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And the rest of the troops he sent away, each to his own home.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/13-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/09_1Sa_13_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 13:2 - War with the Philistines" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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. 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The rest of the men he sent back to their homes. <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/13.htm">New Living Translation</a> Saul selected 3,000 special troops from the army of Israel and sent the rest of the men home. He took 2,000 of the chosen men with him to Micmash and the hill country of Bethel. The other 1,000 went with Saul’s son Jonathan to Gibeah in the land of Benjamin. <a href="/esv/1_samuel/13.htm">English Standard Version</a> Saul chose three thousand men of Israel. Two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and the hill country of Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin. The rest of the people he sent home, every man to his tent. <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/13.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/13.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/13.htm">New King James Version</a> Saul chose for himself three thousand men of Israel. Two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in the mountains of Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin. The rest of the people he sent away, every man to his tent. <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/13.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now Saul chose for himself three thousand men of Israel, of whom two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in the hill country of Bethel, while a thousand were with Jonathan at Gibeah of Benjamin. But he sent the rest of the people away, each to his tent. <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/13.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now Saul chose for himself 3,000 men of Israel, of which 2,000 were with Saul in Michmash and in the hill country of Bethel, while 1,000 were with Jonathan at Gibeah of Benjamin. But he sent away the rest of the people, each to his tent. <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/13.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now Saul chose for himself 3,000 men of Israel, of which 2,000 were with Saul in Michmash and in the hill country of Bethel, while 1,000 were with Jonathan at Gibeah of Benjamin. But he sent away the rest of the people, each to his tent. <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/13.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And Saul chose for himself 3,000 men of Israel, of which 2,000 were with Saul in Michmash and in the hill country of Bethel, while 1,000 were with Jonathan at Gibeah of Benjamin. But he sent away the rest of the people, each to his tent. <a href="/amp/1_samuel/13.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Saul chose for himself 3,000 men of Israel; of whom 2,000 were with him in Michmash and in the hill country of Bethel, while 1,000 were with Jonathan at Gibeah of Benjamin. But he sent the rest of the people away, each one to his own tent. <a href="/csb/1_samuel/13.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> He chose three thousand men from Israel for himself: two thousand were with Saul at Michmash and in Bethel’s hill country, and one thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin. He sent the rest of the troops away, each to his own tent. <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/13.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> He chose 3,000 men from Israel for himself: 2,000 were with Saul at Michmash and in Bethel&#8217s hill country, and 1,000 were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin. He sent the rest of the troops away, each to his own tent. <a href="/asv/1_samuel/13.htm">American Standard Version</a> Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel, whereof two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in the mount of Beth-el, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/13.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Then he chose 3,000 men from Israel to be full-time soldiers and sent everyone else home. Two thousand of these troops stayed with him in the hills around Michmash and Bethel. The other 1,000 were stationed with Jonathan at Gibeah in the territory of Benjamin. <a href="/erv/1_samuel/13.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel; whereof two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in the mount of Beth-el, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/13.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Saul chose 3,000 men from Israel; 2,000 of them were stationed with Saul at Michmash and in the mountains of Bethel, and 1,000 were stationed with Jonathan at Gibeah in Benjamin. But the rest of the people he sent home. <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/13.htm">Good News Translation</a> Saul picked three thousand men, keeping two thousand of them with him in Michmash and in the hill country of Bethel and sending one thousand with his son Jonathan to Gibeah, in the territory of the tribe of Benjamin. The rest of the men Saul sent home. <a href="/isv/1_samuel/13.htm">International Standard Version</a> Saul chose for himself 3,000 men from Israel. There were 2,000 with Saul in Michmash and the hill country of Bethel, while 1,000 were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin. He had sent the rest of the people home. <a href="/msb/1_samuel/13.