Tanach
Shmuel I 14 שמואל א י״ד
Part of: Petuchah, I Samuel 14:12Petuchah, I Samuel 14:17Petuchah, I Samuel 14:19Petuchah, I Samuel 14:36Petuchah, I Samuel 14:49Setumah, I Samuel 14:1Setumah, I Samuel 14:6Setumah, I Samuel 14:8Setumah, I Samuel 14:25Setumah, I Samuel 14:36Setumah, I Samuel 14:41Setumah, I Samuel 14:44Setumah, I Samuel 14:46Setumah, I Samuel 14:52
Reading: Hebrew · Simple EnglishHebrew · Faithful translationHebrew onlyHebrew · Simple EnglishHebrew · Faithful translationHebrew onlySimple English onlyFaithful translation onlySide by sideRashi
וַיְהִי הַיּוֹם וַיֹּאמֶר יוֹנָתָן בֶּן־שָׁאוּל אֶל־הַנַּעַר נֹשֵׂא כֵלָיו לְכָה וְנַעְבְּרָה אֶל־מַצַּב פְּלִשְׁתִּים אֲשֶׁר מֵעֵבֶר הַלָּז וּלְאָבִיו לֹא הִגִּֽיד׃
It happened one day that Yonoson son of Shaul said to the youth who carried his weapons, "Come, let us cross over to the Philistine garrison which is on the other side." But he did not tell his father.
It happened one day that Yonoson son of Shaul said to the youth who carried his weapons, "Come, let us cross over to the Philistine garrison which is on the other side." But he did not tell his father.
Rashi
מעבר הלז. גי שני ההרים:
On the other side. Of the valley [between] the two mountains.
וְשָׁאוּל יוֹשֵׁב בִּקְצֵה הַגִּבְעָה תַּחַת הָרִמּוֹן אֲשֶׁר בְּמִגְרוֹן וְהָעָם אֲשֶׁר עִמּוֹ כְּשֵׁשׁ מֵאוֹת אִֽישׁ׃
Shaul was staying at the edge of Givoh, under the pomegranate tree which was in Migron; and the people who were with him, were about six hundred men.
Shaul was staying at the edge of Givoh, under the pomegranate tree which was in Migron; and the people who were with him, were about six hundred men.
Rashi
בקצה הגבעה. בסוף הגבעה:
At the edge of Givah. At the end of Givah.
וַאֲחִיָּה בֶן־אֲחִטוּב אֲחִי אִיכָבוֹד ׀ בֶּן־פִּֽינְחָס בֶּן־עֵלִי כֹּהֵן ׀ יְהֹוָה בְּשִׁלוֹ נֹשֵׂא אֵפוֹד וְהָעָם לֹא יָדַע כִּי הָלַךְ יוֹנָתָֽן׃
Achiyoh son of Achitov, brother of Ichavod, son of Pinchas, son of Eili the kohein of Adonoy in Shiloh, wore the Eiphod. The people did not know that Yonoson had gone.
Achiyoh son of Achitov, brother of Ichavod, son of Pinchas, son of Eili the kohein of Adonoy in Shiloh, wore the Eiphod. The people did not know that Yonoson had gone.
Rashi
נשא אפוד. אורים ותומים:
Wore the Eiphod. Meaning the Urim and Tumim.
וּבֵין הַֽמַּעְבְּרוֹת אֲשֶׁר בִּקֵּשׁ יֽוֹנָתָן לַעֲבֹר עַל־מַצַּב פְּלִשְׁתִּים שֵׁן־הַסֶּלַע מֵהָעֵבֶר מִזֶּה וְשֵׁן־הַסֶּלַע מֵהָעֵבֶר מִזֶּה וְשֵׁם הָאֶחָד בּוֹצֵץ וְשֵׁם הָאֶחָד סֶֽנֶּה׃
Between the passes that Yonoson wanted to cross to the Philistine garrison, there was a rocky precipice on one side and a rocky precipice on the other side; one was named Botzetz and the other was named Seneh.
