War with the Philistines

Saul was [thirty] years old[fn] when he became king, and he reigned over Israel [forty-]two years.[fn] 2 [He] chose for himself three thousand [men] of Israel: Two thousand were with Saul at Michmash and in the hill country vvv of Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin. And the rest of the troops he sent away, each to his own [home].

3 

Then Jonathan attacked the Philistine outpost at Geba, and the Philistines heard [about it]. So Saul blew the ram’s horn throughout the land, saying,“Let the Hebrews hear!”

4 

And all Israel heard the news:“Saul has attacked an outpost of the Philistines, and now Israel has become a stench to the Philistines!” Then the people were summoned to join Saul at Gilgal.

5 

Now the Philistines assembled to fight against Israel with three thousand[fn] chariots, six thousand horsemen, and troops as numerous as the sand on the seashore They went up and camped at Michmash, east vvv of Beth-aven.

6 

Seeing that they were in danger because their troops were hard-pressed, the men of Israel hid in caves and thickets, among the rocks, and in cellars and cisterns. 7 Some Hebrews even crossed the Jordan into the land of Gad and Gilead. Saul, however, remained at Gilgal, and all his troops were quaking in fear

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