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They went up and camped at Michmash, east of Beth-aven.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/13-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/09_1Sa_13_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 13:5 - War with the Philistines" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/13-5.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/13-5.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/13.htm">Chapter 13</a> > Verse 5</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/13-4.htm" title="1 Samuel 13:4">◄</a> 1 Samuel 13:5 <a href="/1_samuel/13-6.htm" title="1 Samuel 13:6">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_samuel/13.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/13.htm">New International Version</a> The Philistines assembled to fight Israel, with three thousand chariots, six thousand charioteers, and soldiers as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They went up and camped at Mikmash, east of Beth Aven. <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/13.htm">New Living Translation</a> The Philistines mustered a mighty army of 3,000 chariots, 6,000 charioteers, and as many warriors as the grains of sand on the seashore! They camped at Micmash east of Beth-aven. <a href="/esv/1_samuel/13.htm">English Standard Version</a> And the Philistines mustered to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen and troops like the sand on the seashore in multitude. They came up and encamped in Michmash, to the east of Beth-aven. <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/13.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/13.htm">King James Bible</a> And the Philistines gathered themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the sea shore in multitude: and they came up, and pitched in Michmash, eastward from Bethaven. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/13.htm">New King James Version</a> Then the Philistines gathered together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the seashore in multitude. And they came up and encamped in Michmash, to the east of Beth Aven. <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/13.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now the Philistines assembled to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen, and people like the sand which is on the seashore in abundance; and they came up and camped in Michmash, east of Beth-aven. <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/13.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now the Philistines assembled to fight with Israel, 30,000 chariots and 6,000 horsemen, and people like the sand which is on the seashore in abundance; and they came up and camped in Michmash, east of Beth-aven. <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/13.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now the Philistines assembled to fight with Israel, 30,000 chariots and 6,000 horsemen, and people like the sand which is on the seashore in abundance; and they came up and camped in Michmash, east of Beth-aven. <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/13.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now the Philistines assembled to fight with Israel, 30,000 chariots and 6,000 horsemen and people like the sand which is on the seashore in abundance; and they came up and camped in Michmash, east of Beth-aven. <a href="/amp/1_samuel/13.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now the Philistines gathered to fight against Israel, 30,000 chariots and 6,000 horsemen, and troops in multitude, like sand on the seashore. They came up and camped at Michmash, east of Beth-aven. <a href="/csb/1_samuel/13.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The Philistines also gathered to fight against Israel: 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. <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/13.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The Philistines also gathered to fight against Israel: 3,000 chariots, 6,000 horsemen, and troops as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They went up and camped at Michmash, east of Beth-aven. <a href="/asv/1_samuel/13.htm">American Standard Version</a> And the Philistines assembled themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the sea-shore in multitude: and they came up, and encamped in Michmash, eastward of Beth-aven. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/13.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The Philistines called their army together to fight Israel. They had 3,000 chariots, 6,000 cavalry, and as many foot soldiers as there are grains of sand on the beach. They went to Michmash and set up camp there east of Beth-Aven. <a href="/erv/1_samuel/13.htm">English Revised Version</a> And the Philistines assembled themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the sea shore in multitude: and they came up, and pitched in Michmash, eastward of Beth-aven. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/13.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The Philistines assembled to fight against Israel. They had 30,000 chariots, 6,000 horsemen, and as many soldiers as the sand on the seashore. They camped at Michmash, east of Beth Aven. <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/13.htm">Good News Translation</a> The Philistines assembled to fight the Israelites; they had thirty thousand war chariots, six thousand cavalry troops, and as many soldiers as there are grains of sand on the seashore. They went to Michmash, east of Bethaven, and camped there. <a href="/isv/1_samuel/13.htm">International Standard Version</a> The Philistines assembled to fight against Israel with 30,000 chariots, 6,000 horsemen, and people as numerous as the sand on the seashore. And they advanced and camped in Michmash, east of Beth-aven. <a href="/msb/1_samuel/13.