King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 13:2 Mean?

1 Samuel 13:2 in the King James Version says “Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel; whereof two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in mount Bethel, and a ...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel; whereof two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in mount Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent.”

1 Samuel 13:2 · King James Version

Context

1

Saul reigned one year ; and when he had reigned two years over Israel, reigned one: Heb. the son of one year in his reigning

2

Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel; whereof two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in mount Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent.

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. Geba: or, the hill

4

And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal. was: Heb. did stink

Read 1 Samuel 13 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel; whereof two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in mount Beth-el, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent.

Saul's failure demonstrates that partial obedience is disobedience, and religious activity cannot substitute for heart surrender. His pattern of excuses, blame-shifting, and selective compliance while maintaining outward religious appearance warns against external religion without internal transformation. The pronouncement that 'to obey is better than sacrifice' establishes that God desires humble submission over impressive religious performance. Saul's rejection teaches that prolonged disobedience, even mixed with apparent faithfulness, eventually results in God's withdrawal of calling and blessing.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The establishment of monarchy around 1050-1010 BCE represented a dramatic political and theological shift for Israel. Unlike surrounding nations where kings were considered divine or semi-divine, Israel's kings were supposed to function under God's ultimate authority as laid out in Deuteronomy 17:14-20. The Benjamite tribe occupied strategic territory between Ephraim and Judah, making Saul's selection a politically astute choice to balance tribal rivalries. Archaeological remains from this period show increased fortification and centralization of settlements, confirming the transition to state-level organization. Levitical priests served hereditary roles mediating between God and people through sacrificial system. Corruption among priests was not uncommon in this era, as demonstrated by biblical criticism of Eli's sons and later Jeremiah's condemnations. Proper sacrificial procedure was critical for maintaining covenant relationship, making priestly misconduct particularly heinous.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen our understanding of God's character, purposes, and ways of working in human history?
  2. What specific heart attitudes, thought patterns, or life practices does this passage call you to examine or change?
  3. How does the emphasis on obedience over sacrifice point toward Christ's perfect submission to the Father's will?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
וַיִּבְחַר1 of 25

“chose”

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

ל֨וֹ2 of 25
H0
שָׁא֜וּל3 of 25

“Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת4 of 25

“him three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

וְאֶ֗לֶף5 of 25

“and a thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

מִיִּשְׂרָאֵל֒6 of 25

“men of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וַיִּֽהְי֨וּ7 of 25
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עִם8 of 25
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

שָׁא֜וּל9 of 25

“Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וְאֶ֗לֶף10 of 25

“and a thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

בְּמִכְמָשׂ֙11 of 25

“in Michmash”

H4363

mikmas or mikmash, a place in palestine

וּבְהַ֣ר12 of 25

“and in mount”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

בֵּֽית13 of 25
H0
אֵ֔ל14 of 25

“Bethel”

H1008

beth-el, a place in palestine

וְאֶ֗לֶף15 of 25

“and a thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

הָיוּ֙16 of 25
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עִם17 of 25
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

י֣וֹנָתָ֔ן18 of 25

“were with Jonathan”

H3129

jonathan, the name of ten israelites

בְּגִבְעַ֖ת19 of 25

“in Gibeah”

H1390

gibah; the name of three places in palestine

בִּנְיָמִ֑ין20 of 25

“of Benjamin”

H1144

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

וְיֶ֣תֶר21 of 25

“and the rest”

H3499

properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)

הָעָ֔ם22 of 25

“of the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

שִׁלַּ֖ח23 of 25

“he sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אִ֥ישׁ24 of 25

“every man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

לְאֹֽהָלָֽיו׃25 of 25

“to his tent”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

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 13:2 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 13:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 10:261 Samuel 14:311 Samuel 13:51 Samuel 13:231 Samuel 14:521 Samuel 14:5

Places in This Verse

Bethel 1Settlement · Modern: Beitin · 31.92°N, 35.24°E69 verses across 12 books
Gibeah 1Settlement · Modern: Tel el Ful · 31.82°N, 35.23°E45 verses across 6 books
MichmashSettlement · Modern: Mukhmas · 31.87°N, 35.28°E11 verses across 4 books
View all places in 1 Samuel 13 →

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