1 Samuel 13:5
1 Samuel 13:5 in Multiple Translations
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.
¶ 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 Beth-aven.
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.
And the Philistines came together to make war on Israel, three thousand war-carriages and six thousand horsemen and an army of people like the sands of the sea in number: they came up and took up their position in Michmash, to the east of Beth-aven.
The Philistines gathered to fight against Israel. They had three thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen, and soldiers as numerous as sand on the seashore. They advanced and camped at Michmash, east of Beth-aven.
The Philistims also gathered themselues together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand charets, and sixe thousande horsemen: for the people was like the sand which is by the seas side in multitude, and came vp, and pitched in Michmash Eastward from Beth-auen.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Philistines gathered together and were given equipment to fight the Israelis. The Philistines had 3,000 chariots, and 6,000 chariot-drivers. Their soldiers seemed to be as many as grains of sand on the seashore [HYP]. They went up and set up their tents at Micmash, to the east of Beth-Aven (which means ‘house of wickedness’, and really referred to Bethel town).
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 13:5
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 13:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/פְלִשְׁתִּ֞ים
נֶאֶסְפ֣וּ
לְ/הִלָּחֵ֣ם
עִם
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
שְׁלֹשִׁ֨ים
אֶ֤לֶף
רֶ֨כֶב֙
וְ/שֵׁ֤שֶׁת
אֲלָפִים֙
פָּרָשִׁ֔ים
וְ/עָ֕ם
כַּ/ח֛וֹל
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
עַל
שְׂפַֽת
הַ/יָּ֖ם
לָ/רֹ֑ב
וַֽ/יַּעֲלוּ֙
וַ/יַּחֲנ֣וּ
בְ/מִכְמָ֔שׂ
קִדְמַ֖ת
בֵּ֥ית
אָֽוֶן
וּ/פְלִשְׁתִּ֞ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Conj | Ngmpa
נֶאֶסְפ֣וּ
ʼâçaph
H622
to gather
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
לְ/הִלָּחֵ֣ם
lâcham
H3898
to fight
Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
שְׁלֹשִׁ֨ים
shᵉlôwshîym
H7970
thirty
Adj
אֶ֤לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
רֶ֨כֶב֙
rekeb
H7393
chariot
N-ms
וְ/שֵׁ֤שֶׁת
shêsh
H8337
six
Conj | Adj
אֲלָפִים֙
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
פָּרָשִׁ֔ים
pârâsh
H6571
horse
N-mp
וְ/עָ֕ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Conj | N-ms
כַּ/ח֛וֹל
chôwl
H2344
sand
Prep | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
שְׂפַֽת
sâphâh
H8193
lips
N-fs
הַ/יָּ֖ם
yâm
H3220
West
Art | N-ms
לָ/רֹ֑ב
rôb
H7230
abundance
Prep | N-cs
וַֽ/יַּעֲלוּ֙
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
וַ/יַּחֲנ֣וּ
chânâh
H2583
to camp
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
בְ/מִכְמָ֔שׂ
Mikmâç
H4363
Michmash
Prep | N-proper
קִדְמַ֖ת
qidmâh
H6926
east
N-fs
בֵּ֥ית
Bêyth ʼÂven
H1007
Beth-aven
N-proper
אָֽוֶן
Bêyth ʼÂven
H1007
Beth-aven
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 13:5
וּ/פְלִשְׁתִּ֞ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
"Philistines"
Conj | 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.
נֶאֶסְפ֣וּ
ʼâçaph
H622
"to gather"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
To gather means to bring people or things together, often for a purpose like worship or community. It can also mean to take away or remove something, like gathering a harvest. This word appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to gather, receive, remove, gather in 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to gather, collect 1a2) to gather (an individual into company of others) 1a3) to bring up the rear 1a4) to gather and take away, remove, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, be gathered 1b2) (pass of Qal 1a2) 1b2a) to be gathered to one's fathers 1b2b) to be brought in or into (association with others) 1b3) (pass of Qal 1a4) 1b3a) to be taken away, removed, perish 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to gather (harvest) 1c2) to take in, receive into 1c3) rearguard, rearward (subst) 1d) (Pual) to be gathered 1e) (Hithpael) to gather oneself or themselves
Usage: Occurs in 188 OT verses. KJV: assemble, bring, consume, destroy, felch, gather (in, together, up again), [idiom] generally, get (him), lose, put all together, receive, recover (another from leprosy), (be) rereward, [idiom] surely, take (away, into, up), [idiom] utterly, withdraw. See also: Genesis 6:21; 1 Chronicles 11:13; Psalms 26:9.
לְ/הִלָּחֵ֣ם
lâcham
H3898
"to fight"
Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this word means to feed on or consume something, often referring to eating food or battling against someone. It's used in stories like David's battles and the Israelites' struggles in the wilderness.
