1 Samuel 13:3

HE CALLS THE HEBREWS TO GILGAL AGAINST THE PHILISTINES. (Sa1 13:3-4)

And Jonathan--that is, "God-given."

smote the garrison of the Philistines . . . in Geba--Geba and Gibeah were towns in Benjamin, very close to each other (Jos 18:24, Jos 18:28). The word rendered "garrison" is different from that of Sa1 13:23; Sa1 14:1, and signifies, literally, something erected; probably a pillar or flagstaff, indicative of Philistine ascendency. That the secret demolition of this standard, so obnoxious to a young and noble-hearted patriot, was the feat of Jonathan referred to, is evident from the words, "the Philistines heard of it," which is not the way we should expect an attack on a fortress to be noticed.

Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land--This, a well-known sound, was the usual Hebrew war-summons; the first blast was answered by the beacon fire in the neighboring places. A second blast was blown--then answered by a fire in a more distant locality, whence the proclamation was speedily diffused over the whole country. As the Philistines resented what Jonathan had done as an overt attempt to throw off their yoke, a levy, en masse, of the people was immediately ordered, the rendezvous to be the old camping-ground at Gilgal.

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

1Sa 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.

Ver. 3. And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines.] By his father’s command no doubt, {1Sa 13:4} - else he might have been served as T. Manlius dealt by his son; for overcoming the enemy without order, he put him to death, - but {a} God was not consulted with, and therefore the issue of this that Jonathan did was not so happy.

That was in Geba.] Or, Gibeah, his own native country: here this iuvenis animosus et audax, this black prince - so he might be called for his dreaded acts in battle; for "from the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan turned not back"; {2Sa 1:22} likeas of our Black Prince it is said, {b} that he assailed no nation which he overcame not, he besieged no city which he took not - made his first enterprise and foiled the enemy. If it be demanded what weapons Jonathan and his regiment made use of, since they had scarcely any of iron, {1Sa 13:19} Lucretius answereth,

“ Arma antiqua manas, {c} ungues. ”

So Virgil,

“ … hic torre armatus obusto,

Stipitis hic gravidi nodis. ”

And again,

“ Stipitibus duris agitur, sudibusve praeustis. ” - Aeneid. 7.

And Saul blew the trumpet.] Omnes ad arma classico convocat, he sounds an alarm all the country over: for he knew how he had angered those wasps the Philistines.

{a} Livy.

{b} Speed, 723.

{c} Pugnis rem agebant, a quibus pugna dicitur. - Cassidor.

John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

1Sa 13:3-4. Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines — The Philistines, though subdued by Samuel at Eben-ezer, and driven out of the country, yet still retained possession of some strong-holds. Saul blew the trumpet — That is, he sent messengers to tell them all what Jonathan had done, and how the Philistines were enraged at it, and therefore what necessity there was of gathering themselves together for their own defence. Israel heard that Saul had smitten, &c. — Perhaps contrary to some treaty. That Israel was held in abomination with the Philistines — That is, that they were highly incensed to take revenge.

Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

13:3 Geba was located between Jonathan’s forces at Gibeah and Saul’s forces at Micmash. A deep gorge separated Geba and Micmash (see 13:23; 14:5). • The ram’s horn (Hebrew shofar) was used to raise a signal—e.g., to muster an army (Judg 3:27). For other uses, see Lev 25:9; 2 Sam 6:15; 15:10; 18:16; 20:1; Hos 5:8; Joel 2:15. • Non-Israelites often used the term Hebrews disdainfully (see 1 Sam 14:11; 29:3; see also Gen 39:14; 43:32). Saul might have used it to strike a nerve and arouse the people’s pride in their identity.

Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

That everyone should prepare themselves to war.

Of Kirjath Jearim, where the Ark was, 1 Sam. 10:5.

Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain. Text via Bolls.life.

Verse 3. Jonathan smote] He appears to have taken this garrison by surprise, for his men had no arms for a regular battle, or taking the place by storm. This is the first place in which this brave and excellent man appears; a man who bears one of the most amiable characters in the Bible.

