1 Samuel 13

1 Samuel 13

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SaulI was . . . yearsII oldIII when he began to reign,IV

Notes on verse 1a

I “Saul” = Shaul. From shaal (to ask, inquire, beg, borrow, desire, request; can also mean demand). This is Saul or Shaul, meaning “asked of the Lord.”
II “years” = shanah. From shana (to change, alter). This is a year, age, old. It can also mean yearly.
III “old” = ben. From banah (to build or obtain children). This is son, age, child. It is son in a literal or figurative sense.
IV “reign” = malak. To be or become king or queen, to rise to the throne, to be crowned. By implication, to take counsel. This word may be from the Hebrew word for king “melek” or vice versa.

and he reigned . . . and twoV years over Israel.VI

Saul choseVII threeVIII thousandIX out of Israel;

Notes on verses 1b-2a

V “two” = shenayim. From sheni (double, again, another, second); from shanah (to fold, repeat, double, alter, or disguise). This is two, both, second, couple.
VI “Israel” = Yisrael. From sarah (to persist, exert oneself, contend, persevere, wrestle, prevail) + El (God or god). This is Israel, meaning God strives or one who strives with God; new name for Jacob and for his offspring. This refers to the people and to the land.
VII “chose” = bachar. This is to choose, appoint, try, excellent.
VIII “three” = shalosh. This is three, fork, three times.
IX “thousand” = eleph. Perhaps from the same as eleph (herd, cattle); from alaph (to learn, speak, associate with). This is thousand.

two thousand wereX with Saul in MichmashXI and the hill countryXII of Bethel,XIII

Notes on verse 2b

X “were” = hayah. This is to be or become, to happen.
XI “Michmash” = Mikmas. 11x in OT. From kamas (to store something up; figuratively, it can be remembering something). This is Michas or Michmash, a city whose name means “hidden.”
XII “hill country” = har. From harar (hill or mountain). This is mountain, hill, hilly region.
XIII “Bethel” = Bethel. Related to “old” in v1 & to “Israel” in v1. From bayit (house, household, palace, dungeon); {from banah (see note III above)} + El (see note VI above). This is Bethel, literally meaning “house of God.”

and a thousand were with JonathanXIV in GibeahXV of Benjamin;XVI

Notes on verse 2c

XIV “Jonathan” = Yonathan. Related to “were” in v2. From the same as Yehonathan (Jehonathan or Jonathan, “the Lord has given); {from YHVH (proper name of the God of Israel; God, Lord; the self-existent or eternal one); {from havah (to become) or hayah (see note X above)} + natan (to give, put, set, offer; to give literally or figuratively)}. This is Jonathan, meaning “the Lord has given.”
XV “Gibeah” = Gibah. From the same as Geba (Geba or Gibeah; hillock); from the same as gabia (cup, bowl, flower; root might mean being convex). This is Gibeah, a city whose name means “hill.”
XVI “Benjamin” = Binyamin. Related to “old” in v1 & “Bethel” in v2. From ben (see note III above) + from yamin (right hand or side; that which is stronger or more agile; the south); {perhaps yamam (to go or choose the right, use the right hand; to be physically fit or firm)}. This is Benjamin, meaning “son of the right hand.” It could refer to Benjamin himself, his offspring, their tribe, or their territory.

the restXVII of the peopleXVIII he sent homeXIX to their tents.XX 

Notes on verse 2d

XVII “rest” = yether. From yathar (to jut over, remain behind, preserve, to excel). This is a remainder or excess. It can imply abundant or superiority. Additionally, it can be cord a free-hanging rope.
XVIII “people” = am. From amam (to darken, hide, associate; creating shadows by huddling together). This is people or nation. It can be used specifically for a tribe, collectively of troops or armies, or figuratively to refer to a flock of animals.
XIX {untranslated} = ish. Perhaps from enosh (human, humankind, mortal); from anash (to be weak, sick, or frail). This is man, husband, another, or humankind.
XX “tents” = ohel. Perhaps from ahal (to shine, be clear). This is a tent, covering, home, or side pillar.

