1 Samuel 13:1-7

International Standard Version

Saul’s Battles against the Philistines

13 Saul was 30^[a] years old when he began to reign, and he ruled for 42^[b] years over Israel. ² Saul chose for himself 3,000 men from Israel. There were 2,000 with Saul in Michmash and the hill country of Bethel, while 1,000 were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin. He had sent the rest of the people home.^[c]

³ Jonathan attacked the Philistine garrison^[d] in Geba, and the Philistines heard about it. Saul blew the trumpet throughout the land: “Listen, Hebrews!” ⁴ All Israel heard the report,^[e] “Saul has attacked the Philistine garrison^[f] and Israel has also become repulsive to the Philistines.” Then the people were summoned to Saul at Gilgal.

⁵ The Philistines assembled to fight against Israel with 30,000 chariots, 6,000 horsemen, and people as numerous as the sand on the seashore. And they advanced and camped in Michmash, east of Beth-aven. ⁶ When the men of Israel saw that they were in distress (for the people were in difficult circumstances), the people hid themselves in caves, in thickets, in crags, in tombs, and in pits. ⁷ Hebrews went across the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead, but Saul remained in Gilgal, and all the people followed him, trembling.