Let the Hebrews hear.] Probably this means the people who dwelt beyond Jordan, who might very naturally be termed here העברים haibrim, from עבר abar, he passed over; those who are beyond the river Jordan: as Abraham was called עברי Ibri because he dwelt beyond the river Euphrates.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

(3) And Jonathan smote the garrison.—Jonathan throughout this history appears as the perfect type of a warrior, according to the requirements of his age; he is everywhere the first in courage and activity and speed, slender also, and of well-made figure. This personal beauty and swiftness of foot in attack or retreat gained for him among the troops the name of “gazelle.” (The first lines of the song, 2Sa_1:19, can only be explained on the supposition that Jonathan was well known by this name in the army.) “In all this, as in his uprightness and fidelity, he showed himself the right worthy son of a king.”—Ewald. Some translate the word rightly rendered “garrison” as “pillar,” a sign of the authority of the Philistines; others—e.g., Ewald—as a proper name, supposing that the officer appointed to collect tribute from Israel in that part of the country is meant.

And Saul blew the trumpet.—This was evidently more than a communication of good news to the people. Saul intended it as a summons to Israel to prepare at once for war.

A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

3. the garrison of the Philistines] See note on 1Sa_10:5.

Saul blew the trumpet] Heralds blowing trumpets to attract attention carried the news of Jonathan’s daring exploit throughout the country to prepare the people for a speedy summons to fight for their liberty. Cp. Jdg_3:27; Jdg_6:34; 2Sa_20:1.

Let the Hebrews hear] The name “Hebrews” is generally employed only by foreigners, or in speaking to foreigners. See note on 1Sa_4:6. If the text is correct, it is here used (cp. 1Sa_13:7) to place the nationality of Israel in contrast with the Philistines, or to describe them from the Philistine point of view as the subject race. But the Sept. reads “The slaves have revolted,” and it may be conjectured that we should transpose the words, and read “The Philistines heard saying, The slaves (or, the Hebrews) have revolted.” The consonants of the Hebrew words for “slaves” and “Hebrews” are almost identical, and are constantly liable to be confused.

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba,.... Not the same with Gibeah of Benjamin, as Jarchi; for it can hardly be thought that Jonathan should place himself with his thousand men where the Philistines had a garrison; or that if this was the same with that in the preceding verse, that it should be called by another name in this; but Gibeah and Geba were two places, as Kimchi observes, both indeed in the tribe of Benjamin, and it is very probable not far from one another; see Jos 18:24. This seems to be the same with the hill of God, where was a garrison of the Philistines, Sa1 10:5, who after their defeat by Samuel contented themselves with some strong holds and garrisons in some parts of the land to keep Israel in awe; the Targum understands this of a single person, a governor of the Philistines in this place, whom Jonathan slew, and so Jarchi; and according to R. Isaiah he was one that was appointed to gather the tax for them:

and the Philistines heard of it, which alarmed them, and made them prepare for war:

and Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land; not he in person, for he was at Gilgal, as the next verse shows; but he ordered it to be blown, being aware of the preparations the Philistines were making to attack him:

saying, let the Hebrews hear; both what his son had done, and what the Philistines were doing.

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

This was the first act in the war of independence, and probably the first feat in arms of the young hero Jonathan.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

Land. As soon as the next cities had heard the alarm, they sounded the trumpet, and so the news was conveyed to the most distant parts, in a short time, Judges iii. 27. --- Hebrews. Probably those "on the other side" of the Jordan, who presently came to the assistance of their brethren, ver. 7. (Osiander) --- It might also be the usual beginning of a proclamation. See Daniel iii. 4. (Menochius) --- Septuagint and Aquila have a instead of r, in hibrim. "Let the servants (subjects) attend." (Aquila) The slaves have rebelled," (Septuagint) meaning the Philistines, who ought to have been subject to Israel. (Haydock)

George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).

The first design of Saul and Jonathan was to free then land from the garrisons which the Philistines had in it; and they first begin to clear their own country of Benjamin.

Geba; not the same place called Gibeah, 1Sa 13:2, (for if the place were the same, why should he vary the name of it in the same story, and in the next verse? nor is it likely that Jonathan would choose that place for his camp where the Philistines had a garrison,) but another place in the same tribe, in which there were two distinct places, Geba and Gibeah, Jos 18:24,28.

