1 Samuel 13:3
New International Version
Jonathan attacked the Philistine outpost at Geba, and the Philistines heard about it. Then Saul had the trumpet blown throughout the land and said, “Let the Hebrews hear!”

New Living Translation
Soon after this, Jonathan attacked and defeated the garrison of Philistines at Geba. The news spread quickly among the Philistines. So Saul blew the ram’s horn throughout the land, saying, “Hebrews, hear this! Rise up in revolt!”

English Standard Version
Jonathan defeated the garrison of the Philistines that was at Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, “Let the Hebrews hear.”

Berean Standard Bible
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!”

King James Bible
And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear.

New King James Version
And Jonathan attacked the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. Then Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, “Let the Hebrews hear!”

New American Standard Bible
And Jonathan attacked the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard about it. Then Saul blew the trumpet throughout the land, saying, “Let the Hebrews hear!”

NASB 1995
Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. Then Saul blew the trumpet throughout the land, saying, “Let the Hebrews hear.”

NASB 1977
And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. Then Saul blew the trumpet throughout the land, saying, “Let the Hebrews hear.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And Jonathan struck the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. Then Saul blew the trumpet throughout the land, saying, “Let the Hebrews hear.”

Amplified Bible
Jonathan attacked and defeated the Philistine garrison which was at Geba, and the Philistines heard about it. Then Saul blew the trumpet throughout the land, saying, “Let the Hebrews hear.”

Christian Standard Bible
Jonathan attacked the Philistine garrison in Gibeah, and the Philistines heard about it. So Saul blew the ram’s horn throughout the land saying, “Let the Hebrews hear! ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Jonathan attacked the Philistine garrison that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard about it. So Saul blew the ram’s horn throughout the land saying, “Let the Hebrews hear!”

American Standard Version
And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba: and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear.

Contemporary English Version
Jonathan led an attack on the Philistine army camp at Geba. The Philistine camp was destroyed, but the other Philistines heard what had happened. Then Saul told his messengers, "Go to every village in the country. Give a signal with the trumpet, and when the people come together, tell them what has happened."

English Revised Version
And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Jonathan defeated the Philistine troops at Geba, and the Philistines heard about it. With the sounding of the ram's horn throughout the land, Saul announced, "Listen, Hebrews!"

Good News Translation
Jonathan killed the Philistine commander in Geba, and all the Philistines heard about it. Then Saul sent messengers to call the Hebrews to war by blowing a trumpet throughout the whole country.

International Standard Version
Jonathan attacked the Philistine garrison in Geba, and the Philistines heard about it. Saul blew the trumpet throughout the land: "Listen, Hebrews!"

Majority Standard Bible
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!?

NET Bible
Jonathan attacked the Philistine outpost that was at Geba and the Philistines heard about it. Then Saul alerted all the land saying, "Let the Hebrews pay attention!"

New Heart English Bible
Now Jonathan struck the garrison of the Philistines that was at Gibeah, and the Philistines heard of it. Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, "Let the Hebrews hear."

Webster's Bible Translation
And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba; and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear.

World English Bible
Jonathan struck the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, “Let the Hebrews hear!”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Jonathan strikes the garrison of the Philistines which [is] in Geba, and the Philistines hear, and Saul has blown with a horn through all the land, saying, “Let the Hebrews hear.”

Young's Literal Translation
And Jonathan smiteth the garrison of the Philistines which is in Geba, and the Philistines hear, and Saul hath blown with a trumpet through all the land, saying, 'Let the Hebrews hear.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jonathan will strike a garrison of Philisteim which is in the hill, and Philisteim will hear, and Saul will clang upon the trumpet in all the land, saying, The Hebrews shall hear.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines which was in Gabaa. And when the Philistines had heard of it, Saul sounded the trumpet over all the land, saying: Let the Hebrews hear.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Jonathan struck the garrison of the Philistines, which was in Gibeah. And when the Philistines had heard about it, Saul sounded the trumpet over all the land, saying, “Let the Hebrews listen.”

New American Bible
Now Jonathan struck the Philistine garrison in Gibeah, and the Philistines got word of it. Then Saul sounded the horn throughout the land, saying, “Let the Hebrews hear!”

