King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 13:18 Mean?

1 Samuel 13:18 in the King James Version says “And another company turned the way to Bethhoron: and another company turned to the way of the border that looketh to the... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And another company turned the way to Bethhoron: and another company turned to the way of the border that looketh to the valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness.

1 Samuel 13:18 · KJV


Context

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. present: Heb. found Gibeah: Heb. Geba

17

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:

18

And another company turned the way to Bethhoron: and another company turned to the way of the border that looketh to the valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness.

19

Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears:

20

But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

The third raiding company heads toward 'the valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness,' completing the picture of Israel's vulnerability. The geographic specificity emphasizes the comprehensiveness of Philistine control - north, west, and east are all under assault. Saul's six hundred men could not possibly counter three simultaneous raiding parties. The situation appears hopeless from human perspective, setting the stage for God's deliverance through Jonathan's faith. Divine power shines brightest against impossible odds.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The valley of Zeboim ('valley of hyenas') led toward the Jordan valley and wilderness of Judah. These raids would have disrupted harvest, destroyed food supplies, and terrorized the population into submission. Philistine strategy aimed at economic devastation rather than direct military confrontation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God often allow situations to become humanly impossible before demonstrating His power?
  2. When has complete helplessness prepared you to see God's deliverance more clearly?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְהָרֹ֨אשׁ1 of 16

company

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

אֶחָ֤ד2 of 16

And another

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

יִפְנֶה֙3 of 16

turned

H6437

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

דֶּ֣רֶךְ4 of 16

the way

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

בֵּ֣ית5 of 16
H0
חֹר֑וֹן6 of 16

to Bethhoron

H1032

beth-choron, the name of two adjoining places in palestine

וְהָרֹ֨אשׁ7 of 16

company

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

אֶחָ֤ד8 of 16

And another

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

יִפְנֶה֙9 of 16

turned

H6437

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

דֶּ֣רֶךְ10 of 16

the way

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

הַגְּב֔וּל11 of 16

of the border

H1366

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

הַנִּשְׁקָ֛ף12 of 16

that looketh

H8259

properly, to lean out (of a window), i.e., (by implication) peep or gaze (passively, be a spectacle)

עַל13 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

גֵּ֥י14 of 16

to the valley

H1516

a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent)

הַצְּבֹעִ֖ים15 of 16

of Zeboim

H6650

tseboim, a place in palestine

הַמִּדְבָּֽרָה׃16 of 16

toward the wilderness

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 13:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 13:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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