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/1_samuel/13.htm">NET Bible</a> For the battle with Israel the Philistines had amassed 3,000 chariots, 6,000 horsemen, and an army as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They went up and camped at Micmash, east of Beth Aven. <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/13.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The Philistines assembled themselves together to fight with Israel, and brought up against Israel three thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the seashore in multitude: and they came up, and camped in Michmash, eastward of Beth Aven. <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/13.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the Philistines assembled to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the sea shore in multitude: and they came up, and encamped in Michmash, eastward from Beth-aven. <a href="/web/1_samuel/13.htm">World English Bible</a> The Philistines assembled themselves together to fight with Israel: thirty thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the seashore in multitude. They came up and encamped in Michmash, eastward of Beth Aven. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/13.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the Philistines have been gathered to fight with Israel; thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and a people as the sand which [is] on the seashore for multitude; and they come up and encamp in Michmash, east of Beth-Aven. <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/13.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And the Philistines have been gathered to fight with Israel; thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and a people as the sand which is on the sea-shore for multitude; and they come up and encamp in Michmash, east of Beth-Aven. <a href="/slt/1_samuel/13.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the rovers were gathered together to war with Israel, thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is upon the lip of the sea for multitude: and they will come up and encamp in Michmash, east of the House of Nothing.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/13.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> The Philistines also were assembled to fight against Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and a multitude of people besides, like the sand on the sea shore for number. And going up they camped in Machmas at the east of Bethaven. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/13.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And the Philistines gathered to do battle against Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and the remainder of the common people, who were very many, like the sand that is on the shore of the sea. And ascending, they encamped at Michmash, toward the east of Bethaven. <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/13.htm">New American Bible</a> The Philistines also assembled for battle against Israel, with thirty thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen, and foot soldiers as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They came up and encamped in Michmash, east of Beth-aven. <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/13.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The Philistines mustered to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and troops like the sand on the seashore in multitude; they came up and encamped at Michmash, to the east of Beth-aven.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/13.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the Philistines gathered themselves together to fight with Israel, three thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the seashore in multitude; and they came up and encamped in Michmash, east of Beth-el. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/13.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the Philistines were gathered to fight with Israel, three thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand that is upon the shore of the sea, an exceeding multitude. And they came up and they camped in Mekmas from the east of Bayth Eil<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/13.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And the Philistines assembled themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the sea-shore in multitude; and they came up, and pitched in Michmas, eastward of Beth-aven. <a href="/sep/1_samuel/13.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the Philistines gather together to war with Israel; and then come up against Israel thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand by the seashore for multitude: and they come up, and encamp in Machmas, opposite Baethoron southward. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/13-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=3170" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/13.htm">War with the Philistines</a> …4And all Israel heard the news: “Saul has attacked an outpost of the Philistines, and now Israel has become a stench to the Philistines!” Then the people were summoned to join Saul at Gilgal. 