Chapter 13: The battle with the Philistines and the loss of the monarchy by Shaul

1.      The reign of Shaul:

• Shaul was [clean of sin as if he were[1]] a year old when he reigned, and for two years he reigned over Israel.
• Shaul’s army: [At the time of the inauguration in Gilgal[2]] Shaul chose three thousand men from amongst Israel [to remain with him, ready to be called for any of his needs[3]]. Two thousand of them were [situated in the areas of] Michmash and on the Beis Eil mountain, and one thousand were with Yonoson by Givas Binyamon. The rest of the nation [who came to Gilgal by the original inauguration[4], in excess of the three thousand] were sent back to their homes.

2.      The Philistine governor is assassinated, and they thereby gather for battle:

• The Philistine appointed governor is killed: Yonason smote the Philistine governor [that was appointed to govern and rule over the Jewish people in Israel[5]] that was by [an area called[6]] Geva, and the Philistines heard of the death. Shaul sounded the Shofar throughout all the land in order so the Jewish people hear [and beware from vengeance of the Philistines[7]]. All the Jewish people heard that Shaul killed the governor of the Philistines. The Jewish people became despised by the Philistines, and they joined Shaul in Gilgal.
• The Philistines gather an army for battle: The Philistines gathered to battle the Jewish people. They had 30,000 wagons, and 6,000 soldiers mounted on horses, and an army as countless as the sand of the sea. They encamped by Michmash, which is east of Beis Aven. The Jewish people saw all this and became frightened, as the nation had been oppressed by the Philistines. The nation hid in caves and bushes and rocks, towers, and pits. The nation crossed the Jordon, to the land of Gad and Galaad, while Shaul was still by Gilgal, with the [remainder of the[8]] entire nation following him.

[1] Rashi 13:1; Yuma 22b

[2] Radak 13:2

[3] Metzudos Dovid 13:2

[4] Radak 13:2

[5] Rashi 13:3

[6] Radak 13:3

[7] Metzudos Dovid 13:3

[8] Metzudos Dovid 13:7