And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmash.

1 SAMUEL 13:23KJV
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1 Samuel 13:23 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 13:23 mean?

1 Samuel 13:23 describes how the Philistine military outpost moved out to take position at the pass of Michmash. This sets the stage for a strategic confrontation between the Israelites and the Philistines in the following events.

In the story, the Philistines are Israel’s enemies, and their garrison (a stationed military group) is now controlling a key passage near Michmash. This verse marks a turning point, showing the Philistines taking an aggressive stance and highlighting the tension and danger facing Saul and his people.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 13:23

  • גְּדִיָּה (gediyah, "garrison"): This word refers to a military outpost or detachment. Its use here emphasizes the organized and occupying presence of the Philistines, not just a passing army.
  • מַעֲבָר (ma‘avar, "passage"): This word means a crossing or pass, often a narrow or strategic route. The Philistine control of this passage at Michmash shows their tactical advantage and the difficulty Israel would face in moving or attacking.

Why 1 Samuel 13:23 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Philistines were not just nearby but actively controlling a critical location, increasing the threat to Israel.
  • It sets up the dramatic context for Jonathan’s later attack and the unfolding narrative in the next chapter, where the location at Michmash becomes central.
  • Understanding the military terms and geography helps readers see the seriousness of the situation Saul and his army faced, making the story’s tension and stakes clearer.

Where else these words appear

“garrison” Hebrew H4673 · used in 10 verses

  • Joshua 4:3 And command ye them, saying, Take you hence out of the midst of Jordan, out of the place where the priests' feet stood firm, twelve stones, and ye shall carry them over with you, and leave them in the lodging place, where ye shall lodge this night.
  • 1 Samuel 14:4 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 14:15 And there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people: the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth quaked: so it was a very great trembling.

“passage” Hebrew H4569 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 32:22 And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two womenservants, and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford Jabbok.
  • Judges 12:5 And the Gileadites took the passages of Jordan before the Ephraimites: and it was so, that when those Ephraimites which were escaped said, Let me go over; that the men of Gilead said unto him, Art thou an Ephraimite? If he said, Nay;
  • Isaiah 10:29 They are gone over the passage: they have taken up their lodging at Geba; Ramah is afraid; Gibeah of Saul is fled.

“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 13:16 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.
  • Ezra 2:27 The men of Michmas, an hundred twenty and two.