New Revised Standard Version
Jonathan defeated the garrison of the Philistines that was at Geba; and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, “Let the Hebrews hear!”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews and all Israel hear the news

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Jonathan struck the garrison of the Philistines in Gaba, and the Philistines heard, and Shaul sounded on the trumpet in all the land, saying: “Let the Hebrews hear and all Israel!
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the horn throughout all the land, saying: 'Let the Hebrews hear.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Jonathan smote Nasib the Philistine that dwelt in the hill; and the Philistines hear of it, and Saul sounds the trumpet through all the land, saying, The servants have despised us.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
War with the Philistines
2He chose for himself three thousand men of Israel: Two thousand were with Saul at Michmash and in the hill country 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. 3Then 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!” 4And 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.…

Cross References
Judges 3:27
On arriving in Seirah, he blew the ram’s horn throughout the hill country of Ephraim. The Israelites came down with him from the hills, and he became their leader.

2 Samuel 20:1
Now a worthless man named Sheba son of Bichri, a Benjamite, happened to be there, and he blew the ram’s horn and shouted: “We have no share in David, no inheritance in Jesse’s son. Every man to his tent, O Israel!”

1 Samuel 10:5
After that you will come to Gibeah of God, where the Philistines have an outpost. As you approach the city, you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place, preceded by harps, tambourines, flutes, and lyres, and they will be prophesying.

1 Samuel 11:14-15
Then Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and renew the kingship there.” / So all the people went to Gilgal and confirmed Saul as king in the presence of the LORD. There they sacrificed peace offerings before the LORD, and Saul and all the Israelites rejoiced greatly.

1 Samuel 14:47-48
After Saul had assumed the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side—the Moabites, the Ammonites, the Edomites, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines. Wherever he turned, he routed them. / He fought valiantly and defeated the Amalekites, delivering Israel from the hands of its plunderers.

1 Samuel 7:5-6
Then Samuel said, “Gather all Israel to Mizpah, and I will pray to the LORD on your behalf.” / When they had gathered at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the LORD. On that day they fasted, and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the LORD.” And Samuel judged the Israelites at Mizpah.

1 Samuel 10:8
And you shall go before me to Gilgal, and surely I will come to you to offer burnt offerings and to sacrifice peace offerings. Wait seven days until I come to you and show you what you are to do.”

1 Samuel 15:1-3
Then Samuel said to Saul, “The LORD sent me to anoint you king over His people Israel. Now therefore, listen to the words of the LORD. / This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘I witnessed what the Amalekites did to the Israelites when they opposed them on their way up from Egypt. / Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’”

1 Samuel 17:52
Then the men of Israel and Judah charged forward with a shout and pursued the Philistines to the entrance of Gath and to the gates of Ekron. And the bodies of the Philistines were strewn along the Shaaraim road to Gath and Ekron.

1 Samuel 18:6-7
As the troops were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs, and with tambourines and other instruments. / And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.”

1 Samuel 19:8
When war broke out again, David went out and fought the Philistines and struck them with such a mighty blow that they fled before him.

1 Samuel 23:1-5
Now it was reported to David, “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and looting the threshing floors.” / So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go and attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” / But David’s men said to him, “Look, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?” ...

1 Samuel 31:1-2
Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa. / The Philistines hotly pursued Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua.

2 Samuel 5:17-25
When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they all went in search of him; but David learned of this and went down to the stronghold. / Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. / So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go up,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.” ...

2 Kings 9:13
Quickly, each man took his garment and put it under Jehu on the bare steps. Then they blew the ram’s horn and proclaimed, “Jehu is king!”


Treasury of Scripture

And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear.

the garrison

1 Samuel 10:5
After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy:

1 Samuel 14:1-6
Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison, that is on the other side. But he told not his father…

2 Samuel 23:14
And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.

Geba.

Joshua 18:24
And Chepharhaammonai, and Ophni, and Gaba; twelve cities with their villages:

Gaba

Isaiah 10:29
They are gone over the passage: they have taken up their lodging at Geba; Ramah is afraid; Gibeah of Saul is fled.

