Jonathan's Bold Assault and Victory
1 Samuel 13:23-14:14
1 S.13.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מצב: VERB,pual,ptcp,-,m,sg
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- אל: NEG
- מעבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מכמש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 14:1 (verbal): Direct continuation of the scene—explicit mention of the Philistine garrison at Michmash and Jonathan’s action against it (same place-name).
- 1 Samuel 13:19-22 (structural): Immediate context in the same chapter describing the consequences of Philistine presence (no blacksmiths, Israel unarmed), explaining the significance of the Philistine encampment.
- 1 Samuel 17:1 (thematic): Another account of the Philistines assembling for battle against Israel and encamping in a strategic location (setting for the conflict with Goliath), thematically parallel as a Philistine military threat.
- Judges 13:1 (thematic): Summarizes a period of Philistine domination over Israel—provides broader historical/thematic background for repeated Philistine encroachments like the encampment at Michmash.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the Philistine garrison went out to the pass beyond Michmash.
- The Philistine garrison went out to the pass beyond Michmash.
1 S.14.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- הנער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- נשא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כליו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- לכה: VERB,qal,imp,2,f,sg
- ונעברה: VERB,qal,impf,cohort,1,pl
- אל: NEG
- מצב: VERB,pual,ptcp,-,m,sg
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- אשר: PRON,rel
- מעבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הלז: PRON,dem,m,sg
- ולאביו: PREP,pr,3,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- הגיד: VERB,hifil,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Judges 7:2-15 (thematic): Gideon’s surprise attack on the Midianite camp with a small band parallels Jonathan’s initiative to strike the Philistine outpost—both are bold, risky assaults by few against many relying on the LORD’s help.
- 1 Samuel 17:32-50 (thematic): David’s volunteer single combat against the Philistine champion (Goliath) echoes Jonathan’s personal, courageous engagement with the Philistine garrison—both are individual initiatives against Philistines that bypass conventional military procedure.
- Judges 3:15-26 (structural): Ehud’s secret approach and strike against the Moabite oppressor involves stealth and going alone into the enemy leader’s presence, similar in structure to Jonathan’s covert move into the Philistine position and his failure to inform the senior leader (Saul).
- 1 Samuel 24:1-7 (structural): David’s covert entry into Saul’s camp while Saul sleeps is a narrative parallel: a daring, clandestine incursion into the opposing/royal camp by a lone champion and his companion (or small group), showing the motif of secret action behind enemy lines.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it came about on that day that Jonathan son of Saul said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of the Philistines that is on the other side of this”; and he did not tell his father.
- Now it came to pass on that day that Jonathan son of Saul said to the young man bearing his equipment, 'Come, let us go over to the Philistine garrison that is on the other side of this place.' But he did not tell his father.
1 S.14.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ושאול: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יושב: VERB,qal,ptcp,1,m,sg
- בקצה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הגבעה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- תחת: PREP
- הרמון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- במגרון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והעם: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- כשש: NUM,card,sg
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 14:1 (structural): Immediate context: introduces Jonathan's initiative and sets the scene for Saul's position on the hill and the small number of troops.
- 1 Samuel 14:13-14 (thematic): Describes Jonathan's daring attack with a very small force against the Philistines, contrasting Saul's larger but passive encampment of about six hundred.
- Judges 7:7-8 (thematic): Gideon's campaign with a small remnant (300) against a larger army—parallel theme of God-ordained victory despite small Israeli forces.
- 1 Samuel 13:19-22 (thematic): Depicts Israel's military disadvantage and lack of weapons under Philistine dominance, explaining why Saul's force might be limited and vulnerable.
- 1 Samuel 11:6-11 (thematic): Earlier instance of Saul successfully mobilizing Israel to defeat an enemy (the Ammonites), providing a structural contrast with his later posture at Migron with only about six hundred men.
Alternative generated candidates
- Saul was sitting on the edge of the hill under the pomegranate tree at Migron, and the people who were with him were about six hundred men.