Definition: 1) to fight, do battle, make war 1a) (Qal) to fight, do battle 1b) (Niphal) to engage in battle, wage war
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: devour, eat, [idiom] ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring). See also: Exodus 1:10; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 35:1.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
שְׁלֹשִׁ֨ים
shᵉlôwshîym
H7970
"thirty"
Adj
Thirty is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also be used as an ordinal to describe something as thirtieth. It is used to count quantities in the Bible.
Definition: thirty, thirtieth Aramaic equivalent: te.la.tin (תְּלָתִין "thirty" H8533)
Usage: Occurs in 163 OT verses. KJV: thirty, thirtieth. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:3; 1 Samuel 11:8; Jeremiah 38:10.
אֶ֤לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
רֶ֨כֶב֙
rekeb
H7393
"chariot"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for chariot refers to a vehicle, team of horses, or cavalry. It is also used to describe the upper millstone in a grinding mill. Chariots were important in biblical times for transportation and war.
Definition: : chariot 1) a team, chariot, chariotry, mill-stone, riders 1a) chariotry, chariots 1b) chariot (single) 1c) upper millstone (as riding on lower millstone) 1d) riders, troop (of riders), horsemen, pair of horsemen, men riding, ass-riders, camel-riders Also means: re.khev (רֶ֫כֶב ": millstone" H7393H)
Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: chariot, (upper) millstone, multitude (from the margin), wagon. See also: Genesis 50:9; 2 Kings 8:21; Psalms 20:8.
וְ/שֵׁ֤שֶׁת
shêsh
H8337
"six"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word means the number six, and is often used in the Bible to describe measurements, like the six days of creation in Genesis 1.
Definition: 1) six 1a) six (cardinal number) 1b) sixth (ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: shet (שֵׁת "six" H8353)
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: six(-teen, -teenth), sixth. See also: Genesis 7:6; 1 Kings 6:6; Proverbs 6:16.
אֲלָפִים֙
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
פָּרָשִׁ֔ים
pârâsh
H6571
"horse"
N-mp
This word means a horseman or a cavalry soldier, like those who rode chariots in battle. In the Bible, it describes the riders of horses and chariots, like in Exodus 14:9 where the Egyptian horsemen pursued the Israelites.
Definition: horse, steed, warhorse
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: horseman. See also: Genesis 50:9; 2 Chronicles 8:6; Isaiah 21:7.
וְ/עָ֕ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Conj | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
כַּ/ח֛וֹל
chôwl
H2344
"sand"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to sand, describing it as round or whirling particles. It is used in the Bible to talk about the desert or beach, and is often translated simply as 'sand'.
Definition: sand
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: sand. See also: Genesis 22:17; Job 6:3; Psalms 78:27.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
שְׂפַֽת
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
N-fs
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
הַ/יָּ֖ם
yâm
H3220
"West"
Art | N-ms
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
לָ/רֹ֑ב
rôb
H7230
"abundance"
Prep | N-cs
Describes abundance or greatness in the Bible, used to talk about God's power and creation in Psalms and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) multitude, abundance, greatness 1a) multitude 1a1) abundance, abundantly 1a2) numerous 1b) greatness
Usage: Occurs in 145 OT verses. KJV: abundance(-antly), all, [idiom] common (sort), excellent, great(-ly, -ness, number), huge, be increased, long, many, more in number, most, much, multitude, plenty(-ifully), [idiom] very (age). See also: Genesis 16:10; Job 32:7; Psalms 5:8.
וַֽ/יַּעֲלוּ֙
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
וַ/יַּחֲנ֣וּ
chânâh
H2583
"to camp"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew verb means to set up camp or pitch a tent, like when the Israelites encamped in the wilderness. It can also mean to lay siege against a city.
Definition: 1) to decline, incline, encamp, bend down, lay siege against 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to decline 1a2) to encamp
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: abide (in tents), camp, dwell, encamp, grow to an end, lie, pitch (tent), rest in tent. See also: Genesis 26:17; Numbers 33:33; Psalms 27:3.
בְ/מִכְמָ֔שׂ
Mikmâç
H4363
"Michmash"
Prep | 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.
קִדְמַ֖ת
qidmâh
H6926
"east"
N-fs
The east direction or something that is in front, like in the book of Matthew where it describes the Magi coming from the east. It can also mean something is old or ancient, such as the city of Jerusalem.
Definition: 1) forward, front, east, antiquity, East 1a) in front of, over against, front 1b) on the east of, east
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: east(-ward). See also: Genesis 2:14; 1 Samuel 13:5; Ezekiel 39:11.