Zechariah 14:10
All the land shall be turned as a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem: and it shall be lifted up, and inhabited in her place, from Benjamin's gate unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner gate, and from the tower of Hananeel unto the king's winepresses.

blew

Judges 3:27
And it came to pass, when he was come, that he blew a trumpet in the mountain of Ephraim, and the children of Israel went down with him from the mount, and he before them.

Judges 6:34
But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered after him.

2 Samuel 2:28
So Joab blew a trumpet, and all the people stood still, and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they any more.

Jump to Previous
Armed Attack Attacked Blew Blown Defeated Hear Heard Hebrews Horn Jonathan Land News Outpost Philistine Philistines Saul Smiteth Smote Sounded Stationed Struck Throughout Trumpet Turned
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Armed Attack Attacked Blew Blown Defeated Hear Heard Hebrews Horn Jonathan Land News Outpost Philistine Philistines Saul Smiteth Smote Sounded Stationed Struck Throughout Trumpet Turned
1 Samuel 13
1. Saul's select band
3. He calls the Hebrews to Gilgal against the Philistines
5. The Philistines' great army
6. The distress of the Israelites
8. Saul, weary of staying for Samuel, sacrifices
11. Samuel reproves him
17. The three raiding parties of the Philistines
19. The policy of the Philistines, to allow no blacksmith in Israel














Then Jonathan attacked the Philistine outpost at Geba
Jonathan, the son of King Saul, demonstrates his military prowess and initiative by attacking the Philistine outpost. This action is significant as it marks the beginning of open hostilities between Israel and the Philistines during Saul's reign. Geba, a town in the territory of Benjamin, is strategically important, serving as a military outpost. The Philistines had established garrisons in Israelite territory, indicating their dominance and control over the region. Jonathan's attack is a bold move, challenging Philistine authority and igniting a larger conflict. This act of aggression can be seen as a catalyst for the ensuing battles between the two nations.

and the Philistines heard about it
The Philistines, a formidable enemy of Israel, were known for their military strength and advanced weaponry, including iron chariots and superior metallurgy. Hearing of the attack, they would likely perceive it as a direct threat to their control and respond with force. This phrase underscores the tension and volatility of the period, as any act of defiance by the Israelites could provoke a significant military response from the Philistines. The Philistines' awareness of the attack sets the stage for the subsequent escalation of conflict.

So Saul blew the ram’s horn throughout the land
The blowing of the ram's horn, or shofar, is a traditional call to arms in ancient Israel. It serves as a signal to rally the people for war, indicating the seriousness of the situation. Saul, as king, takes on the role of leader and mobilizer, calling the Israelites to prepare for battle. This action reflects the urgency and gravity of the threat posed by the Philistines. The use of the shofar is deeply rooted in Israelite culture and religious practice, often associated with significant events such as the giving of the Law at Sinai and the fall of Jericho.

saying, “Let the Hebrews hear!”
The term "Hebrews" is used here to refer to the Israelites, emphasizing their identity and unity as a people. Saul's proclamation is a call to national solidarity and action against a common enemy. This phrase highlights the need for collective response and cooperation among the tribes of Israel. It also reflects the socio-political structure of the time, where tribal affiliations were strong, and a unified response was necessary to confront external threats. Saul's leadership is put to the test as he seeks to unite the people under his command to face the Philistine challenge.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jonathan
The son of King Saul, known for his bravery and faith in God. He initiates the attack on the Philistine outpost, demonstrating his proactive leadership and trust in God's deliverance.

2. Philistines
A significant enemy of Israel during this period, representing opposition to God's people. Their presence and military strength were a constant threat to Israel.

3. Geba
A strategic location in the territory of Benjamin, serving as a military outpost. Its capture by Jonathan was a significant tactical victory for Israel.

4. Saul
The first king of Israel, anointed by Samuel. His response to Jonathan's victory is to rally the Israelites, showing his role as a leader but also hinting at his reliance on human efforts.

5. Trumpet
Used as a means of communication and rallying the people. It signifies a call to arms and a declaration of war against the Philistines.
Teaching Points
Faith in Action
Jonathan's attack on the Philistine outpost demonstrates the importance of taking initiative based on faith. Believers are encouraged to act courageously when led by God.