- Saul was sitting at the outskirts of the hill under the pomegranate tree at Migron, and the people who were with him numbered about six hundred men.
1 S.14.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואחיה: CONJ+VERB,hiphil,impf,1,c,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחטוב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחי: NOUN,m,pl,suff
- איכבוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פינחס: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- כהן: NOUN,m,sg,const
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בשלו: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- נשא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אפוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והעם: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- לא: PART_NEG
- ידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- הלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 14:18 (structural): Same narrative scene: Ahijah son of Ahitub is again identified with the ephod and a priestly role in the events surrounding Jonathan’s action, confirming his function and presence.
- 1 Samuel 21:1-9 (verbal): Ahimelech son of Ahitub (a close relative in the same priestly house) appears with the ephod and interacts with David — shows continuity of the Ahitub priestly line and the ephod’s practical use.
- 1 Samuel 4:21-22 (allusion): The naming of Ichabod (born to Phinehas’s house) provides background to the family connection: 1 Sam 14:3 calls Ahijah ‘brother of Ichabod,’ linking the genealogy and the legacy of Eli’s house.
- 1 Samuel 22:11-19 (thematic): The massacre at Nob (Doeg kills Ahimelech and the priests) involves members of the same Ahitub priestly family — a later consequence for the priestly house introduced in 14:3.
- Exodus 28:6-14 (verbal): Description of the ephod as priestly vestment and its components — provides cultic background for the mention that Ahijah ‘was wearing an ephod’ and clarifies the religious function he performed.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now Ahijah son of Ahitub, brother of Ichabod, son of Phinehas, son of Eli the priest, was carrying the ephod; and the people did not know that Jonathan had gone.
- Ahijah son of Ahitub, Ichabod's brother, son of Phinehas, son of Eli the priest, was wearing the ephod; and the people did not know that Jonathan had gone.
1 S.14.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ובין: CONJ+PREP
- המעברות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בקש: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- לעבר: INF,qal
- על: PREP
- מצב: VERB,pual,ptcp,-,m,sg
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- שן: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הסלע: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מהעבר: PREP
- מזה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושן: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הסלע: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מהעבר: PREP
- מזה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האחד: PRON,indef,sg,m
- בוצץ: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ושם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האחד: PRON,indef,sg,m
- סנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 13:23 (structural): Same broader setting at Michmash — a Philistine garrison at a mountain pass; provides immediate narrative background for Jonathan’s crossing.
- 1 Samuel 14:6-7 (structural): Direct continuation of the episode: Jonathan proposes and prepares to cross the pass to attack the Philistine outpost named in v.4.
- Exodus 3:2 (verbal): Uses the same Hebrew noun סְנֶה (seneh, 'thornbush'); lexical parallel linking the place-name Seneh in 1 Sam 14:4 with the burning bush motif in Exodus.
- Genesis 28:19 (thematic): Illustrates the common Israelite practice of naming sites after distinctive features or events (here Bethel), paralleling Jonathan’s naming of the two rocks.
Alternative generated candidates
- Between the passes that Jonathan sought to cross over to the Philistine garrison there was a sharp rock on this side and a sharp rock on that side; the name of one was Bozez and the name of the other Seneh.
- Between the passes that Jonathan proposed to cross to the Philistine garrison there was a sharp rock on this side and a sharp rock on that side; the name of one was Bozez and the name of the other Seneh.
1 S.14.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- השן: NOUN,f,sg,def
- האחד: PRON,indef,sg,m
- מצוק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מצפון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מול: PREP
- מכמש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והאחד: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- מנגב: PREP
- מול: PREP
- גבע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 14:4 (structural): Immediate context: describes Jonathan and his armor‑bearer slipping out into the fields and approaching the Philistine outposts—helps situate the two men’s positions on the crags mentioned in v.5.
- 1 Samuel 14:6 (thematic): Jonathan’s faith and decision to test God’s help directly follows the positional detail in v.5; the verse connects the daring placement on the cliffs with the intent to act by faith.