בֵּ֥ית
Bêyth ʼÂven
H1007
"Beth-aven"
N-proper
Beth-aven, meaning house of vanity, is a city east of Bethel in Palestine. It is mentioned in the Bible as a place of idolatry and sin, where the Israelites worshipped false gods. The name Beth-aven reflects the city's reputation for vanity and wickedness.
Definition: § Beth-aven = "house of vanity" a city east of Bethel
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Beth-aven. See also: Joshua 7:2; 1 Samuel 14:23; Hosea 10:5.
אָֽוֶן
Bêyth ʼÂven
H1007
"Beth-aven"
N-proper
Beth-aven, meaning house of vanity, is a city east of Bethel in Palestine. It is mentioned in the Bible as a place of idolatry and sin, where the Israelites worshipped false gods. The name Beth-aven reflects the city's reputation for vanity and wickedness.
Definition: § Beth-aven = "house of vanity" a city east of Bethel
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Beth-aven. See also: Joshua 7:2; 1 Samuel 14:23; Hosea 10:5.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 13:5
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- Sermons on 1 Samuel 13:5
Context — War with the Philistines
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!”
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.
5Now 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.
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. 7Some Hebrews even crossed the Jordan into the land of Gad and Gilead. Saul, however, remained at Gilgal, and all his troops were quaking in fear.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 14:23 | So the LORD saved Israel that day, and the battle moved on beyond Beth-aven. |
| 2 | Joshua 11:4 | 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. |
| 3 | Joshua 18:12 | On the north side their border began at the Jordan, went up past the northern slope of Jericho, headed west through the hill country, and came out at the wilderness of Beth-aven. |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 1:9 | Now, O LORD God, let Your promise to my father David be fulfilled. For You have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. |
| 5 | Judges 7:12 | 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. |
| 6 | Hosea 10:5 | The people of Samaria will fear for the calf of Beth-aven. Indeed, its people will mourn with its idolatrous priests— those who rejoiced in its glory— for it has been taken from them into exile. |
| 7 | Isaiah 48:19 | Your descendants would have been as countless as the sand, and your offspring as numerous as its grains; their name would never be cut off or eliminated from My presence.” |
| 8 | Hosea 5:8 | Blow the ram’s horn in Gibeah, the trumpet in Ramah; raise the battle cry in Beth-aven: Lead on, O Benjamin! |
| 9 | Joshua 7:2 | Meanwhile, Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth-aven to the east of Bethel, and told them, “Go up and spy out the land.” So the men went up and spied out Ai. |
| 10 | Hosea 4:15 | Though you prostitute yourself, O Israel, may Judah avoid such guilt! Do not journey to Gilgal, do not go up to Beth-aven, and do not swear on oath, ‘As surely as the LORD lives!’ |
1 Samuel 13:5 Summary
In 1 Samuel 13:5, the Philistines gathered a massive army to fight against the Israelites, with three thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen, and countless soldiers. This must have been a terrifying sight for the Israelites, but as believers, we can remember that God is our protector and defender, as seen in Psalm 121:1-2. Just like the Israelites, we may face overwhelming challenges, but we can trust in God's power and provision, knowing that He is always with us, as promised in Deuteronomy 31:6. By trusting in God, we can face our fears and overcome them, just as the Israelites did with God's help in other battles, such as Exodus 14:13-14.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Philistines assembling to fight against Israel in 1 Samuel 13:5?
The Philistines' assembly to fight against Israel in 1 Samuel 13:5 signifies the enemy's response to Jonathan's attack on the Philistine outpost at Geba, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 13:3, and highlights the ongoing conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines, as seen in other parts of the Bible, such as Judges 3:1-3.
How many chariots and horsemen did the Philistines have in 1 Samuel 13:5?
According to 1 Samuel 13:5, the Philistines had three thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen, which was a significant military force, similar to the armies mentioned in other biblical battles, such as 2 Chronicles 12:3.
What does the phrase 'troops as numerous as the sand on the seashore' mean in 1 Samuel 13:5?
The phrase 'troops as numerous as the sand on the seashore' in 1 Samuel 13:5 is an idiomatic expression indicating a vast and countless number of soldiers, similar to the description of the Israelites in Genesis 22:17 and the heavenly host in Hebrews 12:22.
Where did the Philistines camp according to 1 Samuel 13:5?
According to 1 Samuel 13:5, the Philistines camped at Michmash, east of Beth-aven, which is also mentioned in other biblical accounts, such as Isaiah 10:28.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when faced with overwhelming opposition, like the Israelites in 1 Samuel 13:5?
- What are some ways I can trust in God's power and provision, even when the enemy seems too strong, as seen in 1 Samuel 13:5?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of 1 Samuel 13:5 to my own life, remembering that God is my rock and refuge, as stated in Psalm 46:1-3?