Leadership and Responsibility
Saul's response to Jonathan's victory shows the role of a leader in mobilizing and uniting people. Christian leaders should be proactive in rallying others for God's purposes.

Divine Strategy
The victory at Geba illustrates that God's strategies often involve unexpected and bold actions. Believers should seek God's guidance in their battles and trust His plans.

Communication and Unity
The blowing of the trumpet signifies the power of clear communication in uniting God's people. In the church, effective communication fosters unity and collective action.

Spiritual Warfare
The conflict with the Philistines is a reminder of the spiritual battles believers face. Ephesians 6:12 encourages Christians to recognize the spiritual nature of their struggles and rely on God's armor.(3) And Jonathan smote the garrison.--Jonathan throughout this history appears as the perfect type of a warrior, according to the requirements of his age; he is everywhere the first in courage and activity and speed, slender also, and of well-made figure. This personal beauty and swiftness of foot in attack or retreat gained for him among the troops the name of "gazelle." (The first lines of the song, 2Samuel 1:19, can only be explained on the supposition that Jonathan was well known by this name in the army.) "In all this, as in his uprightness and fidelity, he showed himself the right worthy son of a king."--Ewald. Some translate the word rightly rendered "garrison" as "pillar," a sign of the authority of the Philistines; others--e.g., Ewald--as a proper name, supposing that the officer appointed to collect tribute from Israel in that part of the country is meant.

And Saul blew the trumpet.--This was evidently more than a communication of good news to the people. Saul intended it as a summons to Israel to prepare at once for war.

Verse 3. - In Geba. By this garrison the Philistines commanded the further end of the defile, and they had also another outpost beyond it near Gibeah itself (1 Samuel 10:5). Probably neither of these garrisons was very strong, and Saul may have intended that Jonathan should attack them while he held the northern end of the pass, which would be the first place assailed by the Philistines in force. As regards the word translated garrison, attempts have been made to render it pillar, and to represent it as a token of Philistine supremacy which Jonathan threw down, while others, with the Septuagint, take it as a proper name; but the word smote is strongly in favour of the rendering of the A.V. Let the Hebrews hear. Saul must have intended war when he thus posted himself and Jonathan in such commanding spots, and probably all this had been sketched out by Samuel (see on 1 Samuel 10:8). He now summons all Israel to the war. It is strange that he should call the people "Hebrews," the Philistine title of contempt; but it is used again in ver. 7, and of course in ver. 19. The Septuagint reads, "Let the slaves revolt," but though followed by Josephus, the change of text is not probable.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then Jonathan
יוֹנָתָ֗ן (yō·w·nā·ṯān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3129: Jonathan

attacked
וַיַּ֣ךְ (way·yaḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5221: To strike

the Philistine
פְּלִשְׁתִּים֙ (pə·liš·tîm)
Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia

outpost
נְצִ֤יב (nə·ṣîḇ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5333: Something stationary, a prefect, a military post, a statue

at Geba,
בְּגֶ֔בַע (bə·ḡe·ḇa‘)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1387: Geba -- a Levitical city of Benjamin

and the Philistines
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים (pə·liš·tîm)
Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia

heard [about it].
וַֽיִּשְׁמְע֖וּ (way·yiš·mə·‘ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

So Saul
וְשָׁאוּל֩ (wə·šā·’ūl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

blew
תָּקַ֨ע (tā·qa‘)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8628: To clatter, slap, clang, to drive, to become bondsman

the trumpet
בַּשּׁוֹפָ֤ר (baš·šō·w·p̄ār)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7782: A cornet, curved horn

throughout
בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the land,
הָאָ֙רֶץ֙ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

saying,
לֵאמֹ֔ר (lê·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Let the Hebrews
הָעִבְרִֽים׃ (hā·‘iḇ·rîm)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 5680: Hebrews -- perhaps descendant of Eber, also another name for an Israelite

hear!”
יִשְׁמְע֖וּ (yiš·mə·‘ū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently


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OT History: 1 Samuel 13:3 Jonathan struck the garrison of the Philistines (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 13:2
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