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/1_samuel/13.htm">NET Bible</a> Saul selected for himself three thousand men from Israel. Two thousand of these were with Saul at Micmash and in the hill country of Bethel; the remaining thousand were with Jonathan at Gibeah in the territory of Benjamin. He sent all the rest of the people back home. <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/13.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> that Saul chose for himself three thousand men of Israel, of which two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in the Mount of Bethel, and one thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent. <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/13.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel; of which two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in mount Beth-el, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent. <a href="/web/1_samuel/13.htm">World English Bible</a> Saul chose for himself three thousand men of Israel, of which two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in the Mount of Bethel, and one thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin. He sent the rest of the people to their own tents. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/13.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> then Saul chooses for himself three thousand [men] out of Israel; and two thousand are with Saul in Michmash, and in the hill-country of Beth-El; and one thousand have been with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin; and he has sent each one of the remnant of the people to his tents. <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/13.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and Saul chooseth for himself three thousand men out of Israel; and two thousand are with Saul in Michmash, and in the hill-country of Beth-El; and a thousand have been with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin; and the remnant of the people he hath sent each to his tents. <a href="/slt/1_samuel/13.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Saul will choose to him three thousand from Israel; and two thousand will be with Saul in Michmash, and in the mount of the house of God, and a thousand were with Jonathan in the hill of Benjamin: and the remainder of the people he sent a man to his tent.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/13.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel: and two thousand were with Saul in Machmas, and in mount Bethel: and a thousand with Jonathan in Gabaa of Benjamin, and the rest of the people he sent back every man to their dwellings. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/13.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And Saul chose for himself three thousand men of Israel. And two thousand were with Saul at Michmash and at mount Bethel. Then one thousand were with Jonathan at Gibeah of Benjamin. But the remainder of the people, he sent back, each one to his own tent. <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/13.htm">New American Bible</a> Saul chose three thousand of Israel, of whom two thousand remained with him in Michmash and in the hill country of Bethel, and one thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin. He sent the rest of the army back to their tents. <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/13.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Saul chose three thousand out of Israel; two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and the hill country of Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin; the rest of the people he sent home to their tents.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/13.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> He then chose for himself three thousand men of Israel; two thousand were with him in Michmash and in mount Beth-el, and a thousand were with Jonathan his son in Ramtha of Benjamin; and the rest of the people he sent every man to his house. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/13.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Shaul chose for himself three thousand from Israel, and there were two thousand with Shaul in Mekmas and in the mountain of Bayth Eil, and a thousand were with Jonathan his son in Ramtha of Benyamin, and the rest of the people he sent away, each man to his house<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/13.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel; whereof two thousand were with Saul in Michmas and in the mount of Beth-el, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeath-benjamin; and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent. <a href="/sep/1_samuel/13.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Saul chooses for himself three thousand men of the men of Israel: and there were with Saul two thousand who were in Machmas, and in mount Baethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gabaa of Benjamin: and he sent the rest of the people every man to his tent. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/13-2.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=3122" 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> 1Saul was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned over Israel forty-two years. 