Jonathan defeatedXXI the garrisonXXII of the PhilistinesXXIII that was at Geba,XXIV

Notes on verse 3a

XXI “defeated” = nakah. This is to hit whether lightly or severely. It can be used in a literal or figurative sense. So, this could be beat, punish, give wounds, kill, or slaughter.
XXII “garrison” = netsib. 12x in OT. From natsab (to station, appoint, establish, take a stand). This is something that stands like a pillar, statute, or post. It could also be an officer, a garrison, or a military post.
XXIII “Philistines” = Pelishti. From Pelesheth (Philistia); from palash (to mourn, wallow, maybe roll in). This is Philistines. Their name may mean “griever” or “burrower” or “weakener.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Philistine.html.
XXIV “Geba” = Geba. Related to “Gibeah” in v2. 18x in OT.  See note XV above.

and the Philistines heardXXV of it. And Saul blewXXVI the trumpetXXVII

Notes on verse 3b

XXV “heard” = shama. This is to hear, call, consent, or consider. It implies listening intelligently, giving attention, and, because of these two factors, obedience and action are often implied.
XXVI “blew” = taqa. This is to clap, clatter, thrust, sound an instrument, hammer a nail, be a bondsman.
XXVII “trumpet” = shophar. From shaphar (being beautiful or lovely). This is a ram’s horn, trumpet, or cornet. A shofar is still blown at Jewish festivals such as Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish new year celebration).

 throughout allXXVIII the land,XXIX saying,XXX “Let the HebrewsXXXI hear!” 

Notes on verse 3c

XXVIII “all” = kol. From kalal (to complete). This is all or every.
XXIX “land” = erets. Root may mean to be firm. This is earth, ground, field land, or country.
XXX “saying” = amar. This is to speak, say, answer, command, promise, report.
XXXI “Hebrews” = Ibri. From Eber (the region beyond; Eber, the name of several Israelites including a descendant of Shem); from abar (to pass over, pass through, or pass by; cross over or to alienate; used for transitions). This is Hebrew, perhaps meaning a descendant of Eber.

When all Israel heardXXXII that Saul had defeated the garrison of the Philistines and alsoXXXIII that Israel had become odiousXXXIV to the Philistines, the people were called outXXXV toXXXVI join Saul at Gilgal.XXXVII

Notes on verse 4

XXXII {untranslated} = amar. Same as “saying” in v3. See note XXX above.
XXXIII “also” = gam. This is also, moreover, again.
XXXIV “become odious” = baash. 18x in OT. This is to stink or be foul. Figuratively, it can refer to offensive behavior – morally odious or loathsome.
XXXV “called out” = tsaaq. This is to cry out or call together, to shriek. It can mean, by implication, calling for an assembly.
XXXVI “to” = achar. From achar (to remain behind, linger, continue, be behind, or delay; can also imply procrastination). This is after or the last part, following.
XXXVII “Gilgal” = Gilgal. From galgal (wheel, wagon, whirl, whirlwind; something that rolls); from galal (to roll, roll away, wallow, commit, remove; rolling in a literal or figurative sense). This is Gilgal – perhaps circle of stones.

The Philistines musteredXXXVIII to fightXXXIX with Israel: thirtyXL thousand chariots,XLI and sixXLII thousand horsemen,XLIII

Notes on verse 5a

XXXVIII “mustered” = asaph. This is to gather, assemble, or bring. It can also mean to take away, destroy, or remove.
XXXIX “fight” = lacham. This is to eat or feed on. Figuratively, it is to battle as a kind of consumption/destruction.
XL “thirty” = sheloshim. Related to “three” in v2. From the same as shalosh (see note VIII above). This is thirty or thirtieth.
XLI “chariots” = rekeb. From rakab (to ride an animal or in some vehicle; also, bringing on a horse). This is a vehicle, wagon, or chariot. It can be cavalry or an individual rider.
XLII “six” = shesh. This is six. Figuratively, it can be a surplus since it is one more than the number of fingers on the hand.
XLIII “horsemen” = parash. From parash (to make distinct, separate, scatter). This is a horseman or a horse. It doesn’t refer to riding horseback, but with some kind of vehicle, a chariot-driver, cavalry.