- Judges 7:16–22 (thematic): Gideon’s small force surprises and routs a much larger enemy by bold, unconventional tactics (night ambush/psychological attack), paralleling the theme of few men using terrain and initiative against a stronger foe.
- 1 Samuel 17:48–50 (thematic): David’s lone assault on Goliath—one man confronting a superior enemy and gaining decisive victory—parallels Jonathan’s lone initiative from a high vantage against the Philistine outpost.
- Judges 20:45–48 (allusion): Battle at Gibeah: another account of fighting connected to Gibeah’s terrain and tactical deployments; offers a geographical and tactical parallel to the combat setting in 1 Sam 14 (Gibeah as a focal place in conflict).
Alternative generated candidates
- The one sharp rock faces north, opposite Michmash, and the other faces south, opposite Gibeah.
- One sharp rock jutted out to the north opposite Michmash, and the other to the south opposite Gibeah.
1 S.14.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- הנער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- נשא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כליו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- לכה: VERB,qal,imp,2,f,sg
- ונעברה: VERB,qal,impf,1,pl
- אל: NEG
- מצב: VERB,pual,ptcp,-,m,sg
- הערלים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- האלה: DEM,pl
- אולי: ADV
- יעשה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- כי: CONJ
- אין: PART,neg
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- מעצור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- להושיע: VERB,hiph,inf,-,-,-,abs
- ברב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- או: CONJ
- במעט: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 14:11 (verbal): Uses almost identical wording: God can help 'whether with many or with those who have no power'—direct verbal parallel about Yahweh's ability to save regardless of numbers.
- Judges 7:7 (thematic): Gideon's victory with a small force—'by the three hundred men... will I save you'—echoes the theme that the LORD can deliver by few rather than many.
- 1 Samuel 17:47 (thematic): David's declaration that the battle belongs to the LORD and that God saves apart from human weapons or numbers reflects the same trust that Yahweh can save despite being outnumbered.
- Psalm 33:16–17 (thematic): Affirms that 'a king is not saved by a mighty army' and that human strength is not decisive—parallel theological assertion that salvation depends on God, not numbers or power.
- Exodus 14:14 (allusion): 'The LORD will fight for you; you need only be still'—similar assurance that God himself will act to save his people, obviating the importance of human force or multitude.
Alternative generated candidates
- Jonathan said to the young man, “Come, let us pass over to these uncircumcised men; perhaps the LORD will act for us—for the LORD is not restrained to save by many or by few.”
- And Jonathan said to the young man bearing his equipment, 'Come, let us cross over to these men; perhaps the LORD will work for us, for the LORD is not restrained—he can save by many or by few.'
1 S.14.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- נשא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כליו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+pr,3,m,sg
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בלבבך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- נטה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- הנני: PRT+PRON,1,sg
- עמך: NOUN,m,sg,suff-2m
- כלבבך: DET+NOUN,m,sg,abs+pr,2,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Sam.14.6 (structural): Immediate narrative context: Jonathan proposes the attack and the armour-bearer responds with encouragement and readiness—this verse and v.6 form the paired exchange urging action and expressing mutual resolve.
- Joshua 1:9 (verbal): Both contain an injunction to be bold and a promise of presence—‘be strong and courageous…for the LORD thy God is with thee’ parallels the encouragement to act with the assurance ‘I am with thee.’
- Judges 6:14,16 (thematic): God’s commissioning of Gideon—‘Go in this thy might… I will be with thee’—echoes the pattern of exhorting action coupled with the pledge of accompaniment found in 1 Sam 14:7.
- 1 Sam.17:45-47 (thematic): David’s declaration that the LORD will deliver Goliath into his hand expresses the same faith-motivated initiative and confidence in deliverance behind Jonathan’s/armour-bearer’s exhortation to act, linking human boldness with divine support.
Alternative generated candidates
- The young man said to Jonathan, “Do all that is in your heart; turn, and behold, I am with you according to your heart.”
- And the young man said to him, 'Do whatever is in your heart; go on—behold, I am with you with all my heart.'