Between the passes that Yonoson wanted to cross to the Philistine garrison, there was a rocky precipice on one side and a rocky precipice on the other side; one was named Botzetz and the other was named Seneh.
Rashi
ובין המעברות אשר בקש יונתן לעבור. כן היה עשוי, שן הסלע היה מהעבר מזה לבין המעברות מזה, ושן הסלע לבין המעברות מזה הגיא הוא קרוי בין המעברות, והיה לו סלע מכאן, וסלע מכאן, זה בעברו מזה, וזה בעברו מזה, והגיא בין שני העברים, אותו הגיא בקש יונתן לעבור:
Between the passes that Yonoson wanted to cross. It was thus made: There was a rocky precipice from this side of 'between the passes,' and there was a rocky precipice from the other side of 'between the passes.' The valley is called 'between the passes,' and it had a stone from here, and a stone from here, one on this side and one on the other side, and the valley was between the two passes. It was that valley that Yonoson wanted to cross.
שן הסלע. שם שן האחד 'בוצץ', ושם השני 'סנה':
Rocky precipice. The name of one precipice was Botzeitz and the name of the second was Seneh.1 The names of the two rocky crags are indicative of their terrain. Botzeitz as implied by its name, had a smooth and slippery surface making it very difficult to scale. Seneh had a “treaded on” surface.—Radak
הַשֵּׁן הָאֶחָד מָצוּק מִצָּפוֹן מוּל מִכְמָשׂ וְהָאֶחָד מִנֶּגֶב מוּל גָּֽבַע׃ {ס}
One precipice jutted out from the north, towards Michmos, and the other was from the south, towards Geva.
One precipice jutted out from the north, towards Michmos, and the other was from the south, towards Geva.
Rashi
מצוק מצפון. משופע ועולה מצד צפון אל מכמש:
Jutted out from the north. Slanting from the north side toward Michmos.
מול גבע. שממנה יצא יהונתן:
Toward Geva. From where Yonoson emerged.
וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוֹנָתָן אֶל־הַנַּעַר ׀ נֹשֵׂא כֵלָיו לְכָה וְנַעְבְּרָה אֶל־מַצַּב הָעֲרֵלִים הָאֵלֶּה אוּלַי יַעֲשֶׂה יְהֹוָה לָנוּ כִּי אֵין לַֽיהֹוָה מַעְצוֹר לְהוֹשִׁיעַ בְּרַב אוֹ בִמְעָֽט׃
Yonoson said to the youth carrying his weapons, "Come, let us cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps Adonoy will act on our behalf, for nothing can prevent Adonoy from saving [us], whether by many or by few."
Yonoson said to the youth carrying his weapons, "Come, let us cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps Adonoy will act on our behalf, for nothing can prevent Adonoy from saving [us], whether by many or by few."
וַיֹּאמֶר לוֹ נֹשֵׂא כֵלָיו עֲשֵׂה כׇּל־אֲשֶׁר בִּלְבָבֶךָ נְטֵה לָךְ הִנְנִי עִמְּךָ כִּלְבָבֶֽךָ׃ {ס}
His weapon bearer said to him, "Do whatever is in your heart. Choose your direction; I am with you as you please."
His weapon bearer said to him, "Do whatever is in your heart. Choose your direction; I am with you as you please."
וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוֹנָתָן הִנֵּה אֲנַחְנוּ עֹבְרִים אֶל־הָאֲנָשִׁים וְנִגְלִינוּ אֲלֵיהֶֽם׃
Yonoson said, "Behold, we are crossing over to the men, and we will reveal ourselves to them.
Yonoson said, "Behold, we are crossing over to the men, and we will reveal ourselves to them.
אִם־כֹּה יֹֽאמְרוּ אֵלֵינוּ דֹּמּוּ עַד־הַגִּיעֵנוּ אֲלֵיכֶם וְעָמַדְנוּ תַחְתֵּינוּ וְלֹא נַעֲלֶה אֲלֵיהֶֽם׃
If they say to us, 'Stop until we reach you,' we will then stay our ground and not go up to them.