2<a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">He</a> <a href="/hebrew/977.htm" title="977: way·yiḇ·ḥar- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To choose. A primitive root; properly, to try, i.e. select.">chose</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">for himself</a> <a href="/hebrew/7969.htm" title="7969: šə·lō·šeṯ (Number-msc) -- A three, triad. Or shalosh; masculine shlowshah; or shloshah; a primitive number; three; occasionally third, or Thrice.">three</a> <a href="/hebrew/505.htm" title="505: ’ă·lā·p̄îm (Number-mp) -- A thousand. Prop, the same as 'eleph; hence a thousand.">thousand men</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: mî·yiś·rā·’êl (Prep-m:: N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel:</a> <a href="/hebrew/505.htm" title="505: ’al·pa·yim (Number-md) -- A thousand. Prop, the same as 'eleph; hence a thousand.">Two thousand</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·yih·yū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">were</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.">with</a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/4363.htm" title="4363: bə·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/2022.htm" title="2022: ū·ḇə·har (Conj-w, Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Mountain, hill, hill country. A shortened form of harar; a mountain or range of hills.">and in the hill country</a> <a href="/hebrew/1008.htm" title="1008: bêṯ- (Prep) -- From bayith and 'el; house of God; Beth-El, a place in Palestine."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1008.htm" title="1008: ’êl (N-proper-fs) -- From bayith and 'el; house of God; Beth-El, a place in Palestine.">of Bethel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/505.htm" title="505: wə·’e·lep̄ (Conj-w:: Number-ms) -- A thousand. Prop, the same as 'eleph; hence a thousand.">and a thousand</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">were</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.">with</a> <a href="/hebrew/3129.htm" title="3129: yō·w·nā·ṯān (N-proper-ms) -- Jonathan. A form of Yhownathan; Jonathan, the name of ten Israelites.">Jonathan</a> <a href="/hebrew/1390.htm" title="1390: bə·ḡiḇ·‘aṯ (Prep-b:: N-proper-fs) -- Hill, three cities in Pal. The same as gib'ah; Gibah; the name of three places in Palestine.">in Gibeah</a> <a href="/hebrew/1144.htm" title="1144: bin·yā·mîn (N-proper-ms) -- From ben and yamiyn; son of right hand; Binjamin, youngest son of Jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory.">of Benjamin.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3499.htm" title="3499: wə·ye·ṯer (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- From yathar; properly, an overhanging, i.e. an excess, superiority, remainder; also a small rope.">And the rest</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">of the troops</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: šil·laḥ (V-Piel-Perf-3ms) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">he sent away,</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">each</a> <a href="/hebrew/168.htm" title="168: lə·’ō·hā·lāw (Prep-l:: N-mpc:: 3ms) -- A tent. From 'ahal; a tent.">to his own home.</a> 3Then 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!”…<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="/1_samuel/14-52.htm">1 Samuel 14:52</a> And the war with the Philistines was fierce for all the days of Saul. So whenever he noticed any strong or brave man, Saul would enlist him. <a href="/1_samuel/8-11.htm">1 Samuel 8:11-12</a> He said, “This will be the manner of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them to serve his own chariots and horses, and to run in front of his chariots. / He will appoint some for himself as commanders of thousands and of fifties, and others to plow his ground, to reap his harvest, and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. <a href="/1_samuel/10-26.htm">1 Samuel 10:26</a> Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, and the men of valor whose hearts God had touched went with him. <a href="/1_samuel/11-11.htm">1 Samuel 11:11</a> The next day Saul organized the troops into three divisions, and during the morning watch they invaded the camp of the Ammonites and slaughtered them, until the hottest part of the day. And the survivors were so scattered that no two of them were left together. <a href="/1_samuel/15-4.htm">1 Samuel 15:4</a> So Saul summoned the troops and numbered them at Telaim—200,000 foot soldiers and 10,000 men of Judah. <a href="/2_samuel/2-18.htm">2 Samuel 2:18</a> The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle, <a href="/2_samuel/8-15.htm">2 Samuel 8:15-18</a> Thus David reigned over all Israel and administered justice and righteousness for all his people: / Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; / Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was the scribe; ... <a href="/2_samuel/10-9.htm">2 Samuel 10:9-10</a> When Joab saw the battle lines before him and behind him, he selected some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Arameans. / And he placed the rest of the troops under the command of his brother Abishai, who arrayed them against the Ammonites. <a href="/1_chronicles/12-1.htm">1 Chronicles 12:1-2</a> Now these were the men who came to David at Ziklag, while he was still banished from the presence of Saul son of Kish (they were among the mighty men who helped him in battle; / they were archers using both the right and left hands to sling stones and shoot arrows; and they were Saul’s kinsmen from Benjamin): <a href="/1_chronicles/27-1.htm">1 Chronicles 27:1</a> This is the list of the Israelites—the heads of families, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and their officers who served the king in every matter concerning the divisions on rotating military duty each month throughout the year. There were 24,000 men in each division: <a href="/2_chronicles/17-12.htm">2 Chronicles 17:12-19</a> Jehoshaphat grew stronger and stronger, and he built fortresses and store cities in Judah / and kept vast supplies in the cities of Judah. He also had