1 S.14.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הנה: PART
- אנחנו: PRON,1,pl
- עברים: PART,qal,ptc,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- האנשים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ונגלינו: VERB,qal,imperfect,1,pl
- אליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 1 Sam 14:9 (verbal): Immediate continuation of Jonathan’s plan—he sets a sign and contingency for approaching the Philistine outpost (same scene and wording of ‘approach/reveal’).
- 1 Sam 14:13 (structural): The Philistine watchman actually sees Jonathan and his armor‑bearer coming out and announces that the Hebrews are revealing themselves—this verse records the outcome of the approach in 14:8.
- 1 Sam 13:3 (thematic): Earlier episode where Jonathan attacks a Philistine garrison at Geba; thematically parallels Jonathan’s initiative in striking a Philistine stronghold with a limited force.
- Judges 7:16-22 (thematic): Gideon and his small band approach and reveal themselves at night (breaking jars, blowing trumpets) to cause panic in the enemy camp—parallel tactic of a small force surprising a larger enemy by ‘coming out’ and exposing themselves.
Alternative generated candidates
- Jonathan said, “Behold, we will disclose ourselves to the men, and if they say thus to us—‘Stand still until we come to you’—then we will stand still in our place and will not ascend to them.
- Jonathan said, 'Behold, we will cross over to the men and reveal ourselves to them.'
1 S.14.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אם: CONJ
- כה: ADV
- יאמרו: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,pl
- אלינו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- דמו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss3ms
- עד: PREP
- הגיענו: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,pl
- אליכם: PREP+PRON,2,pl
- ועמדנו: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,pl
- תחתינו: PREP,1,_,pl
- ולא: CONJ
- נעלה: VERB,qal,impf,1,pl
- אליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 1 Sam 14:10 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same tactical exchange—Jonathan proposes testing the Philistines with a conditional approach ('Come up to us...') that sets the terms for action.
- 1 Sam 14:13 (structural): The outcome of the conditional plan in v.9—Jonathan acts on the sign and attacks, showing how the waiting/advance decision determines the engagement.
- Judges 6:36–40 (thematic): Gideon requests a sign from God (the fleece) to determine the course of action; parallels the use of a conditional sign to decide whether to advance.
- Judges 7:16–22 (thematic): Gideon divides his men and uses timed signals (blowing trumpets, breaking jars) to coordinate a surprise attack—similar tactical use of signs and staged advance.
- Josh 8:9–11 (thematic): Joshua sets an ambush and gives specific conditional instructions about when the hidden force should rise and attack, echoing the tactical waiting-and-signal pattern in 1 Samuel 14:9.
Alternative generated candidates
- But if they say thus—‘Come up to us’—then we will go up; for the LORD has given them into our hand. This shall be the sign to us.”
- If they say thus to us, ‘Wait until we come to you,’ and they stand in our presence and do not go up to us—
1 S.14.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואם: CONJ
- כה: ADV
- יאמרו: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,pl
- עלו: PREP+3ms_suff
- עלינו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- ועלינו: CONJ+PREP,1,pl
- כי: CONJ
- נתנם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg,prsuf,3,m,pl
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בידנו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,1,_,pl
- וזה: CONJ+PRON,dem,m,sg,abs
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- האות: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 17:46 (verbal): David: “This day will the LORD deliver thee into my hand…” — nearly identical claim that the LORD will give an enemy into the speaker’s hand (direct verbal and thematic parallel).
- Judges 6:36-40 (thematic): Gideon asks for a sign (“let this be a sign…”) to confirm God’s action — parallels Jonathan’s use of a sign to confirm that the LORD has given the enemy into their hand.
- Judges 7:19-22 (thematic): Gideon’s small band routs Midian because the LORD intervenes (the LORD sets every man’s sword against his fellow) — parallels the motif of a small force prevailing because God delivers the enemy into their hands.
- 1 Samuel 14:6 (structural): Earlier in the same episode Jonathan observes that God can save by many or by few — this statement provides the immediate narrative logic and structural precedent for proposing the sign in 14:10.