and troopsXLIV like the sandXLV on the seashoreXLVI in multitude;XLVII

Notes on verse 5b

XLIV “troops” = am. Same as “people” in v2. See note XVIII above.
XLV “sand” = chol. From chul (whirling around so dancing as in a circle or writhing in pain; used particularly for the pain of childbirth or from writhing due to fear; can also be falling in pain or waiting). This is sand, perhaps because of its roundness or the way that the grains can whirl.
XLVI “seashore” = saphah + yam. Saphah is lip, edge, border, bank – used for a boundary. It can also be speech or language. Yam has a root that may mean to roar. This is the sea, often referring to the Mediterranean. It comes from the root in the sense of the roar of crashing surf. This word is sometimes used for rivers or other sources of water. It can mean to the west or to the south.
XLVII “multitude” = rob. From rabab (to be or become much or many, multiply). This is any kind of abundance.

they came upXLVIII and encampedXLIX at Michmash, to the eastL of Beth-aven.LI 

Notes on verse 5c

XLVIII “came up” = alah. This is to go up, approach, ascend, be high, be a priority; to arise in a literal or figurative sense.
XLIX “encamped” = chanah. This is decline, bending down, or living in tents. It can be camping to create a home or camping as a part of battle.
L “east” = qidmah. 4x in OT. From the same as qedem (front, formerly, before, east, eternal, everlasting, antiquity). This is the front portion or east.
LI “Beth-aven” = Beth Aven. Related to “old” in v1 & “Bethel” and “Benjamin” in v2. 7x in OT. From bayit (see note XIII above) + aven (root may mean panting as one does when expending a lot of energy, especially when it comes to nothing; nothingness, trouble, sorrow, distress, wickedness, evil, harm, sorrow, misfortune, and mischief.; used specifically to refer to idols) OR from bayit (see note XIII above) + related to on (strength, power, ability, wealth, substance, or vigor). This is Beth-aven, a place whose name means “house of vanity” or “house of plenty trouble” or “house of wealth” or “house of strength” or “house of nothingness” or “house of idolatry.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Beth-aven.html

When the IsraelitesLII sawLIII that they were in distressLIV (for the troops were hard pressed),LV

Notes on verse 6a

LII “Israelites” = ish + Yisrael. Literally, “men of Israel.” Ish is the same as {untranslated} in v2. See note XIX above. Yisrael is the same as “Israel” in v1. See note VI above.
LIII “saw” = raah. This is to see in a literal or figurative sense so stare, advise, think, view.
LIV “distress” = tsar. From tsarar (to bind, restrict, narrow, be cramped, an adversary). Properly, this is a narrow or constricted place. Figuratively, it can be trouble, a pebble, an enemy, anguish, or distress.
LV “were hard pressed” = nagas. This is driving an animal, worker, debtor, or an army. By implication, it can mean to tax, harass, distress, oppress, or tyrannize. This word can be used for taskmaster or overseer.

the people hidLVI themselves in cavesLVII and in holesLVIII and in rocksLIX

Notes on verse 6b

LVI “hid” = chaba. This is to hide, hush, harden (like water freezing), or secret.
LVII “caves” = mearah. Perhaps from ur (to be made naked, exposed, or bare). This is a cave, cavern, den, or hole.
LVIII “holes” = choach. 12x in OT. May come from a word that refers to piercing. This is a thornbush, bramble, hole, manacle, or hook.
LIX “rocks” = sela. Root may mean being lofty. This is a rock, cliff, crag, mountain. It could be used figuratively for obstinance or to show God as a refuge. It can also more generally mean fortress or stronghold.

and in tombsLX and in cisterns.LXI Some Hebrews crossedLXII the JordanLXIII

Notes on verses 6c-7a

LX “tombs” = tseriach. 4x in OT– 3x in Judges 9 & 1x in 1 Samuel 13. Perhaps from tsarach (to cry, roar, make a war cry; a clear or shrill tone). This is stronghold, tomb, cellar, high place, citadel.
LXI “cisterns” = bor. From bur (to bore; figuratively, to explain, examine, or clear up). This is a pit – generally a cistern or dungeon. It could also be a well or fountain.
LXII “crossed” = abar. Related to “Hebrews” in v3. See note XXXI above.
LXIII “Jordan” = Yarden. From yarad (to go down, descend; going down in a literal or figurative sense; going to the shore or a boundary, bringing down an enemy). This is the Jordan River, meaning “descending.”