If they say to us, 'Stop until we reach you,' we will then stay our ground and not go up to them.
Rashi
דמו. המתינו, כמו (יהושע י יב): שמש בגבעון דום ; וכן (תהלים לז ז): דום לה', אם כה יאמרו: דומו ונעלה אליכם, שעתם מצלחת ולבם רם עליהם:
Stop. Wait, as in, "Sun, wait [דּוֹם] in Givon,"2 Yehoshua 10:12. and as in, "Wait for ."3 Tehillim 37:7.השם [The meaning here being] if they say, "Wait, and we will go up to you," they are presently successful and they are proud.
וְאִם־כֹּה יֹאמְרוּ עֲלוּ עָלֵינוּ וְעָלִינוּ כִּֽי־נְתָנָם יְהֹוָה בְּיָדֵנוּ וְזֶה־לָּנוּ הָאֽוֹת׃
But if they say [to us], 'Come up to us,' then we will go up, for Adonoy has delivered them into our hand. This is our sign."
But if they say [to us], 'Come up to us,' then we will go up, for Adonoy has delivered them into our hand. This is our sign."
Rashi
ואם כה יאמרו עלו עלינו. פחד הקב"ה בלבם, ויראים לזוז ממקומם:
But if they say [to us], 'Come up to us.' A fear inspired by the Holy One, Blessed is He, is in their heart and they are afraid to move from their place.4Although there is a prohibition against resorting to omens in Vayikra 19:26, Tosfos in Maseches Chulin 95b explains that Yonoson himself did not believe in the sign, he only made it to encourage his weapon bearer. See Radak.
וַיִּגָּלוּ שְׁנֵיהֶם אֶל־מַצַּב פְּלִשְׁתִּים וַיֹּאמְרוּ פְלִשְׁתִּים הִנֵּה עִבְרִים יֹֽצְאִים מִן־הַחֹרִים אֲשֶׁר הִתְחַבְּאוּ־שָֽׁם׃
The two of them revealed themselves to the Philistine garrison, and the Philistines said, "Behold, these Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they were hiding."
The two of them revealed themselves to the Philistine garrison, and the Philistines said, "Behold, these Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they were hiding."
וַיַּעֲנוּ אַנְשֵׁי הַמַּצָּבָה אֶת־יוֹנָתָן ׀ וְאֶת־נֹשֵׂא כֵלָיו וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ עֲלוּ אֵלֵינוּ וְנוֹדִיעָה אֶתְכֶם דָּבָר {פ}
וַיֹּאמֶר יוֹנָתָן אֶל־נֹשֵׂא כֵלָיו עֲלֵה אַחֲרַי כִּֽי־נְתָנָם יְהֹוָה בְּיַד יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
The men of the garrison called out to Yonoson and his weapon bearer, saying, "Come up to us. We have something to tell you." Yonoson then said to his weapon bearer, "Come up after me, for Adonoy has delivered them into the hand of Yisroel."
The men of the garrison called out to Yonoson and his weapon bearer, saying, "Come up to us. We have something to tell you." Yonoson then said to his weapon bearer, "Come up after me, for Adonoy has delivered them into the hand of Yisroel."
Rashi
ויענו. לשון הרמת קול:
[They] called out. An expression of raising [one's] voice.
וַיַּעַל יוֹנָתָן עַל־יָדָיו וְעַל־רַגְלָיו וְנֹשֵׂא כֵלָיו אַחֲרָיו וַֽיִּפְּלוּ לִפְנֵי יוֹנָתָן וְנֹשֵׂא כֵלָיו מְמוֹתֵת אַחֲרָֽיו׃
Yonoson climbed up on his hands and feet, with his weapon bearer behind him, and they [the Philistines] fell before Yonoson, and his weapon bearer slew people behind him.
Yonoson climbed up on his hands and feet, with his weapon bearer behind him, and they [the Philistines] fell before Yonoson, and his weapon bearer slew people behind him.