Alternative generated candidates
- So they disclosed themselves to the garrison of the Philistines; and the men of the garrison said, “Look, the Israelites are coming out of the holes where they had hidden.”
- if, however, they say, ‘Come up to us,’ then we will go up, for the LORD has given them into our hand; this shall be the sign to us.
1 S.14.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויגלו: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,pl
- שניהם: PRON,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- מצב: VERB,pual,ptcp,-,m,sg
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- הנה: PART
- עברים: PART,qal,ptc,3,m,pl
- יצאים: VERB,qal,ptc,3,mp,pl
- מן: PREP
- החרים: NOUN,prop,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- התחבאו: VERB,hithpael,perf,3,m,pl
- שם: ADV
Parallels
- 1 Sam.13.6 (verbal): Same language and imagery — Israelite men 'hid themselves' in caves, thickets, rocks and pits when pressed by the Philistines; parallels the 'holes where they had hid themselves' in 14:11.
- 1 Sam.14.10 (structural): Immediate narrative link: Jonathan and his armor-bearer expose themselves to the Philistine outpost, provoking the Philistines' cry that the Hebrews are coming out of the holes (14:11).
- Judg.7.19-22 (thematic): Gideon's small surprise force causes panic in the Midianite camp and a rout; parallels the motif of a small Israelite action producing enemy confusion and flight.
- 2 Kgs.7.6-7 (thematic): The Arameans hear a noise and flee at night, thinking a large force is against them; similar theme of enemy misperception and panic leading to abandonment/exposure of their position.
Alternative generated candidates
- The men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armor-bearer, “Come up to us and we will show you a thing.” Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, “Come after me; for the LORD has given them into the hand of Israel.”
- So they revealed themselves to the garrison, and the men of the garrison said, 'Look—Hebrews are coming out from the holes where they had hidden themselves.'
1 S.14.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויענו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- המצבה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- יונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- נשא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כליו: NOUN,m,pl,poss
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- עלו: PREP+3ms_suff
- אלינו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- ונודיעה: VERB,hiph,impf,1,pl
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- נשא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כליו: NOUN,m,pl,poss
- עלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אחרי: PREP
- כי: CONJ
- נתנם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg,prsuf,3,m,pl
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 14:6 (structural): Same episode — earlier Jonathan tells his armor‑bearer to come with him and expresses confidence that the LORD may act for them, paralleling the command and trust in v.12.
- 1 Samuel 17:46–47 (verbal): David's declaration to Goliath, 'this day the LORD will deliver you into my hand,' parallels Jonathan's confident formula attributing imminent victory to the LORD's deliverance.
- Judges 4:14 (verbal): Deborah's command to Barak—'Up; for this is the day in which the LORD hath delivered Sisera into thine hand'—uses the same trust language of God delivering the enemy into Israel's hand.
- Judges 7:2–7 (thematic): Gideon's reduction of forces and trust that God will deliver Midian echoes the theme of unlikely victory secured by divine intervention, as asserted by Jonathan.
- Exodus 14:13–14 (thematic): Moses' exhortation to stand firm because 'the LORD will fight for you' reflects the broader theological motif that victory in battle comes from Yahweh, which Jonathan invokes in v.12.
Alternative generated candidates
- Jonathan climbed up on his hands and on his feet, and his armor-bearer followed after him; and they fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer killed after him.
- And the men of the garrison answered Jonathan and the young man bearing his equipment, 'Come up to us and we will show you something.' Jonathan said to the young man, 'Come after me, for the LORD has given them into the hand of Israel.'
1 S.14.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- על: PREP
- ידיו: NOUN,f,pl,abs,suff:3,m,sg
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- רגליו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,suff:3,m
- ונשא: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- כליו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- אחריו: PREP,3,m,sg
- ויפלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לפני: PREP
- יונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ונשא: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- כליו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- ממותת: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אחריו: PREP,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Sam 14:6 (structural): Immediate parallel in the same episode: Jonathan and his armor‑bearer decide to attack the Philistine outpost, showing the same initiative and trust that leads to the climbing and close assault described in v.13.
