← Back
2

When did the battles in 1 Samuel 13 and 1 Samuel 14 take place? Are these chapters describing the same battle?



      

1 Samuel 14:1 - 52

ESV - 1 One day Jonathan the son of Saul said to the young man who carried his armor, "Come, let us go over to the Philistine garrison on the other side." But he did not tell his father. 2 Saul was staying in the outskirts of Gibeah in the pomegranate cave at Migron. The people who were with him were about six hundred men.

Clarify Share Report Asked October 07 2013 Mini Minnie Gee

Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.

1
Mini Andrew Hayman
Taking place in the second year of Saul's reign (ch.13:1). 
Looking at the two chapters and the following verses in particular, it would seem that the chapters do belong side by side. 

In CHAPTER 13:
Saul called the people to himself in Gigal after Jonathan's victory at Geba (in Ephraim). The Philistines follow by gathering themselves in great number. This frightens the Hebrews in CH.13 so that they, "did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits." (in Ephraim).

THEN
In CHAPTER 14:
The Lord wonderfully turns things around as Jonathan dares to trust Him; and as the Philistine army flees we see "the men of Israel which had hid themselves in mount Ephraim" coming out to pursue the fleeing army. 

1 Samuel 13:6-7
When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait, (for the people were distressed,) then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits. And some of the Hebrews went over Jordan...

1 Samuel 14:22
Likewise all the men of Israel which had hid themselves in mount Ephraim, when they heard that the Philistines fled, even they also followed hard after them in the battle.
God bless

October 08 2013 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


Add your Answer

All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.

What makes a good answer? ▼

A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.

  1. Adhere to the eBible Statement of Faith.
  2. Your answer should be complete and stand-alone.
  3. Include supporting arguments, and scripture references if possible. Seek to answer the "why".
  4. Adhere to a proper tone and spirit of love and understanding.
  5. For more info see The Complete Guide to eBible
Header
  1. 4000 characters remaining