Rashi
על ידיו ועל רגליו. כלומר בכל כח ומרוצה:
On his hands and feet. I.e., with all his might and running.5 Rashi explains עַל יָדָיו וֽעַל רַגְלָיו as an idiomatic expression; but Radak explains it literally, that they had to use their hands and feet to climb because it was a very steep and slippery crag.
וַתְּהִי הַמַּכָּה הָרִאשֹׁנָה אֲשֶׁר הִכָּה יוֹנָתָן וְנֹשֵׂא כֵלָיו כְּעֶשְׂרִים אִישׁ כְּבַחֲצִי מַעֲנָה צֶמֶד שָׂדֶֽה׃
The first blow that Yonoson and his weapon bearer struck [killed] about twenty men within [the space of] half a furrow of a pair [of oxen plowing] in the field.
The first blow that Yonoson and his weapon bearer struck [killed] about twenty men within [the space of] half a furrow of a pair [of oxen plowing] in the field.
Rashi
כבחצי מענה צמד שדה. בתוך שיעור מדת קרקע, מלא חצי מענה של מחרישת צמד בקר החורשת בשדה:
Half a furrow, of a pair [of oxen plowing] in the field. Within the area of a land measure [equal to] half the amount of a furrow of the plowing of a pair of oxen plowing a field.
מענה. הוא תלם המחרישה, שקורין ריי"א בלע"ז, וגבורה גדולה היא זו, שהיו קרובים זה לזה, ונכונים לעזור זה את זה:
Furrow. That is the ridge which is called 'reie' in O.F. This was a very mighty deed, because they were near each other and ready to help each other.
וַתְּהִי חֲרָדָה בַמַּחֲנֶה בַשָּׂדֶה וּבְכׇל־הָעָם הַמַּצָּב וְהַמַּשְׁחִית חָרְדוּ גַּם־הֵמָּה וַתִּרְגַּז הָאָרֶץ וַתְּהִי לְחֶרְדַּת אֱלֹהִֽים׃
There was a great terror in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. The garrison raiders trembled too. The earth quaked and became terror stricken by God.
There was a great terror in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. The garrison raiders trembled too. The earth quaked and became terror stricken by God.
וַיִּרְאוּ הַצֹּפִים לְשָׁאוּל בְּגִבְעַת בִּנְיָמִן וְהִנֵּה הֶהָמוֹן נָמוֹג וַיֵּלֶךְ וַהֲלֹֽם׃ {פ}
Shaul's sentries at Givas Binyomin saw that, behold, the [Philistine] multitude was melting away and was continuing to scatter.
Shaul's sentries at Givas Binyomin saw that, behold, the [Philistine] multitude was melting away and was continuing to scatter.
Rashi
הצופים לשאול. הצופים אשר היו לשאול בגבעת בנימן, צופים ; אישקאגט"ש בלע"ז:
Shaul's sentries. The sentries that Shaul had in Givas Binyomin.6 The sentries appointed by Shaul to keep watch on the enemy made the observation.צוֹפִים is badetes in O.F.
והנה ההמון. של פלשתים, נמוג ממקומו וילך, וקרב הלום לצד ישראל:
Behold the multitude. Of the Philistines melted away from its position and kept coming nearer to הֲלֹם i.e., Yisroel's side.
נמוג. כמו (בראשית ד יב): נד ונע:
Melting away. [It means the same as], "wandering and moving."7 Bereishis 4:12.
וַיֹּאמֶר שָׁאוּל לָעָם אֲשֶׁר אִתּוֹ פִּקְדוּ־נָא וּרְאוּ מִי הָלַךְ מֵעִמָּנוּ וַֽיִּפְקְדוּ וְהִנֵּה אֵין יוֹנָתָן וְנֹשֵׂא כֵלָֽיו׃
Shaul said to the people who were with him, "Please inspect and see who from us has gone." They inspected and behold, Yonoson and his weapon bearer were not there.