to the land of GadLXIV and Gilead.LXV Saul was stillLXVI at Gilgal,

Notes on verse 7b

LXIV “Gad” = Gad. Perhaps from gad (fortune, troop; Gad, the name of a god of Babylon); from gad (fortunate, a troop); from gud (to invade, overcome, attack). This is Gad, one of Jacob’s children, his tribe and the land they settled. It means “fortune” or “fortunate.”
LXV “Gilead” = Gilad. Related to “Gilgal” in v4. From gala (to lay bare, quarrel, expose) OR from gal’ed (heap of testimony); {from gal (wave, billow, rock pile; something rolled; a spring of water); {from galal (see note XXXVII above)} + ed (witness, testimony, recorder); from ud (to admonish, repeat, duplicate, testify, restore, record, relieve)}}. This is Gilead, meaning “perpetual fountain” or “heap of testimony.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Gilead.html#.Xw_EFShKhPY.
LXVI “still” = od. Related to “Gilead” in v7. From ud (see note LXV above). This is still, yet, again, more.

and all the people followedLXVII him trembling.LXVIII

He waitedLXIX sevenLXX days,LXXI

Notes on verses 7c-8a

LXVII “followed” = achar. Same as “to” in v4. See note XXXVI above.
LXVIII “trembling” = charad. This is trembling, being afraid, or being terrified. It can also refer to moving quickly due to anxiety.
LXIX “waited” = yachal. This is to wait, which implies patience, hope, and trust. It can also be pained waiting.
LXX “seven” = sheba. This is seven or by sevenfold. It can also be used to imply a week or an indefinite number. Symbolically, this is the number of fullness, sacredness, perfection.
LXXI “days” = yom. Root may mean being hot. This is the day in a literal or figurative sense. It can also mean birth, age, daylight, continually or other references to time.

the time appointedLXXII by Samuel,LXXIII but Samuel did not comeLXXIV to Gilgal, and the people began to slip awayLXXV from Saul. 

Notes on verse 8b

LXXII “time appointed” = moed. From yaad (to appoint, assemble or gather selves, agree). This is a meeting, assembly, fixed time. It can be used for a festival or feast. It can also refer to a meeting place.
LXXIII “Samuel” = Shemuel. Related to “Israel” in v1 & “Bethel” in v2 & to “heard” in v3. From shem (name, fame, renown; indicating something essential about a person; honor, authority, or character); {may be from sum (to put, place, set)} + El (see note VI above) OR from shama (see note XXV above) + El (see note VI above).This is Samuel meaning either the “name of God” or “heard of God.”
LXXIV “come” = bo. This is to enter, come in, advance, fulfill, bring offerings, enter to worship, attack. It can also have a sexual connotation.
LXXV “slip away” = puts. This is to dash in pieces, scatter, disperse, drive.

So Saul said, “BringLXXVI the burnt offeringLXXVII here to me and the offerings of well-being.”LXXVIII And he offeredLXXIX the burnt offering. 

Notes on verse 9

LXXVI “bring” = nagash. This is to draw, bring, or come near. It is approaching for any reason – as an attack on an enemy, in order to worship, to make an argument. It can also be used as a euphemism for sex.
LXXVII “burnt offering” = olah. Related to “came up” in v5. From alah (see note XLVIII above). This is a step, stairs, or some kind of ascent. It is also used for whole burnt offerings, being the offering in which the whole thing is burned and rises as smoke. Burnt offerings were the least common of the offerings: most were eaten, shared with the priest and the one bringing the offering.
LXXVIII “offerings of well-being” = shelem. From shalam (to make amends, finish, be safe, be friendly, to be complete or sound). This is a peace offering or a sacrifice of well-being. It was a voluntary offering given when one celebrated thanksgiving, alliance, or friendship.
LXXIX “offered” = alah. Same as “came up” in v5. See note XLVIII above.

