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Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 13 - Verse 23

13:23
And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmash.

Meaning

The verse "And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmash" describes a significant event in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of 1 Samuel. This verse is part of a larger narrative detailing the conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines. The Philistines were a powerful enemy of the Israelites, and their garrison going out to the passage of Michmash signifies their military movement towards the Israelite territory. This action would have instigated fear and concern among the Israelites as they prepared for a potential battle. The passage of Michmash served as a strategic location for the Philistines to advance and potentially invade Israelite territory. This verse sets the stage for the ensuing conflict and the bravery and faith of individuals such as Saul and Jonathan in the face of overwhelming odds. Overall, this verse highlights the constant struggle between good and evil in the biblical narrative and the importance of faith in times of adversity.

Theological Overview

The verse "And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmash" found in 1 Samuel 13:23 offers a significant insight into the ongoing conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines. The term "garrison" refers to a military unit or fortified outpost, indicating the Philistine's strategic positioning to control access to the passage of Michmash. The location of Michmash holds theological significance as it was the site where King Saul and his son Jonathan faced the Philistine army in a pivotal battle (1 Samuel 13:5-23). The word "Michmash" itself means "hiding place" in Hebrew, highlighting the importance of this passage as a key location for military maneuvers and strategic positioning. This verse showcases the continuous struggle for power and territory between the Israelites and the Philistines, setting the stage for the events that follow in the biblical narrative.

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