Shaul said to the people who were with him, "Please inspect and see who from us has gone." They inspected and behold, Yonoson and his weapon bearer were not there.
Rashi
פקדו. לשון פקידה, כמו (איוב ז יח): ותפקדנו לבקרים:
Inspect. An expression of inspection, as in, "that You inspect him every morning."8 Iyov 7:18.
וַיֹּאמֶר שָׁאוּל לַֽאֲחִיָּה הַגִּישָׁה אֲרוֹן הָאֱלֹהִים כִּֽי־הָיָה אֲרוֹן הָאֱלֹהִים בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא וּבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
Shaul said to Achiyoh, "Bring near the Ark of God," for the Ark of God was there with the Bnei Yisroel on that day.
Shaul said to Achiyoh, "Bring near the Ark of God," for the Ark of God was there with the Bnei Yisroel on that day.
Rashi
הגישה ארון האלהים. אורים ותומים:
Bring near the Ark of God. I.e., the Urim and Tumim.
כי היה ארון האלהים ביום ההוא. המקרא חסר תיבה אחת, כי היה ארון האלהים שם ביום ההוא:
For the Ark of God was there on that day. This verse is missing one word; [what it means is,] "because the Ark of God was there [שָׁם] on that day."
וַיְהִי עַד דִּבֶּר שָׁאוּל אֶל־הַכֹּהֵן וְהֶהָמוֹן אֲשֶׁר בְּמַחֲנֵה פְלִשְׁתִּים וַיֵּלֶךְ הָלוֹךְ וָרָב {פ}
וַיֹּאמֶר שָׁאוּל אֶל־הַכֹּהֵן אֱסֹף יָדֶֽךָ׃
While Shaul was speaking to the kohein, the tumult in the Philistine camp was continuously increasing. Shaul told the kohein, "Put your hands together!"
While Shaul was speaking to the kohein, the tumult in the Philistine camp was continuously increasing. Shaul told the kohein, "Put your hands together!"
וַיִּזָּעֵק שָׁאוּל וְכׇל־הָעָם אֲשֶׁר אִתּוֹ וַיָּבֹאוּ עַד־הַמִּלְחָמָה וְהִנֵּה הָיְתָה חֶרֶב אִישׁ בְּרֵעֵהוּ מְהוּמָה גְּדוֹלָה מְאֹֽד׃
Shaul gathered—and all the people who were with him—and entered the battle. And behold, each man's sword was turned against his fellow, in a very great confusion.
Shaul gathered—and all the people who were with him—and entered the battle. And behold, each man's sword was turned against his fellow, in a very great confusion.
וְהָעִבְרִים הָיוּ לַפְּלִשְׁתִּים כְּאֶתְמוֹל שִׁלְשׁוֹם אֲשֶׁר עָלוּ עִמָּם בַּֽמַּחֲנֶה סָבִיב וְגַם־הֵמָּה לִֽהְיוֹת עִם־יִשְׂרָאֵל אֲשֶׁר עִם־שָׁאוּל וְיוֹנָתָֽן׃
And the Hebrews who were with the Philistines from yesterday and before, who had come up with them in their encampment, they too joined with the Israelites who were with Shaul and Yonoson.
And the Hebrews who were with the Philistines from yesterday and before, who had come up with them in their encampment, they too joined with the Israelites who were with Shaul and Yonoson.
Rashi
והעברים היו לפלשתים. בעזרתם, מחמת יראה מתמול שלשום, והיום נהפכו גם המה עם חבריהם, להיות בעזרת אחיהם:
And the Hebrews who were with the Philistines. To help them, out of fear, in earlier times;9 The Bnei Yisroel who had been living in Philistine territory had been forcibly drafted into the Philistine army to fight against their brethren. but today they too turned [against the Philistines and joined] their fellows to be at their brethren's assistance.