10 LXXXAs soon as he had finishedLXXXI offering the burnt offering,LXXXII Samuel arrived,LXXXIII

Notes on verse 10a

LXXX {untranslated} = hayah. Same as “were” in v2. See note X above.
LXXXI “finished” = kalah. This is to end, be finished, complete, prepare, consume, spent, or completely destroyed.
LXXXII {untranslated} = hinneh. From hen (lo! Behold! If, though; an expression of surprise). This is to draw attention, show suddenness or surprise, or to emphasize the importance of the coming statement. See! Lo! Behold!
LXXXIII “arrived” = bo. Same as “come” in v8. See note LXXIV above.

and Saul went outLXXXIV to meetLXXXV him and saluteLXXXVI him. 11 Samuel said, “What have you done?”LXXXVII

Notes on verses 10b-11a

LXXXIV “went out” = yatsa. This is to go or come out, bring forth, appear. It is to go out in a literal or figurative sense.
LXXXV “meet” = qara. This is to meet, befall, happen upon. It can be to encounter by chance or for aggression.
LXXXVI “salute” = barak. This is to kneel, to bless. It is blessing God as part of worship and adoration or blessing humans to help them. It can be used as a euphemism to say curse God.
LXXXVII “done” = asah. This is to make, do, act, appoint, become in many senses.

Saul replied,LXXXVIII “When I saw that the people were slipping awayLXXXIX from me and that you did not comeXC within the days appointedXCI and that the Philistines were mustering at Michmash, 

Notes on verse 11b

LXXXVIII “replied” = amar. Same as “saying” in v3. See note XXX above.
LXXXIX “slipping away” = naphats. This is to shatter, break, scatter, dash in pieces.
XC “come” = bo. Same as “come” in v8. See note LXXIV above.
XCI “appointed” = moed. Same as “time appointed” in v8. See note LXXII above.

12 I said, ‘NowXCII the Philistines will come downXCIII upon me at Gilgal, and I have not entreated the favorXCIV ofXCV the Lord,’XCVI so I forcedXCVII myself and offered the burnt offering.” 

Notes on verse 12

XCII “now” = attah. Perhaps from et (a period or season; whenever or continually); probably from anah (to answer, sing, announce); from ad (forever, all, old); from adah (to pass on, advance, decorate oneself). This is now, from now on.
XCIII “come down” = yarad. Related to “Jordan” in v7. See note LXIII above.
XCIV “entreated the favor” = chalah. Properly, this is to be worn; hence, being weak, sick, or afflicted. It can also mean to grieve or, positively, to flatter or entreat.
XCV “of” = paneh. From panah (to turn, face, appear). This is face in a literal or figurative sense. It could be face, presence, anger, respect. It can also be used of God to indicate divine favor or presence.
XCVI “Lord” = YHVH. Related to “were” and “Jonathan” in v2. See note XIV above.
XCVII “forced” = aphaq. 7x in OT. This is to be strong, force, control, hold. It can also be to abstain or force oneself.

13 Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly;XCVIII you have not keptXCIX the commandmentC of the Lord your God,CI which he commandedCII you.

Notes on verse 13a

XCVIII “done foolishly” = sakal. 8x in OT. Perhaps from kasal (being or becoming stupid or foolish; properly, being fat and so figuratively silly or foolish). This is being or acting foolishly, whether intentionally or unintentionally.
XCIX “kept” = shamar. This is to keep, watch, or preserve. It means to guard something or to protect it as a thorny hedge protects something.
C “commandment” = mitsvah. From tsavah (to charge, command, order, enjoin). This is a commandment, law, ordinance obligation, or tradition. It is something commanded whether by God or by a human authority. This term is sometimes used collectively to refer to the Law.
CI “God” = Elohim. Related to “Israel” in v1 & “Bethel” in v2 & “Samuel” in v8. See note VI above.
CII “commanded” = tsavah. Related to “commandment” in v13. See note C above.

CIIIThe Lord would have establishedCIV your kingdomCV over Israel forever,CVI 

Notes on verse 13b

CIII {untranslated} = attah. Same as “now” in v12. See note XCII above.
CIV “established” = kun. Properly, this means in a perpendicular position. So, it is set up in a literal sense – establish, fix, fasten, prepare. In a figurative sense, it is certainty, to be firm, faithfulness, render sure or prosperous.
CV “kingdom” = mamlakah. Related to “reign” in v1. From the same as melek (see note IV above). This is kingdom, dominion, sovereignty, rule. It can also refer to the realm.
CVI “forever” = ad + olam. Literally, “even to forever.” Olam is a long scope of time whether in the past (antiquity, ancient time) or in the future (eternal, everlasting).

