“And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmash.”
1 Samuel 13:23 (KJV) is a part of the narrative that describes a significant event in the life of Saul, who was the first king of Israel. This verse is situated in a larger context that sheds light on the historical and spiritual significance of the passage.
“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. 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. And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned unto the way that leadeth to Ophrah, unto the land of Shual: And another company turned the way to Beth-horon: and another company turned to the way of the border that looketh to the valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness. Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears: But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock. Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads. 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.”
Context:In this passage, we learn that the Israelites were facing a significant threat from the Philistines. Saul, along with his son Jonathan and about six hundred men, were in Gibeah, a town in the tribe of Benjamin. Meanwhile, the Philistines had encamped in Michmash, which was nearby.
The Philistines were causing trouble by sending out “spoilers” or raiding parties in three different directions. They strategically sent one group toward Ophrah, another to Beth-horon, and the last one toward the border that looked out over the valley of Zeboim. Their intention was likely to disrupt Israelite supply lines and instill fear among the people.
However, an important detail is highlighted in the passage. The Philistines had prohibited the Israelites from having blacksmiths among them. This restriction was likely to prevent the Israelites from forging weapons, thereby ensuring their military disadvantage. As a result, the Israelites had to rely on the Philistines to sharpen their farming tools like plows and mattocks, and they lacked proper weaponry for battle.
Analysis:In this verse, 1 Samuel 13:23, we read that the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmash. A garrison typically refers to a military unit or a group of soldiers stationed in a particular location to maintain control. In this case, the Philistines’ garrison was stationed at the passage of Michmash, which indicates a strategic location where they could monitor and control the movements of people and goods.
This verse serves as a setup for the events that unfold in the following chapters, where Saul’s son Jonathan embarks on a courageous act of faith and initiates a conflict with the Philistines (1 Samuel 14). Jonathan’s actions inspire the Israelites, and a great victory over the Philistines follows.
Overall, 1 Samuel 13:23 demonstrates the dire situation the Israelites found themselves in, lacking proper weapons and facing the military dominance of the Philistines. This verse sets the stage for the subsequent events that highlight the bravery, faith, and divine intervention that played a role in the Israelites’ victory.