- 1 Sam 17:38-40 (thematic): David’s rejection of Saul’s heavy armor and his choice to approach Goliath with minimal equipment parallels Jonathan’s agile, close‑quarters approach and reliance on skill/Divine help rather than full armor.
- Judg 7:16-22 (thematic): Gideon’s small band conducts a surprise, close‑quarters night attack that routs a superior enemy—similar tactical motif of a few men overturning a host by bold, unorthodox action.
- Judg 15:15 (thematic): Samson’s slaying of a thousand men with the jawbone (essentially bare‑handed/unarmored combat) echoes the motif of heroic, unconventional fighting without standard armor or weapons.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the first slaughter that Jonathan and his armor-bearer made was about twenty men, in the space of about half an acre.
- Jonathan climbed up on his hands and on his feet, and his armor-bearer followed after him; they fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer struck them down after him.
1 S.14.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותהי: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- המכה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הראשנה: ADJ,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הכה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ונשא: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- כליו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,pr3ms
- כעשרים: NUM,card
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כבחצי: NUM,frac
- מענה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צמד: NOUN,m,sg,const
- שדה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Judges 7:19-22 (thematic): Gideon with a small band uses a surprise night assault to throw a far larger enemy into panic and rout—parallel of a small force achieving disproportionate slaughter by surprise.
- Judges 15:15 (thematic): Samson single‑handedly slays a great number of Philistines (about a thousand) with an improvised weapon—an example of a lone hero killing many, echoing Jonathan's striking exploits.
- 2 Samuel 23:9-10 (thematic): Account of Eleazar (one of David’s mighty men) standing his ground and striking down Philistines in close combat—parallels Jonathan’s hand‑to‑hand achievements and the motif of a warrior and his companion accomplishing feats against many foes.
- 1 Samuel 14:20 (structural): Immediate narrative aftermath: panic and rout among the Philistines following Jonathan’s and Israel’s initial successes—connects the localized slaughter in v.14 with the wider collapse described here.
Alternative generated candidates
- There was trembling in the camp, in the field, and among all the people; and the garrison and the raiders also trembled, and the earth quaked—so great was the trembling of God.
- The first slaughter that Jonathan struck was about twenty men; the space of the slaughter was like half an acre of ground.
A Philistine detachment went out to the pass opposite Michmash. Now it came about on that day that Jonathan son of Saul said to the young man carrying his armor, “Come, let us go over to the Philistine outpost that is beyond here.” And he did not tell his father.
Saul was sitting at the edge of Gibeah beneath the pomegranate grove that is in Migron, and the people with him were about six hundred men.
Ahijah son of Ahitub, Ichabod’s brother, son of Phinehas, son of Eli the priest, was there wearing the ephod; and the people did not know that Jonathan had gone.
Between the passes that Jonathan sought to cross to reach the Philistine outpost there was a sharp rock on one side and a sharp rock on the other; the name of one was Bozez and the name of the other Seneh.
The one sharp rock jutted toward the north opposite Michmash, and the other jutted toward the south opposite Gibeah.
Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, “Come, let us pass over to the men; perhaps the LORD will act for us, for the LORD is not restrained to save by many or by few.” And his armor-bearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart; go then—behold, I am with you with all my heart.”
Jonathan said, “Behold, we are about to pass over to the men; we will make ourselves known to them.”
If they say to us, ‘Wait until we come to you’ and stand still until we reach you, then we will not go up to them. But if they say this, ‘Come up to us,’ then we will go up, for the LORD has given them into our hand. This shall be the sign to us.” So both of them made themselves known to the Philistine outpost; and the men of the outpost said, “Look, the Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they had hidden!”
The men of the outpost answered Jonathan and his armor-bearer, “Come up to us and we will show you something.” Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, “Come up after me, for the LORD has given them into Israel’s hand.”
Jonathan climbed up on his hands and on his feet, and his armor-bearer after him; they fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer struck and killed after him. Now the first slaughter that Jonathan and his armor-bearer made was about twenty men—within the space of about half an ephah of ground.