14 but now your kingdom will not continue;CVII the LordCVIII has sought outCIX a manCX

Notes on verse 14a

CVII “continue” = qum. To arise, stand, accomplish, establish, abide. This is rising as in rising against, getting up after being sick or asleep, arising from one state to another, becoming powerful, or rising for action. It can also be standing in a figurative sense.
CVIII “Lord” = YHVH. Related to “were” and “Jonathan” in v2 & “Lord” in v12. From the same as YHVH (see note XIV above). This is a secondary spelling of the Lord, the name of the God of Israel. It has the same meaning.
CIX “sought out” = baqash. This is to seek, ask, desire, or request. It can be any kind of searching. It can also mean to worship or pray – implies a striving for.
CX “man” = ish. Same as {untranslated} in v2. See note XIX above.

after his own heart,CXI and the LordCXII has appointedCXIII him to be rulerCXIV over his people because you have not kept what the LordCXV commanded you.” 

Notes on verse 14b

CXI “heart” = lebab. May be related to labab (to encourage; properly, to be encased as with fat; used in a good sense, this means to transport someone with love; used in a bad sense, it can mean to dull one’s senses). This is the heart, courage, one’s inner self, the mind, or the will. Heart is only used in a figurative sense in the Old and New Testaments.
CXII “Lord” = YHVH. Same as “Lord” in v14. See note CVIII above.
CXIII “appointed” = tsavah. Same as “commanded” in v13. See note CII above.
CXIV “ruler” = nagid. From nagad (this is to declare, make conspicuous, stand in front, manifest, predict, explain). This is a commander or leader as the one who stands at the front, whether in a military, religious, or civic setting. It can also mean honorable or noble in an abstract sense.
CXV “Lord” = YHVH. Same as “Lord” in v14. See note CVIII above.

15 And Samuel leftCXVI and wentCXVII on his way from Gilgal. The rest of the people followed Saul to join the army; they went up from Gilgal toward Gibeah of Benjamin.

Saul countedCXVIII the people who were presentCXIX with him, about six hundredCXX men. 

Notes on verse 15

CXVI “left” = qum. Same as “continue” in v14. See note CVII above.
CXVII “went” = alah. Same as “came up” in v5. See note XLVIII above.
CXVIII “counted” = paqad. This is to attend to or visit – can be used for a friendly or violent encounter. So, it can be to oversee, care for, avenge, or charge.
CXIX “present” = matsa. This is to find, catch or acquire. It can also mean to come forth or appear. Figuratively, this can mean to meet or be together with.
CXX “hundred” = meah. This is hundred or some number times one hundred (i.e. hundredfold or the base of two hundred, three hundred, etc.).

16 Saul, his sonCXXI Jonathan, and the people who were present with them stayedCXXII in Geba of Benjamin, but the Philistines encamped at Michmash. 17 And raidersCXXIII came outCXXIV

Notes on verses 16-17a

CXXI “son” = ben. Same as “old” in v1. See note III above.
CXXII “stayed” = yashab. This is to sit and so to remain and so to dwell. It is sitting for any reason – as a judge, in order to ambush, or just sitting quietly. Causatively, this can mean settling or marrying. This can also mean continue, endure, or establish.
CXXIII “raiders” = shachath. This is to go to ruin, perish, decay, batter, cast off, lose, one who destroys. This can be used in a literal or figurative sense.
CXXIV “came out” = yatsa. Same as “went out” in v10. See note LXXXIV above.

of the campCXXV of the Philistines in three companies;CXXVI oneCXXVII company

Notes on verse 17b

CXXV “camp” = machaneh. Related to “encamped” in v5. From chanah (see note XLIX above). This is an encampment, whether of people traveling together or soldiers. So, it can be a camp band, or company as well as an army of soldiers. Also can be used of other groups like animals, angels or stars.
CXXVI “companies” = rosh. This may come a word that means to shake. It is the head, captain, or chief. It can also be excellent or the forefront. It can be first in position or in statue or in time (i.e. the beginning).
CXXVII “one” = echad. Perhaps from achad (to unify, continue on a path; figuratively, to gather one’s thoughts). This is the number one, first, united. It can also be alone, altogether, a certain, a few.

