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1 Samuel 13:2

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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.

Saul {H7586} chose {H977} him three {H7969} thousand {H505} men of Israel {H3478}; whereof two thousand {H505} were with Saul {H7586} in Michmash {H4363} and in mount {H2022} Bethel {H1008}, and a thousand {H505} were with Jonathan {H3129} in Gibeah {H1390} of Benjamin {H1144}: and the rest {H3499} of the people {H5971} he sent {H7971} every man {H376} to his tent {H168}.

when he chose three thousand of Isra'el's men. Two thousand of them were with Sha'ul in Mikhmas and in the hills of Beit-El, and a thousand were with Y'honatan in Giv'at-Binyamin. The rest of the people he sent back to their respective tents.

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.

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.

Commentary

1 Samuel 13:2 marks a pivotal moment in the early reign of King Saul, detailing the initial organization of his standing army in preparation for conflict with the Philistines. This verse sets the stage for the dramatic events that unfold in the chapter.

Context

Following his confirmation as king over Israel, Saul faces the ongoing threat of the Philistines, who had long oppressed the Israelites. Unlike previous eras where Israel relied on temporary tribal levies for warfare, this verse shows Saul establishing a more permanent, albeit small, professional fighting force. This move signifies a shift towards a more organized kingdom and a standing army, a characteristic of monarchies. The division of forces between Saul and his son Jonathan highlights their respective roles in leading the nascent military. For the broader context of Saul's reign, consider Saul's anointing and public acclamation as king.

Key Themes

  • Military Organization: The verse clearly illustrates Saul's first attempt at structuring a standing army. The 3,000 chosen men represent a significant step beyond the spontaneous militias of the Judges' era.
  • Strategic Deployment: Saul's placement of 2,000 men in Michmash and Mount Bethel, and Jonathan's 1,000 in Gibeah of Benjamin, indicates a strategic positioning against the Philistine presence. Michmash was a crucial pass, and Gibeah was Saul's hometown, serving as a central base.
  • Emerging Leadership: The division of forces between Saul and Jonathan underscores their joint leadership in the early stages of the kingdom's military efforts. Jonathan's independent command in Gibeah foreshadows his own military prowess.
  • Readiness for Conflict: The formation of this army, though small, signals Israel's readiness to challenge Philistine dominance, which soon escalates into open hostilities, as seen in Jonathan's subsequent strike against a Philistine garrison.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Saul chose him three thousand [men]" implies a deliberate selection process, suggesting these were not just any men, but likely skilled or strong individuals suitable for military service. The KJV's bracketed "[men]" clarifies the implied noun, emphasizing the composition of this chosen force.

Practical Application

This verse, while historical, offers insights into the importance of preparation and strategic planning in leadership. Saul's early actions demonstrate an understanding of the need for an organized force to address external threats. For believers, it can be a reminder that effective action often requires thoughtful organization and deployment of resources, whether in spiritual warfare or daily responsibilities. Just as Saul prepared his army, we are called to be prepared for the challenges of life, perhaps by putting on the full armor of God.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 10:26 (5 votes)

    And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched.

  • 1 Samuel 14:31 (4 votes)

    And they smote the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon: and the people were very faint.

  • 1 Samuel 13:5 (4 votes)

    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.

  • 1 Samuel 13:23 (3 votes)

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

  • Judges 19:12 (2 votes)

    And his master said unto him, We will not turn aside hither into the city of a stranger, that [is] not of the children of Israel; we will pass over to Gibeah.

  • Joshua 18:28 (2 votes)

    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.

  • 1 Samuel 14:52 (2 votes)

    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.