warriors in Jerusalem who were mighty men of valor. / These are their numbers according to the houses of their fathers: From Judah, the commanders of thousands: Adnah the commander, and with him 300,000 mighty men of valor; ... <a href="/2_chronicles/26-11.htm">2 Chronicles 26:11-13</a> Uzziah had an army ready for battle that went out to war by assigned divisions, as recorded by Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the officer under the direction of Hananiah, one of the royal officers. / The total number of family leaders of the mighty men of valor was 2,600. / Under their authority was an army of 307,500 trained for war, a powerful force to support the king against his enemies. <a href="/matthew/8-5.htm">Matthew 8:5-10</a> When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came and pleaded with Him, / “Lord, my servant lies at home, paralyzed and in terrible agony.” / “I will go and heal him,” Jesus replied. ... <a href="/matthew/27-27.htm">Matthew 27:27</a> Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company around Him. <a href="/mark/15-16.htm">Mark 15:16</a> Then the soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called the whole company together.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.chose<a href="/1_samuel/8-11.htm">1 Samuel 8:11</a> And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots.<a href="/1_samuel/14-52.htm">1 Samuel 14:52</a> And there was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul: and when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he took him unto him.<a href="/1_samuel/13-5.htm">1 Samuel 13:5,23</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="/1_samuel/14-5.htm">1 Samuel 14:5,31</a> The forefront of the one was situate northward over against Michmash, and the other southward over against Gibeah… <a href="/isaiah/10-28.htm">Isaiah 10:28</a> He is come to Aiath, he is passed to Migron; at Michmash he hath laid up his carriages:in Gibeah<a href="/1_samuel/10-26.htm">1 Samuel 10:26</a> And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched.<a href="/1_samuel/15-34.htm">1 Samuel 15:34</a> Then Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house to Gibeah of Saul.<a href="/joshua/18-28.htm">Joshua 18:28</a> And Zelah, Eleph, and Jebusi, which is Jerusalem, Gibeath, and Kirjath; fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/10-21.htm">Benjamin</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-3.htm">Bethel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-3.htm">Beth-El</a> <a href="/judges/5-8.htm">Chose</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-4.htm">Country</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-10.htm">Hill</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-1.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/judges/18-30.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-28.htm">Michmas</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-28.htm">Michmash</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-4.htm">Mount</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-25.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-1.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-10.htm">Tent</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-8.htm">Thousand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-11.htm">Three</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-16.htm">Whereof</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/13-15.htm">Benjamin</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-27.htm">Bethel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-27.htm">Beth-El</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-40.htm">Chose</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-21.htm">Country</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-18.htm">Hill</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-4.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-3.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-5.htm">Michmas</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-5.htm">Michmash</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-22.htm">Mount</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-15.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-3.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-54.htm">Tent</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-5.htm">Thousand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-17.htm">Three</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-30.htm">Whereof</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>He chose for himself three thousand men of Israel: This phrase indicates Saul's decision to form a standing army, a significant development in Israel's military history. Prior to this, Israel relied on ad hoc militias. The choice of three thousand men suggests a strategic move to maintain a ready force for defense and offense against the Philistines, who were a constant threat. This action reflects Saul's role as king and military leader, emphasizing the transition from a tribal confederation to a centralized monarchy.Two thousand were with Saul at Michmash and in the hill country of Bethel: Michmash and Bethel are strategically located in the central highlands of Israel, providing a tactical advantage for defense and control over the surrounding regions. Michmash, in particular, is noted for its narrow pass, which would later play a crucial role in Jonathan's victory over the Philistines (1 Samuel 14). The hill country of Bethel is historically significant as a place of worship and a site associated with the patriarchs, adding a layer of spiritual importance to Saul's military positioning.and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: Jonathan, Saul's son, is introduced as a military leader, foreshadowing his future exploits and his close relationship with David. Gibeah, Saul's hometown, serves as a base of operations and reflects the tribal heritage of the Benjamites. This allocation of troops highlights Jonathan's emerging role and the trust Saul places in him. Gibeah's location in Benjamin also underscores the tribal dynamics at play within the newly established monarchy.And the rest of the troops he sent away, each to his own home: This decision to send the remaining troops home suggests a reliance on a reserve force that could be called upon when needed, a common practice in ancient warfare. It reflects the economic and social realities of the time, where men were needed to tend to their fields and families. This approach also indicates Saul's confidence in the smaller, professional army he retained, while maintaining the ability to mobilize a larger force if necessary. This practice of sending troops home is seen elsewhere in Scripture, such as in the story of Gideon (Judges 7), where God reduces the number of soldiers to demonstrate His power.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a> The first king of Israel, chosen by God but later rejected due to disobedience. At this point, he is leading Israel's military efforts against the Philistines. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jonathan.htm">Jonathan</a> Saul's son, known for his bravery and faith in God. He plays a significant role in Israel's military campaigns and is a close friend of David. 3. <a href="/topical/m/michmash.htm">Michmash</a> A strategic location in the hill country of Ephraim, significant for its military advantage in battles against the Philistines. 4. <a href="/topical/b/bethel.htm">Bethel</a> A town in the hill country of Ephraim, historically significant as a place of worship and encounter with God. 5. <a href="/topical/g/gibeah_of_benjamin.htm">Gibeah of Benjamin</a> Saul's hometown and the location of his royal residence, serving as a military base for Jonathan.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_responsibility.htm">Leadership and Responsibility</a> Saul's decision to choose and position his troops reflects the weight of leadership. Leaders must make strategic decisions that impact the lives of many. <a href="/topical/f/faith_and_initiative.htm">Faith and Initiative</a> Jonathan's role in the account encourages believers to take initiative and act in faith, trusting God for victory in challenging situations. <a href="/topical/s/strategic_planning.htm">Strategic Planning</a> The choice of Michmash and Bethel as military positions underscores the importance of strategic planning in both spiritual and practical endeavors. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_individual_roles.htm">Community and Individual Roles</a> The dispersal of the rest of the people to their tents highlights the balance between communal efforts and individual responsibilities in God's work.<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>(2) Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel.--This is a very important statement, as it tells us of the first beginning of a standing army in Israel. This was the first step towards the development of Israel into a great military power. It was Saul's military genius and foresight which enabled David and Solomon to make those great conquests which raised Israel for a time to the position of one of the greatest Eastern Powers. The really great life of Saul was frittered away in repelling what may be termed Israel's domestic enemies. such as the Philistines, Moabites, Ammonites, and Edomites; but he left behind him a powerful and disciplined army, and a nation carefully trained to war. It has been asked, how was it, considering the position of Israel and the Philistines at that juncture--the latter people possessing evidently not a few strong places in the territories of the tribes, from whence they were in the habit of sallying forth, and harassing and pillaging the people--that Saul, instead of at once declaring war, dismissed the people gathered at Gilgal, only retaining so few? The probability is that Saul, with true military instinct, saw that Israel was at this period by no means trained or armed to undertake a regular war with such an enemy. He therefore adopted the wise course here related.Whereof two thousand were with Saul in Michmash.--Michmash was a position strongly situated at the head of a pass some nine miles north-east of Jerusalem. The "one thousand" he placed under the command of his son Jonathan, and stationed them in the neighbourhood of his old home, where he would have the benefit of the aid of his family and kinsfolk. This is the first mention of the gallant and chivalrous prince, the story of whose unbroken and romantic friendship with David is one of the most touching episodes of these books. "If the substance of this narrative was written in David's reign, we may perhaps see the effect of David's generous and loving nature in the care taken to give Jonathan his due place of honour in the history."--Speaker's Commentary.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/13.