turnedCXXVIII towardCXXIX OphrahCXXX to the land of Shual,CXXXI 

Notes on verse 17c

CXXVIII “turned” = panah. Related to “of” in v12. See note XCV above.
CXXIX {untranslated} = derek. From darak (to tread, march, to walk. Can also mean affixing a string to a box since one needs to step on it to bend it in the process; so also an archer). This is a road as a thing that is walked on. Can be used figuratively for the path that one’s life takes or how one chooses to live one’s life.
CXXX “Ophrah” = Ophrah. 8x in OT. From the same as opher (stag, fawn, hart); from aphar (to throw dust, be dust); from aphar (dust as powdered, perhaps gray colored; ashes, powder, ground, rubbish). This is Ophrah, a person and place name that may mean “female fawn.”
CXXXI “Shual” = Shual. 2x in OT. From the same as shual (a fox or jackal; an animal that spends its time in ruins or wastelands and eats carrion); from the same as shoal (to hollow, the palm, a handful). This is Shual, a place whose name means “fox” or “jackal.”

18 anotherCXXXII company turned towardCXXXIII Beth-horon,CXXXIV

Notes on verse 18a

CXXXII “another” = echad. Same as “one” in v17. See note CXXVII above.
CXXXIII {untranslated} = derek. Same as {untranslated} in v17. See note CXXIX above.
CXXXIV “Beth-horon” = Beth Choron. Related to “old” in v1 & “Bethel” and “Benjamin” in v2 & “Beth-aven” in v5. 14x in OT. From bayit (see note XIII above) + chor (a hole, den, cavity); {from the same as chur (hole; a hole that was bored; a crevice where a snake lives; the cell of a prison)}. This is Beth-horon, the name of a few cities, which means “place of a hollow” or “house of hollowness” or “house of freedom” or “place of the great cavern” or “house of the free men.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Beth-horon.html

and another company turned towardCXXXV the mountainCXXXVI that looks downCXXXVII

Notes on verse 18b

CXXXV {untranslated} = derek. Same as {untranslated} in v17. See note CXXIX above.
CXXXVI “mountain” = gebul. Perhaps from gabal (to border, twist like rope). This is boundary, limit, coast, space. Properly, it is a line that is twisted, which implies a boundary and, by extension, the boundaries of a territory or other enclosed space.
CXXXVII “looks down” = shaqaph. This is to look down or look out. Properly, it is looking by leaning out a window. It can be peeping or gazing.

upon the valleyCXXXVIII of ZeboimCXXXIX toward the wilderness.CXL

Notes on verse 18c

CXXXVIII “valley” = gay. Perhaps from the same as gevah (pride, confidence); from gevah (the back or body); from gey (the back, among); from ga’ah (to grow up, rise, triumph, be majestic). This is valley or gorge that has high walls. It is, perhaps, a narrow valley, but not a winter-torrent.
CXXXIX “Zeboim” = Tseboim. 2x in OT. From the same as Tsibon (Zibeon; meaning “hyena” or “variegated”); {perhaps from tseba (dye, something dipped)} OR from tsabua (colored, striped like a hyena); {from the same as tseba (see above)} OR from etsba (finger or toe – something used to seize); {from the same as tseba (see above)}. This is Zeboim, a place whose name means “speckled” or “multi-colored” or “fingers.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Zeboim.html
CXL “wilderness” = midbar. From dabar (to speak, command, declare). This is mouth or speech. It can also be desert or wilderness. Additionally, it can be used for a pasture to which one drives cattle.

19 Now there was no smithCXLI to be foundCXLII throughout all the land of Israel, for the Philistines said, “The Hebrews must notCXLIII makeCXLIV swordsCXLV or spearsCXLVI for themselves,” 

Notes on verse 19

CXLI “smith” = charash. From charash (to scratch, which implies etching or plowing; to manufacture regardless of materials used; figuratively, to devise or conceal; a sense of secrecy; hence, being silent or left alone; speechless). This is an artisan, regardless of medium. So, for example, it could be an engrave, a blacksmith, a mason, and so on.
CXLII “found” = matsa. Same as “present” in v15. See note CXIX above.
CXLIII “not” = pen. Related to “of” in v12 & “turned” in v17. Perhaps from panah (see note XCV above). This is lest, if, or.
CXLIV “make” = asah. Same as “done” in v11. See note LXXXVII above.
CXLV “swords” = chereb. From charab (to attack, slay). This is any sharp instrument like a sword, dagger, axe, or mattock.
CXLVI “spears” = chanith. Related to “encamped” in v5 & “camp” in v17. From chanah (see note XLIX above). This is a spear or lance as a weapon that is thrust in the same way one pitches a tent.