5<a href="/hebrew/6430.htm" title="6430: ū·p̄ə·liš·tîm (Conj-w:: N-proper-mp) -- Inhab. of Philistia. Patrial from Plesheth; a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth.">Now the Philistines</a> <a href="/hebrew/622.htm" title="622: ne·’es·p̄ū (V-Nifal-Perf-3cp) -- To gather, remove. A primitive root; to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e. Remove.">assembled</a> <a href="/hebrew/3898.htm" title="3898: lə·hil·lā·ḥêm (Prep-l:: V-Nifal-Inf) -- To feed on, to consume, to battle. A primitive root; to feed on; figuratively, to consume; by implication, to battle.">to fight</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im- (Prep) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">against</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/7970.htm" title="7970: šə·lō·šîm (Number-cp) -- Thirty. Or shloshiym; multiple of shalowsh; thirty; or thirtieth.">with three</a> <a href="/hebrew/505.htm" title="505: ’e·lep̄ (Number-ms) -- A thousand. Prop, the same as 'eleph; hence a thousand.">thousand</a> <a href="/hebrew/7393.htm" title="7393: re·ḵeḇ (N-ms) -- From rakab; a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e. The upper millstone.">chariots,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8337.htm" title="8337: wə·šê·šeṯ (Conj-w:: Number-msc) -- Masculine shishshah; a primitive number; six (see suws) beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ord. Sixth.">six</a> <a href="/hebrew/505.htm" title="505: ’ă·lā·p̄îm (Number-mp) -- A thousand. Prop, the same as 'eleph; hence a thousand.">thousand</a> <a href="/hebrew/6571.htm" title="6571: pā·rā·šîm (N-mp) -- A steed, a driver, cavalry. From parash; a steed (compare cuwc); also a driver, i.e. cavalry.">horsemen,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: wə·‘ām (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">and troops</a> <a href="/hebrew/7230.htm" title="7230: lā·rōḇ (Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- Multitude, abundance, greatness. From rabab; abundance.">as numerous</a> <a href="/hebrew/2344.htm" title="2344: ka·ḥō·wl (Prep-k, Art:: N-ms) -- Sand. From chuwl; sand.">as the sand</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/8193.htm" title="8193: śə·p̄aṯ- (N-fsc) -- Or sepheth; probably from caphah or shaphah through the idea of termination; the lip; by implication, language; by analogy, a margin.">the seashore.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3220.htm" title="3220: hay·yām (Art:: N-ms) -- A sea or large body of water; specifically, the Mediterranean Sea; sometimes a large river."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: way·ya·‘ă·lū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">They went up</a> <a href="/hebrew/2583.htm" title="2583: way·ya·ḥă·nū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to incline; by implication, to decline; specifically, to pitch a tent; gen. To encamp.">and camped</a> <a href="/hebrew/4363.htm" title="4363: ḇə·miḵ·māś (Prep-b:: N-proper-fs) -- A city in Benjamin. (Ezra 2:2 or Mikmash; or Mikmash; from kamac; hidden; Mikmas or Mikmash, a place in Palestine.">at Michmash,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6926.htm" title="6926: qiḏ·maṯ (N-fsc) -- Front, east. Feminine of qedem; the forward part East.">east</a> <a href="/hebrew/1007.htm" title="1007: bêṯ (Prep) -- Beth-aven -- between. From bayith and 'aven; house of vanity; Beth- Aven, a place in Palestine.">of</a> <a href="/hebrew/1007.htm" title="1007: ’ā·wen (N-proper-fs) -- Beth-aven -- between. From bayith and 'aven; house of vanity; Beth- Aven, a place in Palestine.">Beth-aven.</a> 6Seeing that they were in danger because their troops were hard-pressed, the men of Israel hid in caves and thickets, among the rocks, and in cellars and cisterns.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/judges/7-12.htm">Judges 7:12</a> Now the Midianites, Amalekites, and all the other people of the east had settled in the valley like a swarm of locusts, and their camels were as countless as the sand on the seashore. <a href="/joshua/11-4.htm">Joshua 11:4</a> So these kings came out with all their armies, a multitude as numerous as the sand on the seashore, along with a great number of horses and chariots. <a href="/judges/6-5.htm">Judges 6:5</a> For the Midianites came with their livestock and their tents like a great swarm of locusts. They and their camels were innumerable, and they entered the land to ravage it. <a href="/judges/14-5.htm">Judges 14:5</a> Then Samson went down to Timnah with his father and mother and came to the vineyards of Timnah. Suddenly a young lion came roaring at him, <a href="/1_samuel/17-1.htm">1 Samuel 17:1</a> Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war at Socoh in Judah, and they camped between Socoh and Azekah in Ephes-dammim. <a href="/2_samuel/5-18.htm">2 Samuel 5:18</a> Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. <a href="/2_samuel/5-22.htm">2 Samuel 5:22</a> Once again the Philistines came up and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. <a href="/1_kings/4-30.htm">1 Kings 4:30</a> Solomon’s wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. <a href="/1_kings/10-26.htm">1 Kings 10:26</a> Solomon accumulated 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horses, which he stationed in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem. <a href="/2_chronicles/1-14.htm">2 Chronicles 1:14</a> Solomon accumulated 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horses, which he stationed in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem. <a href="/isaiah/31-1.htm">Isaiah 31:1</a> Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD. <a href="/jeremiah/46-4.htm">Jeremiah 46:4</a> Harness the horses; mount the steeds; take your positions with helmets on! Polish your spears; put on armor! <a href="/ezekiel/38-4.htm">Ezekiel 38:4</a> I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws, and bring you out with all your army—your horses, your horsemen in full armor, and a great company armed with shields and bucklers, all brandishing their swords. <a href="/matthew/24-6.htm">Matthew 24:6</a> You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come. <a href="/luke/14-31.htm">Luke 14:31</a> Or what king on his way to war with another king will not first sit down and consider whether he can engage with ten thousand men the one coming against him with twenty thousand?