1 Samuel 13:23

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And the garrison {H4673} of the Philistines {H6430} went out {H3318} to the passage {H4569} of Michmash {H4363}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A garrison of the P'lishtim had gone out to the pass of Mikhmas.

Berean Standard Bible

And a garrison of the Philistines had gone out to the pass at Michmash.

American Standard Version

And the garrison of the Philistines went out unto the pass of Michmash.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This serves as a pivotal geographical and strategic marker in the escalating conflict between Israel and the Philistines, detailing the Philistine military's advance into the strategically vital passage of Michmash. This seemingly simple statement of movement underscores the Philistine's dominant military posture and their intent to solidify control over key Israelite territories, thereby setting the immediate stage for the dramatic confrontation and divine intervention that will unfold in the subsequent chapter, highlighting Israel's vulnerability and God's sovereign plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a chapter fraught with tension, disobedience, and Israelite vulnerability, serving as a critical setup for the dramatic events of the next chapter. Preceding [1 Samuel 13:23](/1_samuel/13-23 "1 Samuel 13:23 - Philistine Garrison at Michmash"), King Saul had already demonstrated a critical failure of obedience by presumptuously offering a burnt offering without waiting for the prophet Samuel, leading to Samuel's stern rebuke and the declaration that Saul's kingdom would not endure ([1 Samuel 13:13-14](/1_samuel/13-13-14 "1 Samuel 13:13-14 - Samuel's Rebuke of Saul")). Furthermore, the Philistines had strategically disarmed Israel, preventing them from having smiths and weapons, leaving only Saul and his son Jonathan with swords ([1 Samuel 13:19-22](/1_samuel/13-19-22 "1 Samuel 13:19-22 - Philistine Disarmament of Israel")). The Philistine move to Michmash, therefore, is the culmination of their aggressive posture and Israel's weakened state, directly preceding Jonathan's audacious act of faith and God's miraculous deliverance in [1 Samuel 14](/1_samuel/14 "1 Samuel 14 - Jonathan's Victory at Michmash").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this period, the Philistines were the dominant regional power, having established garrisons and control over much of the Israelite territory, particularly in the central highlands. Their military superiority was evident in their advanced iron technology, which they deliberately withheld from the Israelites, creating a significant technological and strategic disadvantage. The "passage of Michmash" (Wadi Suweinit) was a well-known, formidable geographical feature—a deep, steep-sided ravine with precipitous cliffs, serving as a natural barrier and a critical choke-point controlling access between the central Benjaminite plateau and the Jordan Valley. Its strategic importance made it an ideal location for a military outpost, allowing the Philistines to monitor and control movement, threatening Israel's heartland and solidifying their hegemony.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Samuel. Firstly, it highlights **Philistine Hegemony and Oppression**, vividly illustrating their military might and the subjugated state of Israel. Their ability to freely position a garrison in such a strategic location underscores Israel's vulnerability and lack of true sovereignty under Saul's early reign. Secondly, it emphasizes **Strategic Positioning and Military Tension**, setting the stage for a critical confrontation. The Philistines' calculated move to Michmash was not merely an advance but a consolidation of power, designed to provoke and control. Lastly, and perhaps most profoundly, this verse serves as a dramatic **Setup for Divine Intervention and Deliverance**. Despite the overwhelming Philistine presence and Israel's dire circumstances, the very act of the Philistines entrenching themselves at Michmash inadvertently prepares the scene for God to display His power through Jonathan's faith, demonstrating that God's deliverance is not dependent on human strength or numbers, a truth powerfully echoed in passages like [Judges 7:2-7](/judges/7-2-7 "Judges 7:2-7 - Gideon's Small Army") and [Psalm 44:6-7](/psalm/44-6-7 "Psalm 44:6-7 - Not by Sword or Bow").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Garrison (Hebrew, _matstsâb'_):** The Hebrew word מַצָּב (_matstsâb_) refers to a "fixed spot," a "military post," or "station." In this context, it denotes a permanent outpost or an established military force positioned to maintain control over a specific area. Its use here signifies more than a temporary encampment; it implies an authoritative, controlling Philistine military presence, signaling their intent to maintain a firm grip on the region and exert their dominance over the Israelites.
* **Went out (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** The verb יָצָא (_yâtsâʼ_) is a primitive root meaning "to go out" or "to bring out," with a wide variety of applications. Here, it denotes a purposeful, aggressive movement, an advance from their previous position (likely Geba or a nearby Philistine stronghold) towards a specific strategic objective. This action signifies a deliberate military maneuver designed to assert control and pressure Israel, rather than a casual departure.
* **Passage (Hebrew, _maʻăbâr'_):** The term מַעֲבָר (_maʻăbâr_) refers to a "crossing-place," "ford," or "pass." In the context of Michmash, it describes a specific, narrow, and difficult defile or ravine. This was not just any path but a strategic choke-point, characterized by steep, rocky slopes and cliffs (such as "Bozez" and "Seneh" mentioned in [1 Samuel 14:4](/1_samuel/14-4 "1 Samuel 14:4 - The Rocks of Bozez and Seneh")). Its designation as a "passage" emphasizes its critical role in controlling movement and its natural defensive advantages, making it an ideal location for a military garrison to block or monitor access.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the garrison of the Philistines went out":** This clause identifies the subject—the "garrison of the Philistines"—a formidable, established military contingent, not merely a scouting party. The verb "went out" indicates a purposeful and aggressive movement, an advance from their previous position (likely Geba or a nearby Philistine stronghold) towards a specific strategic objective. This movement signifies an aggressive posture, a deliberate military maneuver designed to assert control and pressure Israel, reinforcing the Philistine's military dominance.
* **"to the passage of Michmash":** This specifies the destination, highlighting its crucial geographical and strategic importance. Michmash was known for its deep, rugged wadi (Wadi Suweinit), which formed a natural barrier. By positioning their garrison here, the Philistines were not just advancing; they were occupying a key defensive and offensive position. This move effectively cut off potential Israelite movements, solidified Philistine control over the central Benjaminite territory, and prepared for further engagement, setting the immediate stage for the dramatic events of the next chapter.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to heighten its impact and foreshadow future events. **Strategic Imagery** is prominent, painting a vivid picture of military maneuvering and the Philistine's calculated advance. The mention of "garrison" and "passage of Michmash" immediately evokes a sense of military occupation and the critical strategic importance of the terrain, underscoring Israel's vulnerable position. There is also a strong element of **Foreshadowing**. While seemingly a simple statement of fact, this verse is a deliberate setup for the dramatic events of [1 Samuel 14](/1_samuel/14 "1 Samuel 14 - Jonathan's Faith and God's Deliverance"), where Jonathan and his armor-bearer will bravely confront this very Philistine garrison in this very passage. The Philistine's entrenchment, intended to solidify their power, ironically becomes the location for their unexpected defeat. Furthermore, the verse contributes to the **Dramatic Irony** of the narrative, as the reader knows (or soon will know) that this seemingly advantageous Philistine move will ultimately lead to their undoing by God's hand through a small, unexpected force, emphasizing divine sovereignty over human plans.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Samuel 13:23](/1_samuel/13-23 "1 Samuel 13:23 - Philistine Garrison at Michmash"), though brief, powerfully illustrates the theological truth that even in moments of overwhelming human disadvantage and strategic vulnerability, God remains sovereign and active. The Philistine garrison's strategic occupation of Michmash represented a seemingly insurmountable barrier for Israel, a testament to their military and technological superiority and Israel's dire straits under Saul's faltering leadership. Yet, this very act of enemy consolidation becomes the precise setting for God to display His power, not through Israel's strength or numbers, but through the unexpected faith of one man, Jonathan. It underscores that God often works through weakness to demonstrate His might, turning humanly impossible situations into arenas for divine intervention. This verse sets the stage for a profound lesson in trusting God's deliverance even when all human odds are stacked against His people, reminding us that His ways are higher than our ways, and His power is perfected in weakness.

* [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Lord, not chariots")
* [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit")
* [2 Chronicles 14:11](/2_chronicles/14-11 "2 Chronicles 14:11 - Asa's Prayer for Deliverance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene at Michmash, where the Philistine garrison confidently entrenched itself, serves as a powerful metaphor for the "impossible" situations we often face in life. Whether it's a daunting personal challenge, an overwhelming professional obstacle, or a seemingly insurmountable spiritual battle, we can feel surrounded and outmatched, much like Israel was at this moment. This verse invites us to consider where our "Michmash passages" are—those strategic choke-points where our adversaries seem to hold all the cards. Yet, the subsequent narrative reveals that God often uses these very points of vulnerability to demonstrate His power. It encourages us to cultivate a faith that looks beyond the visible odds, to recognize that God's strategic genius often unfolds in ways that defy human logic, and that He can use the most unlikely individuals or circumstances to bring about His purposes. Our response to overwhelming odds should not be despair, but a renewed trust in the God who specializes in turning the tables and accomplishing His will through unexpected means.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "garrisons" or seemingly insurmountable obstacles are currently occupying strategic "passages" in your life, causing you fear or distress?**
* **How does the Philistine's strategic move, which ultimately led to their defeat, encourage you to see God's hand at work even in the plans of your adversaries?**
* **In what ways might God be calling you to step out in faith, like Jonathan, even when the odds seem overwhelmingly against you?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the "passage of Michmash" in ancient Israelite warfare?**

Answer: The "passage of Michmash" (likely the Wadi Suweinit) was a highly significant geographical feature in ancient Israel, particularly in the central Benjaminite territory. It was a deep, rugged ravine with steep, often impassable cliffs on either side, making it a natural defensive barrier and a critical choke-point for controlling movement between the central plateau and the Jordan Valley. In warfare, occupying this passage allowed an army to effectively block enemy advances, control trade routes, and launch strategic attacks. For the Philistines, establishing a garrison here, as described in [1 Samuel 13:23](/1_samuel/13-23 "1 Samuel 13:23 - Philistine Garrison at Michmash"), was a calculated move to solidify their control over Israelite territory and exert pressure on Saul's nascent kingdom, making it a pivotal location for the subsequent battle and Jonathan's heroic act in [1 Samuel 14](/1_samuel/14 "Jonathan's Victory").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The strategic positioning of the Philistine garrison at the passage of Michmash, a seemingly impregnable stronghold of the enemy, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate spiritual battle and the decisive victory won by Christ. Just as Israel faced an overwhelming physical enemy entrenched in a strategic location, humanity was enslaved by sin and death, with the "strongman" (Satan) holding dominion over the "passage" to life and freedom. The Old Testament narrative of 1 Samuel points to a temporary, human deliverance through Jonathan, yet it ultimately falls short of a complete and lasting solution. This sets the stage for the true and eternal deliverer, Jesus Christ. He did not come as a military king to conquer physical garrisons, but as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), confronting the spiritual forces of darkness not with swords, but with self-sacrificial love on the cross. His death and resurrection represent the ultimate "going out" to the enemy's stronghold (hell and the grave), conquering sin and death where they seemed most entrenched ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Through His victory, the "passage" to eternal life, once blocked by sin, is now opened for all who believe, fulfilling the temporary deliverance at Michmash with an everlasting triumph that secures true freedom for God's people ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Defeat of Death")). This ultimate victory ensures that no "garrison" of sin or death can stand against those who are in Christ, for He has disarmed the powers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 10:28

He is come to Aiath, he is passed to Migron; at Michmash he hath laid up his carriages:

1 Samuel 14:1

¶ Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison, that [is] on the other side. But he told not his father.

1 Samuel 14:4

And between the passages, by which Jonathan sought to go over unto the Philistines' garrison, [there was] a sharp rock on the one side, and a sharp rock on the other side: and the name of the one [was] Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh.

1 Samuel 14:5

The forefront of the one [was] situate northward over against Michmash, and the other southward over against Gibeah.

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.

1 Samuel 13:2

Saul chose him three thousand [men] of Israel; [whereof] two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in mount Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent.

1 Samuel 13:3

And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that [was] in Geba, and the Philistines heard [of it]. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear.