1 Samuel 14:2

KJV

And Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree which [is] in Migron: and the people that [were] with him [were] about six hundred men;

KJV (with Strong's)

And Saul {H7586} tarried {H3427} in the uttermost {H7097} part of Gibeah {H1390} under a pomegranate tree {H7416} which is in Migron {H4051}: and the people {H5971} that were with him were about six {H8337} hundred {H3967} men {H376};

Complete Jewish Bible

Sha'ul was waiting at the far edge of Giv'ah under the pomegranate tree in Migron; the force with him numbered about 600 men.

Berean Standard Bible

Meanwhile, Saul was staying under the pomegranate tree in Migron on the outskirts of Gibeah. And the troops who were with him numbered about six hundred men,

American Standard Version

And Saul abode in the uttermost part of Gibeah under the pomegranate-tree which is in Migron: and the people that were with him were about six hundred men;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 14:2 offers a stark depiction of King Saul's vulnerable and static military position amidst the Philistine threat. Stationed defensively at the outskirts of his hometown, Gibeah, under a pomegranate tree in Migron, Saul's diminished army of merely six hundred men underscores his declining authority and the widespread fear among the Israelites. This verse critically sets the stage for the dramatic display of faith and divine intervention orchestrated through his son, Jonathan, highlighting the stark contrast between human hesitation and God's power to deliver.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a period of significant national distress and King Saul's grave disobedience. In [1 Samuel 13](/1_samuel/13 "1 Samuel 13 - Saul's Disobedience and Rejection"), Saul, impatient for Samuel's arrival, presumptuously offered a burnt offering, an act reserved for priests. This rash action led to Samuel's solemn declaration that Saul's kingdom would not endure, and God had sought a man after His own heart ([1 Samuel 13:13-14](/1_samuel/13-13 "1 Samuel 13:13-14 - Samuel's Rejection of Saul")). The Philistines, with their superior weaponry and vast numbers ([1 Samuel 13:5](/1_samuel/13-5 "1 Samuel 13:5 - Philistine Army Size")), had already instilled fear, causing many Israelite soldiers to desert or hide ([1 Samuel 13:6-7](/1_samuel/13-6 "1 Samuel 13:6-7 - Israelite Fear and Desertion")). Thus, 1 Samuel 14:2 paints a grim picture of the direct consequences of Saul's spiritual and military failures, providing the backdrop against which Jonathan's audacious faith will shine, initiating the miraculous turn of events in the subsequent narrative.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Saul's reign was characterized by a nascent monarchy struggling against established regional powers, most notably the Philistines. The Philistines held a significant technological advantage, particularly in ironworking, which they famously monopolized, preventing the Israelites from even sharpening their agricultural tools, let alone forging weapons ([1 Samuel 13:19-22](/1_samuel/13-19 "1 Samuel 13:19-22 - Philistine Monopoly on Iron")). This technological disparity meant Israelite forces were often poorly armed, relying on improvised weapons or what they could capture. Gibeah, Saul's hometown, was strategically located in the tribal territory of Benjamin, offering a defensible position in the central highlands. Migron, likely a landmark nearby, further grounds the narrative in a specific, tangible location. The mention of a "pomegranate tree" suggests a common, perhaps even mundane, encampment, highlighting the precarious and unglamorous reality of Saul's kingship in this moment of crisis, far from the grand military displays expected of a king.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Samuel. Firstly, it underscores **Saul's Diminished Authority and God's Rejection**, illustrating the tangible consequences of his disobedience. The drastically reduced number of soldiers, a mere six hundred from an initial gathering of thousands ([1 Samuel 11:8](/1_samuel/11-8 "1 Samuel 11:8 - Saul's Initial Army")), is a visible manifestation of his weakening leadership and God's withdrawal of favor. Secondly, it highlights the pervasive **Fear and Vulnerability of Israel**, intimidated by the formidable Philistine army and lacking effective leadership. The people's desertion reflects a crisis of confidence in both Saul and, implicitly, in God's ability to deliver through human means alone. Finally, the verse serves as a crucial **Setting for Divine Intervention**, presenting a humanly impossible situation that necessitates God's miraculous power. The dire circumstances painted in this verse create the perfect canvas for the demonstration that God does not need large armies or human strength to accomplish His purposes, but rather faith and obedience, as Jonathan will soon demonstrate ([1 Samuel 14:6](/1_samuel/14-6 "1 Samuel 14:6 - Jonathan's Declaration of Faith")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **tarried (Hebrew, _yashav'_):** This verb means "to sit, dwell, remain, abide." In this context, it conveys a sense of passive waiting or remaining in a fixed position, rather than actively engaging or pursuing the enemy. It suggests a lack of initiative and a defensive, almost hesitant, posture on Saul's part, contrasting sharply with the proactive leadership expected of a king in wartime.
* **uttermost part (Hebrew, _qetseh_):** Meaning "end, border, extremity," this term emphasizes Saul's location at the edge or periphery of Gibeah. It implies a position that is defensive and withdrawn, not central or commanding. This geographical detail subtly reinforces the idea of Saul's diminished power and his retreat from the forefront of the conflict, holding a precarious defensive line.
* **pomegranate tree (Hebrew, _rimmon_):** The specific mention of a pomegranate tree is a precise geographical marker, grounding the narrative in a tangible, even mundane, setting. While pomegranates were symbols of fertility and prosperity in ancient Israel, here the tree simply serves as a landmark. Its presence under which Saul "tarried" highlights the unglamorous and perhaps desperate nature of his encampment, a far cry from a fortified royal command center, further emphasizing his vulnerable state.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree which [is] in Migron:"** This clause meticulously details King Saul's precise location and posture. "Tarried" (יָשַׁב) signifies a static, passive presence, indicating he was not actively advancing or engaging the Philistine threat but rather holding a defensive, almost hesitant, position. The "uttermost part of Gibeah" places him at the very edge of his hometown, suggesting a retreat or a last stand. The additional detail of being "under a pomegranate tree which is in Migron" provides specific geographical coordinates, grounding the narrative in reality and emphasizing the mundane, perhaps even vulnerable, nature of his encampment, a stark contrast to the expected grandeur of a king's military headquarters.
* **"and the people that [were] with him [were] about six hundred men;"** This crucial segment reveals the dire state of Saul's army. The number "six hundred men" is a dramatic reduction from the thousands who had initially gathered under his command ([1 Samuel 11:8](/1_samuel/11-8 "1 Samuel 11:8 - Saul's Initial Army")). This dwindling force is a direct consequence of the Philistine's overwhelming presence, the Israelites' fear, and Saul's own recent disobedience and perceived weakness. It signifies a profound crisis of morale and leadership, underscoring Saul's diminished authority and setting the stage for a situation where human strength is clearly insufficient, thus requiring divine intervention.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and set the narrative's tone. **Juxtaposition** is subtly present, contrasting Saul's passive "tarrying" with the impending proactive and faith-filled actions of Jonathan, which will unfold in the subsequent verses. This contrast highlights the difference between human fear and divine enablement. The **Symbolism** of the "six hundred men" is profound; it represents not just a numerical count but the tangible manifestation of Saul's declining authority, the widespread fear among the Israelites, and the spiritual weakness that has plagued his reign. It symbolizes a kingdom in crisis, teetering on the brink of collapse. Furthermore, the mundane detail of the "pomegranate tree" provides a sense of **Verisimilitude**, grounding the dramatic narrative in a realistic, almost understated, setting, which paradoxically amplifies the tension by showing a king in a remarkably ordinary and vulnerable position. This detailed description also serves as **Foreshadowing**, as the dire military situation it describes creates the necessary backdrop for God to display His power through Jonathan, demonstrating that victory does not depend on the size of an army but on divine favor and courageous faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 14:2 serves as a poignant theological statement about the consequences of human disobedience and the nature of divine sovereignty. Saul's diminished army and passive stance are direct results of his earlier transgression and God's subsequent rejection of his dynasty. This situation underscores the biblical principle that true strength and success in leadership, particularly in God's kingdom, do not stem from human numbers, strategic brilliance, or military might, but from humble obedience and unwavering reliance on God. When human resources are at their lowest, it often creates the perfect opportunity for God to demonstrate His power, ensuring that the glory belongs to Him alone. This verse thus sets the stage for a dramatic display of God's ability to work through the few and the seemingly weak, turning a humanly impossible situation into a testament to His faithfulness and omnipotence.

* [1 Samuel 13:13-14](/1_samuel/13-13 "1 Samuel 13:13-14 - Samuel's Prophecy of Saul's Rejection")
* [Judges 7:2](/judges/7-2 "Judges 7:2 - God's Principle of Victory Through Few")
* [2 Chronicles 14:11](/2_chronicles/14-11 "2 Chronicles 14:11 - Asa's Prayer for Divine Help in Battle")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene depicted in 1 Samuel 14:2 resonates deeply with the human experience of facing overwhelming odds and feeling utterly inadequate. King Saul, despite his royal title, finds himself in a position of vulnerability, surrounded by fear and dwindling resources, a direct consequence of his spiritual compromise. This serves as a powerful reminder that even in positions of leadership, relying on human strength or strategic acumen apart from divine guidance inevitably leads to weakness and failure. When we find ourselves "tarrying" in fear or complacency, paralyzed by the enormity of our challenges or the scarcity of our resources, this verse calls us to examine our hearts. Are we trusting in our own abilities or in the living God? It challenges us to move beyond passive despair and to embrace active faith, recognizing that God's power is most gloriously displayed when human weakness is most evident. Our God is not limited by numbers or circumstances; He delights in working through the few and the weak to accomplish His mighty purposes, transforming seemingly insurmountable obstacles into opportunities for His glory to shine.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond when resources are scarce or challenges seem overwhelming in my life or ministry?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be "tarrying" out of fear or complacency, rather than actively trusting God and stepping out in faith?**
* **What does Saul's diminished army teach me about the importance of spiritual obedience and relying on God's strength rather than human numbers or perceived power?**

### FAQ
**Why is the specific location (Gibeah, Migron, pomegranate tree) mentioned in such detail?**

Answer: The detailed geographical description grounds the narrative in a tangible reality, making the scene more vivid and relatable. It emphasizes Saul's defensive and somewhat withdrawn posture at the "uttermost part of Gibeah," his hometown, suggesting a king holding a precarious, almost last-ditch, position. The "pomegranate tree" in Migron serves as a precise landmark, highlighting the mundane setting of Saul's encampment. This specificity contrasts sharply with the grandeur often associated with kings, underscoring the humble and vulnerable reality of Saul's situation and subtly foreshadowing the need for divine intervention rather than a display of human might.

**What is the significance of Saul's army being reduced to "about six hundred men" compared to earlier numbers?**

Answer: The reduction to "about six hundred men" is highly significant, representing a drastic decline from the thousands who had initially rallied under Saul's command, such as the 330,000 men gathered at Bezek in [1 Samuel 11:8](/1_samuel/11-8 "1 Samuel 11:8 - Saul's Initial Army"). This dwindling number vividly illustrates the widespread fear and desertion among the Israelites, intimidated by the formidable Philistine army mentioned in [1 Samuel 13:5](/1_samuel/13-5 "1 Samuel 13:5 - Philistine Army Size"). More profoundly, it signifies Saul's weakening authority and the tangible consequences of his recent disobedience to God. Theologically, this dire military weakness sets the stage for God to demonstrate His power independently of human strength, highlighting that victory belongs to the Lord and not to the multitude, as will be powerfully demonstrated through Jonathan's faith.

**How does this verse set the stage for Jonathan's actions in the subsequent narrative?**

Answer: This verse is crucial for establishing the dire context that makes Jonathan's subsequent actions so remarkable and clearly indicative of divine intervention. By portraying Saul as passive ("tarried") and his army as severely diminished, the narrative emphasizes the human impossibility of overcoming the Philistine threat. This desperate situation highlights the stark contrast between Saul's hesitation and Jonathan's bold, faith-filled initiative. The verse creates a vacuum of leadership and a profound need for a miraculous breakthrough, thereby magnifying the impact of Jonathan's courageous decision to attack the Philistine garrison with only his armor-bearer, demonstrating that God's power is not limited by human weakness or numbers, but is made perfect in them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 14:2, with its depiction of a king "tarrying" in weakness and a nation in despair, powerfully foreshadows the need for a different kind of King and a greater deliverance. Saul's failure to lead effectively, his reliance on human strength, and his ultimate rejection by God due to disobedience point to the inherent limitations of human kingship and the brokenness of humanity. This dire situation, where human effort is clearly insufficient, sets the stage for the ultimate divine intervention found in Jesus Christ. Unlike Saul, who was passive and fearful, Jesus, the true King, never "tarried" in the face of the ultimate enemy, sin and death. He actively pursued the will of His Father, willingly becoming the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Through His perfect obedience, even unto death on the cross, Christ disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He secured victory not with a vast army, but through His singular, self-sacrificial act, demonstrating that God's power is made perfect in weakness ([2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Power in Weakness")). Thus, Saul's precarious position under the pomegranate tree ultimately points to the cross, where the King of Kings secured eternal victory for a "remnant" not by human might or numbers, but by divine love and power, delivering His people from a far greater enemy than the Philistines.

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:

Isaiah 10:29

They are gone over the passage: they have taken up their lodging at Geba; Ramah is afraid; Gibeah of Saul is fled.

1 Samuel 13:15

¶ And Samuel arose, and gat him up from Gilgal unto Gibeah of Benjamin. And Saul numbered the people [that were] present with him, about six hundred men.

1 Samuel 13:16

And Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people [that were] present with them, abode in Gibeah of Benjamin: but the Philistines encamped in Michmash.