</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the Philistines gathered themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the sea shore in multitude: and they came up, and pitched in Michmash, eastward from Bethaven.as the sand<a href="/genesis/22-17.htm">Genesis 22:17</a> That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;<a href="/joshua/11-4.htm">Joshua 11:4</a> And they went out, they and all their hosts with them, much people, even as the sand that is upon the sea shore in multitude, with horses and chariots very many.<a href="/judges/7-12.htm">Judges 7:12</a> And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like grasshoppers for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the sea side for multitude.Beth-aven<a href="/1_samuel/14-23.htm">1 Samuel 14:23</a> So the LORD saved Israel that day: and the battle passed over unto Bethaven.<a href="/joshua/7-2.htm">Joshua 7:2</a> And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Bethaven, on the east side of Bethel, and spake unto them, saying, Go up and view the country. And the men went up and viewed Ai.<a href="/joshua/18-12.htm">Joshua 18:12</a> And their border on the north side was from Jordan; and the border went up to the side of Jericho on the north side, and went up through the mountains westward; and the goings out thereof were at the wilderness of Bethaven.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/1-16.htm">Abundance</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-4.htm">Assembled</a> <a href="/joshua/18-12.htm">Aven</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-11.htm">Beth</a> <a href="/joshua/18-12.htm">Bethaven</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-12.htm">Chariots</a> <a href="/joshua/20-8.htm">Eastward</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-1.htm">Encamped</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-11.htm">Horsemen</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-4.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-2.htm">Michmas</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-2.htm">Michmash</a> <a href="/judges/7-12.htm">Multitude</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-4.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-1.htm">Pitched</a> <a href="/judges/7-12.htm">Sand</a> <a href="/judges/11-16.htm">Sea</a> <a href="/judges/7-12.htm">Seashore</a> <a href="/judges/7-12.htm">Sea-Shore</a> <a href="/judges/5-17.htm">Shore</a> <a href="/ruth/3-17.htm">Six</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-4.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-1.htm">Thirty</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-2.htm">Thousand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-4.htm">Together</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/12-30.htm">Abundance</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-11.htm">Assembled</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-23.htm">Aven</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-18.htm">Beth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-23.htm">Bethaven</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-6.htm">Chariots</a> <a href="/1_kings/7-39.htm">Eastward</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-16.htm">Encamped</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-6.htm">Horsemen</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-6.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-11.htm">Michmas</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-11.htm">Michmash</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-16.htm">Multitude</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-11.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-1.htm">Pitched</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-11.htm">Sand</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-11.htm">Sea</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-11.htm">Seashore</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-29.htm">Sea-Shore</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-29.htm">Shore</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-15.htm">Six</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-6.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-4.htm">Thirty</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-4.htm">Thousand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-11.htm">Together</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 13</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/13-1.htm">Saul's select band</a> 3. <a href="/1_samuel/13-3.htm">He calls the Hebrews to Gilgal against the Philistines</a> 5. <a href="/1_samuel/13-5.htm">The Philistines' great army</a> 6. <a href="/1_samuel/13-6.htm">The distress of the Israelites</a> 8. <a href="/1_samuel/13-8.htm">Saul, weary of staying for Samuel, sacrifices</a> 11. <a href="/1_samuel/13-11.htm">Samuel reproves him</a> 17. <a href="/1_samuel/13-17.htm">The three raiding parties of the Philistines</a> 19. <a href="/1_samuel/13-19.htm">The policy of the Philistines, to allow no blacksmith in Israel</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/13.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/13.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Now the Philistines assembled to fight against Israel The Philistines were a significant adversary of Israel during the time of the Judges and early monarchy. Their presence in the land was a constant threat to the Israelites, often leading to military confrontations. The Philistines were known for their advanced military technology, including iron weaponry, which gave them an advantage over the Israelites. This assembly indicates a large-scale military campaign, reflecting the ongoing struggle for dominance in the region.with three thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen, The mention of chariots and horsemen highlights the military might and technological superiority of the Philistines. Chariots were a formidable force in ancient warfare, providing speed and power on the battlefield. The number of chariots and horsemen suggests a well-organized and heavily equipped army, posing a significant threat to the less technologically advanced Israelite forces. This disparity underscores the reliance of Israel on divine intervention for victory, as seen in previous battles such as those led by Joshua.and troops as numerous as the sand on the seashore. This hyperbolic expression emphasizes the overwhelming size of the Philistine army. The phrase "as numerous as the sand on the seashore" is a common biblical idiom used to describe vast numbers, also seen in God's promise to Abraham regarding his descendants (<a href="/genesis/22-17.htm">Genesis 22:17</a>). The imagery conveys the seemingly insurmountable odds faced by Israel, setting the stage for a narrative where faith and divine assistance are crucial for overcoming human limitations.They went up and camped at Michmash, Michmash was a strategic location in the central highlands of Israel, north of Jerusalem. Its elevation provided a tactical advantage, allowing the Philistines to control the surrounding area and threaten the Israelite heartland. The choice of Michmash as a campsite indicates the Philistines' intent to establish a stronghold and launch further incursions into Israelite territory. This location would later become significant in the narrative of Jonathan's daring attack on the Philistine outpost (1 Samuel 14).east of Beth-aven. Beth-aven, meaning "house of wickedness," was near Bethel, a site with religious significance for Israel. The proximity to Beth-aven may symbolize the encroachment of pagan influence and the threat to Israel's spiritual and national identity. The Philistines' position east of Beth-aven suggests a direct challenge to Israel's control and a test of their faithfulness to God. This geographical detail sets the stage for the unfolding events where Israel's leadership and reliance on God are put to the test.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a> A significant enemy of Israel during the time of Saul, known for their military strength and advanced weaponry. 2. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a> The nation chosen by God, led by King Saul at this time, facing a formidable threat from the Philistines. 3. <a href="/topical/m/michmash.htm">Michmash</a> A strategic location where the Philistines camped, setting the stage for the impending battle. 4. <a href="/topical/b/beth-aven.htm">Beth-aven</a> A place east of Michmash, mentioned to give geographical context to the Philistine encampment. 5. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a> The first king of Israel, whose leadership and decisions are central to the events unfolding in this chapter.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god_over_numbers.htm">Trust in God Over Numbers</a> The Philistines' vast army can be intimidating, but believers are reminded that God's power is not limited by human numbers or strength. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_faithful_leadership.htm">The Importance of Faithful Leadership</a> Saul's response to the Philistine threat highlights the need for leaders who trust in God and seek His guidance. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_warfare.htm">Spiritual Warfare</a> Just as Israel faced a physical enemy, Christians face spiritual battles and must rely on God's strength rather than their own resources. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_challenges.htm">God's Sovereignty in Challenges</a> The overwhelming odds against Israel serve as a reminder that God is sovereign and can deliver His people from seemingly impossible situations. <a href="/topical/p/preparation_and_readiness.htm">Preparation and Readiness</a> Believers are encouraged to be spiritually prepared and ready to act in faith, as Jonathan did in the following chapter.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/13.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) And the Philistines gathered themselves together to fight with Israel.--The figures here, again, of the numbers of this vast army are perfectly untrustworthy. In the rolls of ancient armies (and we possess many a one in the sacred records) the number of war chariots is always smaller than that of the horsemen; here the chariots are represented as four times as numerous. In the rolls of the most famous armies there never appear anything like this number. For instance, Jabin (<a href="/judges/4-3.htm" title="And the children of Israel cried to the LORD: for he had nine hundred chariots of iron; and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel.">Judges 4:3</a>) had 900 chariots. Pharaoh pursued Israel with 600. When David defeated Syria, the great Syrian army had 40,000 horsemen and 700 chariots. King Solomon is only reported (<a href="/1_kings/10-26.htm" title="And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he bestowed in the cities for chariots, and with the king at Jerusalem.">1Kings 10:26</a>) to have possessed 1,400 chariots. Zerah the Ethiopian had but 300 in his vast army, and the Pharaoh Shishak 1,200. Here the more probable reading would be "300" not 30,000. Bishop Wordsworth endeavours to explain the vast array by a reference to Josephus, who relates that this Philistine force was composed of various nations; but this would never account for the incredible number of chariots. The Philistines evidently lost no time. While Saul was endeavouring to rally at Gilgal a Hebrew army, Philistia at once, with the aid of foreign allies, took the field, and with a large army--for it is clear their host on this occasion was very large--encamped no great distance from Gilgal, evidently determined once and for all to crush their enemies and their recently-elected daring king.