) passing, sweep
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: ford, place where...pass, passage. See also: Genesis 32:23; 1 Samuel 13:23; Isaiah 10:29.
מִכְמָֽשׂ
Mikmâç
H4363
"Michmash"
N-proper
Mikmash was a city in ancient Palestine, near Ramah and about 10 miles north of Jerusalem. Its name means 'hidden' and it's mentioned in the Bible as a place in the tribe of Benjamin. Today, it's likely the site of modern Mukhmas.
Definition: § Michmas or Michmash = "hidden" a city in Benjamin lying near Ramah and approximately 10 miles (16 km) north of Jerusalem; probably modern 'Mukhmas'
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: Mikmas, Mikmash. See also: 1 Samuel 13:2; 1 Samuel 14:5; Isaiah 10:28.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 13:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 13:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 13:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 13:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:23
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:23
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 13:23
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 13:23
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:23
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 13:23
Context — Israel without Weapons
21The charge was a pim for sharpening a plowshare or mattock, a third of a shekel for sharpening a pitchfork or an axe, and a third of a shekel for repointing an oxgoad.
22So on the day of battle not a sword or spear could be found in the hands of the troops with Saul and Jonathan; only Saul and his son Jonathan had weapons.
23And a garrison of the Philistines had gone out to the pass at Michmash.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 10:28 | Assyria has entered Aiath and passed through Migron, storing their supplies at Michmash. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 14:1 | One day Jonathan son of Saul said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.” But Jonathan did not tell his father. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 14:4–5 | Now there were cliffs on both sides of the pass that Jonathan intended to cross to reach the Philistine outpost. One was named Bozez and the other Seneh. One cliff stood to the north toward Michmash, and the other to the south toward Geba. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 13:2–3 | He chose for himself three thousand men of Israel: Two thousand were with Saul at Michmash and in the hill country of Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin. And the rest of the troops he sent away, each to his own home. Then Jonathan attacked the Philistine outpost at Geba, and the Philistines heard about it. So Saul blew the ram’s horn throughout the land, saying, “Let the Hebrews hear!” |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 23:14 | At that time David was in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was at Bethlehem. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 13:5 | Now the Philistines assembled to fight against Israel with three thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen, and troops as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They went up and camped at Michmash, east of Beth-aven. |
1 Samuel 13:23 Summary
This verse tells us that the Philistines had a group of soldiers stationed at a narrow pass near the town of Michmash, which was a strategic location that controlled the movement of people in the area, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 13:23. This meant that the Israelites, who were led by King Saul, had to be careful when moving around, as they could be easily attacked by the Philistines, as seen in 1 Samuel 13:5-7. It's like having a strong enemy presence in your neighborhood, making it difficult to feel safe, but as Christians, we can trust in God's power and protection, as mentioned in Psalms 23:4, and seek His guidance and help in times of trouble, as seen in 1 Samuel 14:1-14.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the pass at Michmash in 1 Samuel 13:23?
The pass at Michmash was a strategic location that controlled the route between the Israelite territory and the Philistine territory, as seen in 1 Samuel 13:23, and it played a crucial role in the battle between the Israelites and the Philistines, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 14:4-14.
Why did the Philistines have a garrison at the pass?
The Philistines had a garrison at the pass to control the movement of the Israelites and to prevent them from launching a surprise attack, as the Philistines had already taken control of the blacksmiths in Israel, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 13:19-22, making it difficult for the Israelites to have weapons.
What does this verse reveal about the military strength of the Philistines?
This verse reveals that the Philistines had a strong military presence in the area, with a garrison at the pass, indicating their ability to control and dominate the region, as also seen in 1 Samuel 4:1-11 where the Philistines defeated the Israelites.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of 1 Samuel?
This verse sets the stage for the battle between the Israelites and the Philistines in 1 Samuel 14, and it highlights the challenges faced by King Saul and his army, as they tried to defend themselves against the Philistine army, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 13:5-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are the spiritual implications of being in a situation where you feel outnumbered or outmatched, and how can you apply the lessons from 1 Samuel 13:23 to your life?
- How can you, like Jonathan in 1 Samuel 14:1-14, trust in God's power and provision even when faced with overwhelming odds?
- What are some areas in your life where you feel like you are facing a 'garrison' of challenges, and how can you seek God's help and guidance in those areas, as seen in Psalms 121:1-2?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of being prepared for spiritual battles, and how can you apply the principles of 2 Corinthians 10:4 to your life?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 13:23
And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmash.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 13:23
And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmash. The garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmash.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:23
A place so called, because it was near to Michmash, and led towards Gibeah, which, it seems, they designed to besiege, and in the mean time to waste the adjoining country.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:23
1 Samuel 13:23 And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmash.Ver. 23. To the passage of Michmash.] A place of advantage, kept till now by Saul’ s soldiers.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:23
(23) The garrison of the Philistines went out.—These words form an introduction to the recital of the heroic deed of Jonathan related in the following chapter. The Philistines are represented as sending forward an armed detachment, or out-post detachment, beyond the camp of Michmash, as a protection against a surprise on the part of the Israelitic force under the king and his son.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 13:23
23. the passage of Michmash] By “the passage of Michmash,” mentioned also In the description of Sennacherib’s march upon Jerusalem in Isaiah 10:29, is meant the deep ravine now known as the Wady es-Suweinit (1 Samuel 13:2, note). The Philistines threw out an advanced post from their main camp to one of the bluffs on the very edge of the valley, with the view of watching the Israelites in Geba opposite, and preventing a surprise attack on their camp. It was this post which Jonathan attacked.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 13:23
The passage of Michmash - The steep and precipitous path from Michmash to Geba, over the valley of Suweinit. The same term is used in Isaiah 10:28-29, where the march of the Assyrian army is described.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:23
23. The passage of Michmash — This was the deep, wild Wady es-Suweinit, which lies between Geba and Michmash, of which Dr. Robinson says, (Bib. Res., vol. i, p.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 13:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Jonathan: A Word on Working With God 1 Samuel 14 by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby emphasizes the faith and courage of Jonathan amidst Israel's confusion and lack of faith. While the people sought a king and relied on human strength, Jonathan ac |
|
Call to Prayer (Revival Though Prayer) by Hans R. Waldvogel | Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the necessity of prayer for revival, sharing personal experiences of seeking God amidst discouragement. He recounts a time when he prayed fervently for |
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Signs Seen, and Not Seen by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches on the lamentation of not seeing the signs of God's favor, highlighting the importance of recognizing outward marks of God's presence and grace upon the soul. |
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Victory or Survival - Part 1 by Winkie Pratney | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Saul and the Israelites facing a dangerous enemy named Nehash. The Israelites were distressed and hid themselves in caves, rocks |
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A Time to Do Nothing by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of waiting on God through the story of Saul, who, despite being anointed and blessed by God, fell into disobedience and despair when faced |