20 so all the IsraelitesCXLVII went downCXLVIII to the Philistines to sharpenCXLIX theirCL

Notes on verse 20a

CXLVII “Israelites” = Yisrael. Same as “Israel” in v1. See note VI above.
CXLVIII “went down” = yarad. Same as “come down” in v12. See note XCIII above.
CXLIX “sharpen” = latash. 5x in OT. This is to hammer into an edge, so, to sharpen. It can be to hammer or whet. Also, a forger or instructor.
CL “their” = ish. Same as {untranslated} in v2. See note XIX above.

plowshares,CLI mattocks,CLII axes,CLIII or sickles.CLIV 

Notes on verse 20b

CLI “plowshares” = macharesheth. Related to “smith” in v19. 1x in OT. From the same as machareshah (plowshare, hoe, mattock); from charash (see note CXLI above). This is a plowshare or hoe.
CLII “mattocks” = et. 5x in OT. This is something made of iron that cuts or digs. It could be a mattock, hoe, colter, or plowshare.
CLIII “axes” = qardom. 5x in OT. Perhaps from qadam (to come in front or be in front; to meet, anticipate, confront, receive, or rise; sometimes to meet for help). This is an axe.
CLIV “sickles” = machareshah. Related to “smith” in v19 & “plowshares” in v20. 2x in OT. See note CLI above.

21 The chargeCLV was two-thirds of a shekel for the plowshares and for the mattocks and one-thirdCLVI, CLVII of a shekel for sharpeningCLVIII the axes and for settingCLIX the goads.CLX 

Notes on verse 21

CLV “charge” = peh. This is mouth in a literal or figurative sense. So, more literally, it can be beak or jaws. More figuratively, it refers to speech, commands, or promises.
CLVI “one-third” = shalosh. Same as “three” in v2. See note VIII above.
CLVII {untranslated} = qilleshon. 1x in OT. May come from a word – to prick. This is something with a point like a fork or prong.
CLVIII “sharpening” = petsirah. 1x in OT. From patsar (urge, press, peck at; figuratively, to stun or to be stubborn). This may be bluntness, charge, or file.
CLIX “setting” = natsab. Related to “garrison” in v3. See note XXII above.
CLX “goads” = dorbown. 2x in OT.  This is a goad.

22 SoCLXI on the day of the battleCLXII neither sword nor spear was to be found in the possessionCLXIII of anyCLXIV of the people with Saul and Jonathan, but Saul and his son Jonathan hadCLXV them.

23 Now a garrisonCLXVI of the Philistines had gone out to the passCLXVII of Michmash.

Notes on verses 22-23

CLXI {untranslated} = hayah. Same as “were” in v2. See note X above.
CLXII “battle” = milchamah. Related to “fight” in v5. From lacham (see note XXXIX above). This is battle, war, fighting, or one who fights (i.e. a warrior).
CLXIII “possession” = yad. This is hand, ability, power. Hand in a literal sense, but also what one can do or the means by which one does it.
CLXIV “any” = kol. Same as “all” in v3. See note XXVIII above.
CLXV “had” = matsa. Same as “present” in v15. See note CXIX above.
CLXVI “garrison” = matstsab. Related to “garrison” in v3 & “setting” in v21. 10x in OT. From natsab (see note XXII above). This is a standing place – it could be an office, garrison, or post.
CLXVII “pass” = maabar. Related to “Hebrews” in v3 & “crossed” in v7. 11x in OT. From abar (see note XXXI above). This is a ford or place to cross, whether a river or mountain pass. It can also be transit.


Image credit: “Saul and David” by Louisa Beresford, Marchioness of Waterford, before 1892.

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