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/13.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 5. - Long before Saul could gather Israel the Philistines had completed their preparations, and invaded the country in overwhelming numbers; but thirty thousand chariots compared with six thousand horsemen is out of all proportion. Possibly the final l in Israel has been taken by some copyists for a numeral, and as it signifies thirty, it his changed 1000 into 30,000. Or, simpler still, shin, the numeral for 300, has been read with two dots, and so changed into 30,000. They came up, and pitched in Michmash. Saul had withdrawn eastward to Gilgal, and the Philistines had thus placed themselves between him and Jonathan. There is a difficulty, however, in the words eastward from Beth-aven; for as this, again, was east of Bethel, it puts the Philistines' camp too much to the east. As it is not, however, the regular phrase for eastward, some commentators render, "in front of Beth-avon." "It means 'the house of naught,' and was the name originally given to the desert east of Bethel, because of its barren character" (Conder, 'Tent Work,' 2:108). The Philistines, however, had come in such numbers that their camp must have occupied a large extent of ground. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/13-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Now the Philistines וּפְלִשְׁתִּ֞ים (ū·p̄ə·liš·tîm) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6430.htm">Strong's 6430: </a> Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia assembled נֶאֶסְפ֣וּ ׀ (ne·’es·p̄ū) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_622.htm">Strong's 622: </a> To gather for, any purpose, to receive, take away, remove to fight לְהִלָּחֵ֣ם (lə·hil·lā·ḥêm) Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3898.htm">Strong's 3898: </a> To feed on, to consume, to battle against עִם־ (‘im-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> With, equally with Israel יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc with three שְׁלֹשִׁ֨ים (šə·lō·šîm) Number - common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7970.htm">Strong's 7970: </a> Thirty, thirtieth thousand אֶ֤לֶף (’e·lep̄) Number - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_505.htm">Strong's 505: </a> A thousand chariots, רֶ֙כֶב֙ (re·ḵeḇ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7393.htm">Strong's 7393: </a> A vehicle, a team, cavalry, a rider, the upper millstone six וְשֵׁ֤שֶׁת (wə·šê·šeṯ) Conjunctive waw | Number - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8337.htm">Strong's 8337: </a> Six (a cardinal number) thousand אֲלָפִים֙ (’ă·lā·p̄îm) Number - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_505.htm">Strong's 505: </a> A thousand horsemen, פָּרָשִׁ֔ים (pā·rā·šîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6571.htm">Strong's 6571: </a> A steed, a driver, cavalry and troops וְעָ֕ם (wə·‘ām) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock as numerous לָרֹ֑ב (lā·rōḇ) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7230.htm">Strong's 7230: </a> Multitude, abundance, greatness as the sand כַּח֛וֹל (ka·ḥō·wl) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2344.htm">Strong's 2344: </a> Sand on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the seashore. שְׂפַֽת־ (śə·p̄aṯ-) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8193.htm">Strong's 8193: </a> The lip, language, a margin They went up וַֽיַּעֲלוּ֙ (way·ya·‘ă·lū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> To ascend, in, actively and camped וַיַּחֲנ֣וּ (way·ya·ḥă·nū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2583.htm">Strong's 2583: </a> To incline, to decline, to pitch a, tent, gen, to encamp at Michmash, בְמִכְמָ֔שׂ (ḇə·miḵ·māś) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4363.htm">Strong's 4363: </a> Michmash -- a city in Benjamin east קִדְמַ֖ת (qiḏ·maṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6926.htm">Strong's 6926: </a> The forward part, East of בֵּ֥ית (bêṯ) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_0.htm">Strong's 0: </a> 0 Beth-aven. אָֽוֶן׃ (’ā·wen) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1007.htm">Strong's 1007: </a> Beth-aven -- between <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/13-5.htm">1 Samuel 13:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/13-5.htm">1 Samuel 13:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/13-5.htm">1 Samuel 13:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/13-5.htm">1 Samuel 13:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/13-5.htm">1 Samuel 13:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/13-5.htm">1 Samuel 13:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/13-5.htm">1 Samuel 13:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/13-5.htm">1 Samuel 13:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/13-5.htm">1 Samuel 13:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/13-5.htm">1 Samuel 13:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-5.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 13:5 The Philistines assembled themselves together to fight (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/13-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 13:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 13:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/13-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 13:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 13:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>