- How can I, like Jonathan, take bold steps of faith in the face of adversity, as seen in 1 Samuel 13:3, and trust God for the outcome?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 13:5
And the Philistines gathered themselves together to fight with Israel,.... To prevent their further encroachments on them, and designs against them; for they perceived they intended to cast off their
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 13:5
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
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:5
Thirty thousand chariots: this number seems incredible to infidels; to whom it may be sufficient to reply, that it is far more rational to acknowledge a mistake in him that copied out the sacred text in such numeral or historical passages, wherein the doctrine of faith and good life is not directly concerned, than upon such a pretence to question the truth and divinity of the Holy Scriptures, which are so fully attested, and evidently demonstrated. And the mistake is not great in the Hebrew, schalosh for schellshim; and so indeed those two ancient translators, the Syriac and Arabic, translate it, and are supposed to have read in their Hebrew copies, three thousand. Nor is it necessary that all these should be military chariots, but many of them might be for carriages of things belonging to so great an army; for such a distinction of chariots we find . But there is no need of this reply. Chariots here may very well be put for the men that rode upon them, and fought out of them, by a figure called a metonymy of the subject for the adjunct, or the thing containing for the thing contained in it, than which none more frequent. In the very same manner, and in the very same figure, the basket is put for the meat in it, ,17; the wilderness, for the wild beasts of the wilderness, ; the nest, for the birds in it, ; the cup, for the drink in it, . And, to come more closely to the point, a horse is put for a horse-load of wares laid upon it, ; and an ass of bread is put for an ass-load of bread, both in the Hebrew text of , and in an ancient Greek poet. And, yet nearer, the word chariots is manifestly put either for the horses belonging to them, or rather for the men that fought out of them; as , where it is said in the Hebrew that David slew seven hundred chariots; that is, seven thousand men which fought in chariots, as it is explained, ; and , where Ahab is said to smite horses and chariots; and , where the chariot and horse (i.e. the men that ride and fight in chariots, or upon horses) are said to be cast into a dead sleep; and , where it is said, Ye shall be filled at my table with horses and chariots, (i.e. with men belonging to the chariots; for surely the chariots of iron had been very improper food,) with mighty men, &c. And let any cavilling infidel produce a wise reason why it may not, and ought not, to be so understood here also. Add to all this, that the Philistines were not alone in this expedition, but had the help of the Canaanites and the Tyrians, as is very credible, both from /APC , and from the nature of the thing.
If it be further inquired, Why the Philistines should raise so great an army at this time?
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:5
1 Samuel 13:5 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.Ver. 5. Thirty thousand chariots.] Armed with scythes and hooks. These were a great number. Sisera had but nine hundred, Pharaoh six hundred. And people as the sand which is on the sea shore.] Josephus saith they were three hundred thousand footmen. All these were by God’ s all-disposing providence brought together to be broken in pieces.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:5
(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 (Judges 4:3) 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 (1 Kings 10:26) 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.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:5
Verse 5. Thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen] There is no proportion here between the chariots and the cavalry. The largest armies ever brought into the field, even by mighty emperors, never were furnished with thirty thousand chariots. I think שלשים sheloshim, THIRTY, is a false reading for שלש shalosh, THREE. The Syriac has [Syriac] telotho alpin, and the Arabic [Arabic] thalathato alf, both signifying THREE thousand; and this was a fair proportion to the horsemen. This is most likely to be the true reading.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 13:5
5. thirty thousand chariots] This reading, though as old as the Sept., is certainly wrong. The number of chariots was always less than that of horsemen, and such an enormous force of chariots is not only quite unparalleled, but would be useless in the mountainous country. Possibly the numeral 30, expressed in Hebrew by the letter l, was due to the accidental repetition of the last letter of the word Israel, and we should read “a thousand chariots.” Jabin had “nine hundred chariots” (Judges 4:3). people as the sand which is on the sea shore] “People” = infantry. “The sand on the sea shore” is a common figure for an indefinite number. Cp. Genesis 22:17; Genesis 41:49; Joshua 11:4; Psalms 78:27, &c. in Michmash, eastward from Beth-aven] Saul evacuated Michmash and withdrew to Gilgal. Jonathan however still held Gibeah (1 Samuel 13:16). Beth-aven (= “house of naught” i.e. idols) was near Ai, between Michmash and Bethel (Joshua 7:2). The position was an important one, commanding the chief approach from Gilgal to the heart of the country.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 13:5
Thirty thousand chariots - Probably a copyist’s mistake for 300.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:5
5. Thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen — Here we meet another instance of manifest error of numbers in the text.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 13:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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 |
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Christ, Our Identity by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes that our identity as Christians is rooted in our relationship with Jesus, who is our family member and the foundation of our lives. He encourages believers |
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Why Does God Allow Crises by George Miley | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of crises and how God uses them to deal with sin and get our attention. He uses the example of the Israelites in the book of Josh |