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 13:16KJV
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1 Samuel 13:16 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 13:16 mean?

1 Samuel 13:16 describes how Saul, his son Jonathan, and their followers stayed in Gibeah of Benjamin, while their enemies, the Philistines, set up camp in Michmash. This verse sets the scene for a conflict by showing the two groups positioned in different locations, preparing for what comes next.

The verse is part of a narrative where Saul is king of Israel and facing a military threat from the Philistines. The people with Saul are his Israelite troops, and the mention of specific places—Gibeah and Michmash—shows the real geographical tension between the two camps. This moment highlights the buildup to a significant confrontation in the story.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 13:16

  • גִּבְעָה (Gibeah): This word means "hill" and is the name of Saul’s hometown. Its mention here grounds the story in a real place and hints at Saul’s personal connection to the area.
  • מִכְמָשׂ (Michmash): This is the location where the Philistines camped. Knowing these places helps visualize the strategic positions of both armies and the looming threat.

Why 1 Samuel 13:16 matters

  • The verse clarifies the physical separation and tension between Saul’s group and the Philistines, helping readers understand the stakes and the setup for the coming events.
  • By naming Saul and Jonathan together, the verse subtly introduces Jonathan’s importance, which will become more evident in the following chapters.
  • The specific mention of locations helps anchor the story in real geography, making the narrative more vivid and historically grounded for the reader.

Where else these words appear

“Michmash” Hebrew H4363 · used in 11 verses

  • 1 Samuel 13:2 Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel; whereof two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in mount Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent.
  • 1 Samuel 13:23 And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmash.
  • Ezra 2:27 The men of Michmas, an hundred twenty and two.

“Gibeah” Hebrew H1387 · used in 19 verses

  • Joshua 18:24 And Chepharhaammonai, and Ophni, and Gaba; twelve cities with their villages:
  • 2 Samuel 5:25 And David did so, as the LORD had commanded him; and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer.
  • Ezra 2:26 The children of Ramah and Gaba, six hundred twenty and one.

“Jonathan” Hebrew H3129 · used in 35 verses

  • 1 Samuel 13:2 Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel; whereof two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in mount Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent.
  • 1 Samuel 14:27 But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened.
  • 1 Kings 1:42 And while he yet spake, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came: and Adonijah said unto him, Come in; for thou art a valiant man, and bringest good tidings.

“encamped” Hebrew H2583 · used in 135 verses

  • Genesis 26:17 And Isaac departed thence, and pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar, and dwelt there.
  • Numbers 33:10 And they removed from Elim, and encamped by the Red sea.
  • Judges 6:4 And they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, till thou come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass.