Bible Chapter Summary
1 Samuel 13 Summary
Jonathan Strikes the Garrison
Saul positions his forces with two thousand men at Michmash and one thousand with his son Jonathan at Gibeah. Jonathan strikes the Philistine garrison at Geba, prompting the Philistines to gather a massive army with thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen. The Israelites hide in fear and many flee across Jordan. Saul waits seven days for Samuel to come and offer sacrifice, but Samuel delays his arrival. Growing impatient, Saul offers the burnt offering himself, violating God's command. When Samuel arrives, he rebukes Saul, pronouncing that God will not establish his kingdom and has chosen another man to be captain over His people.
Key themes
Key verses
1 Samuel 13:11-12
“And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash;”
1 Samuel 13:13-14
“And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.”
1 Samuel 13:22-23
“So it came to pass in the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people that were with Saul and Jonathan: but with Saul and with Jonathan his son was there found.”
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