Let the Hebrews hear, i.e. he sent messengers to tell them all what Jonathan had done, and how the Philistines were enraged at it, and made great preparations for war; and therefore what necessity there was of gathering themselves together, and coming to him, for his and their own defence.

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

3. The garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba — Geba was situated between Gibeah and Michmash, about three miles from the former place and two from the latter. It was a city of Benjamin (Jos_18:24) assigned to the priests. Jos_21:17. The English version confounds it in 1Sa_13:16 with Gibeah. Its name still lingers in the modern Jeba, a small, half-ruined village on an eminence which commands an extensive view of the Dead Sea and the mountains beyond. “Across the deep ravine on the north,” says Robinson, “we could see the next village on our route, the ancient Michmash, lying directly over against Jeba in a direction about northeast.” Here, as on the heights of Gibeah, (1Sa_10:5,) the Philistines had intrenched themselves; though, this may have been the same garrison that is there mentioned, but which had in the meantime, while Israel was at war for the rescue of Jabesh-gilead, advanced as far as Geba. Jonathan probably took this garrison by surprise, as he and his armourbearer did the one mentioned in the following chapter.

The Philistines heard — And regarded it as an indication of hostile action on the part of the Israelites.

Saul blew the trumpet — Ordered it to be blown. The sound of the trumpet was the usual accompaniment of important proclamations, designed as a signal to arouse the attention of the people. Compare 2Sa_15:10; 2Sa_20:1; 1Ki_1:34; 2Ki_9:13.

Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

In Geba. By this garrison the Philistines commanded the further end of the defile, and they had also another outpost beyond it near Gibeah itself. (1Sa_10:5) Probably neither of these garrisons was very strong, and Saul may have intended that Jonathan should attack them while he held the northern end of the pass, which would be the first place assailed by the Philistines in force. As regards the word translated garrison, attempts have been made to render it pillar, and to represent it as a token of Philistine supremacy which Jonathan threw down, while others, with the Septuagint, take it as a proper name; but the word smote is strongly in favour of the rendering of the A.V Let the Hebrews hear. Saul must have intended war when he thus posted himself and Jonathan in such commanding spots, and probably all this had been sketched out by Samuel. (see on 1Sa_10:8) He now summons all Israel to the war. It is strange that he should call the people "Hebrews," the Philistine title of contempt; but it is used again in ver. 7, and of course in ver. 19. The Septuagint reads, "Let the slaves revolt," but though followed by Josephus, the change of text is not probable.

The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Blew - That is, he sent messengers to tell them all what Jonathan had done, and how the Philistines were enraged at it, and therefore what necessity there was of gathering themselves together for their own defense.

John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.

garrison of the Philistines

"military base of the Philistines" or "military camp of the Philistines"

Geba

This is the name of the town that the Philistine garrison was stationed in. (See: How to Translate Names)

All Israel heard that Saul had defeated

Possible meanings are that 1) Saul was taking responsibility for Jonathan's actions or 2) Saul was taking credit for Jonathan's actions.

Israel had become a rotten smell to the Philistines

The Philistines hating the Israelites is spoken of as if the Israelites had become a bad smell that offended the Philistines. AT: "the Philistines hated the Israelites" (See: Metaphor)

the soldiers were summoned together to join Saul at Gilgal

This can be stated in active form. AT: "Saul called the soldiers together to join him at Gilgal" (See: Active or Passive)

translationWords

Philistines

trumpet

Hebrew

Gilgal

unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.

The Philistine governor. They had a government official [who ruled] over Yisroel and they stationed him in Givas Binyomin.

Let the Hebrews hear. That we have rebelled against the Philistines and they should beware of them.

Rashi on the Tanakh — English translations: “The Judaica Press complete Tanach with Rashi, translated by A. J. Rosenberg” (CC BY 4.0); “Pentateuch with Rashi's commentary by M. Rosenbaum and A.M. Silbermann, 1929-1934” (public domain); “The Metsudah Tanach series, Lakewood, N.J” (CC BY 4.0); and “The Book of Joshua, Metsudah Publications, 1997” (CC BY 4.0). Text via Sefaria.