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - Saul chose him. Literally, "And Saul chose him," the usual way of commencing the narrative of a king's reign. He probably selected these 3000 men at the end of the war with the Ammonites, to strengthen the small bodyguard which he had gathered round him at Gibeah (<a href="/1_samuel/10-26.htm">1 Samuel 10:26</a>). As being always in arms, they would become highly disciplined, and form the nucleus and centre of all future military operations (see on 1 Samuel 14:52). He stationed these on either side of the defile in the mountain range of Bethel, so exactly described in <a href="/isaiah/10-28.htm">Isaiah 10:28, 29</a>, where Sennacherib, as we read, leaves his carriage, i.e. his baggage, at Michmash, and after defiling through the pass, arrives at Geba. Gibeah, where Jonathan was posted with 1000 of these picked warriors, was Saul's home, and his son would have the benefit there of the aid of Kish and Abner, while Michmash was the more exposed place, situate about seven miles northeast of Jerusalem. Conder ('Tent Work,' 2:110) describes this defile as "a narrow gorge with vertical precipices some 800 feet high - a great crack or fissure in the country, which is peculiar in this respect, that you only become aware of its existence when close to the brink; for on the north the narrow spur of hills hides it, and on the south a flat plateau extends to the top of the crags. On the south side of this great chasm stands Geba of Benjamin, on a rocky knoll, with caverns beneath the houses, and arable land to the east; and on the opposite side, considerably lower than Geba, is the little village of Michmash, on a sort of saddle, backed by an open and fertile corn valley. This valley was famous for producing excellent barley. Every man to his tent. This with us would be a warlike phrase; but as the mass of the Israelites then dwelt in tents, it means simply their dispersion homewards; and so the Syriac translates, "He dismissed them each to his house" (see <a href="/psalms/69-25.htm">Psalm 69:25</a>). <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/13-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>He chose וַיִּבְחַר־ (way·yiḇ·ḥar-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_977.htm">Strong's 977: </a> To try, select for himself ל֨וֹ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> three שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת (šə·lō·šeṯ) Number - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7969.htm">Strong's 7969: </a> Three, third, thrice thousand [men] אֲלָפִים֮ (’ă·lā·p̄îm) Number - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_505.htm">Strong's 505: </a> A thousand of Israel: מִיִּשְׂרָאֵל֒ (mî·yiś·rā·’êl) Preposition-m | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc Two thousand אַלְפַּ֗יִם (’al·pa·yim) Number - md <a href="/hebrew/strongs_505.htm">Strong's 505: </a> A thousand were וַיִּהְי֨וּ (way·yih·yū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be with עִם־ (‘im-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> With, equally with Saul שָׁא֜וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites at Michmash בְּמִכְמָשׂ֙ (bə·miḵ·māś) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4363.htm">Strong's 4363: </a> Michmash -- a city in Benjamin and in the hill country וּבְהַ֣ר (ū·ḇə·har) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2022.htm">Strong's 2022: </a> Mountain, hill, hill country of Bethel, אֵ֔ל (’êl) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1008.htm">Strong's 1008: </a> Bethel -- 'house of God', a city in Ephraim, also a place in southern Judah and a thousand וְאֶ֗לֶף (wə·’e·lep̄) Conjunctive waw | Number - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_505.htm">Strong's 505: </a> A thousand were הָיוּ֙ (hā·yū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be with עִם־ (‘im-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> With, equally with Jonathan י֣וֹנָתָ֔ן (yō·w·nā·ṯān) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3129.htm">Strong's 3129: </a> Jonathan in Gibeah בְּגִבְעַ֖ת (bə·ḡiḇ·‘aṯ) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1390.htm">Strong's 1390: </a> Gibeah -- 'hill', three cities in Palestine of Benjamin. בִּנְיָמִ֑ין (bin·yā·mîn) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1144.htm">Strong's 1144: </a> Benjamin -- 'son of the right hand', youngest son of Jacob, also the name of two other Israelites And the rest וְיֶ֣תֶר (wə·ye·ṯer) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3499.htm">Strong's 3499: </a> An overhanging, an excess, superiority, remainder, a small rope of the troops הָעָ֔ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock he sent away, שִׁלַּ֖ח (šil·laḥ) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> To send away, for, out each אִ֥ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person to his own [home]. לְאֹהָלָֽיו׃ (lə·’ō·hā·lāw) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_168.htm">Strong's 168: </a> A tent <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/13-2.htm">1 Samuel 13:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/13-2.htm">1 Samuel 13:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/13-2.htm">1 Samuel 13:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/13-2.htm">1 Samuel 13:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/13-2.htm">1 Samuel 13:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/13-2.htm">1 Samuel 13:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/13-2.htm">1 Samuel 13:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/13-2.htm">1 Samuel 13:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/13-2.htm">1 Samuel 13:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/13-2.htm">1 Samuel 13:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-2.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 13:2 Saul chose him three thousand men (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/13-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 13:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 13:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/13-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 13:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 13:3" /></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>