וְכֹל אִישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל הַמִּֽתְחַבְּאִים בְּהַר־אֶפְרַיִם שָֽׁמְעוּ כִּי־נָסוּ פְּלִשְׁתִּים וַֽיַּדְבְּקוּ גַם־הֵמָּה אַחֲרֵיהֶם בַּמִּלְחָמָֽה׃
All the men of Yisroel who were hiding in the mountains of Ephrayim heard that the Philistines had fled, and they too joined them and followed them into the battle.
All the men of Yisroel who were hiding in the mountains of Ephrayim heard that the Philistines had fled, and they too joined them and followed them into the battle.
וַיּוֹשַׁע יְהֹוָה בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵל וְהַמִּלְחָמָה עָבְרָה אֶת־בֵּית אָֽוֶן׃
Adonoy saved Yisroel on that day and they battled on past Beis Oven.
Adonoy saved Yisroel on that day and they battled on past Beis Oven.
וְאִֽישׁ־יִשְׂרָאֵל נִגַּשׂ בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא וַיֹּאֶל שָׁאוּל אֶת־הָעָם לֵאמֹר אָרוּר הָאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר־יֹאכַל לֶחֶם עַד־הָעֶרֶב וְנִקַּמְתִּי מֵאֹיְבַי וְלֹא־טָעַם כׇּל־הָעָם לָֽחֶם׃ {ס}
The people of Yisroel were hard pressed on that day Shaul had imposed an oath on the people, saying, "Cursed be the man who will eat food until the evening, when I shall be avenged of my enemies." And none of the entire people tasted food.
The people of Yisroel were hard pressed on that day Shaul had imposed an oath on the people, saying, "Cursed be the man who will eat food until the evening, when I shall be avenged of my enemies." And none of the entire people tasted food.
Rashi
נגש ביום ההוא. היו אצים ונגושים להלחם בפלשתים:
Were hard pressed on that day. They were being rushed and pressed10 As in Shemos 5:13; Metzudos renders “approached.” to wage war against the Philistines.
ויואל. לשון אלה:
[Shaul] had imposed an oath. An expression of oath.11 Shaul did not want the Bnei Yisroel to interrupt their pursuit of the Philistines; he therefore bound the Bnei Yisroel with an oath that no one should eat any food until the evening.
אשר יאכל לחם. כל מאכל במשמע, כמו (ירמיהו יא יט): נשחיתה עץ בלחמו:
Who will eat food. All food is included [in לֶחֶם], as in, "Let us destroy the tree with its fruit ]בְּלַחְמוֹ[."12 Yirmiyahu 11:19.
וְכׇל־הָאָרֶץ בָּאוּ בַיָּעַר וַיְהִי דְבַשׁ עַל־פְּנֵי הַשָּׂדֶֽה׃
All [inhabitants of] the land came into the forest, and there was honey on the surface of the field.
All [inhabitants of] the land came into the forest, and there was honey on the surface of the field.
Rashi
ויהי דבש. דבש קנים גדל בארץ ישראל:
There was honey. Cane sugar grows in Eretz Yisroel.
וַיָּבֹא הָעָם אֶל־הַיַּעַר וְהִנֵּה הֵלֶךְ דְּבָשׁ וְאֵין־מַשִּׂיג יָדוֹ אֶל־פִּיו כִּֽי־יָרֵא הָעָם אֶת־הַשְּׁבֻעָֽה׃
The people came to the forest and behold, there was a flow of honey, but no one put his hand to his mouth, for the people feared the oath.
The people came to the forest and behold, there was a flow of honey, but no one put his hand to his mouth, for the people feared the oath.
Rashi
והנה הלך דבש. שהיה נוטף מן הקנים:
And behold there was a flow of honey. Which was flowing from the canes.
וְיוֹנָתָן לֹא־שָׁמַע בְּהַשְׁבִּיעַ אָבִיו אֶת־הָעָם וַיִּשְׁלַח אֶת־קְצֵה הַמַּטֶּה אֲשֶׁר בְּיָדוֹ וַיִּטְבֹּל אוֹתָהּ בְּיַעְרַת הַדְּבָשׁ וַיָּשֶׁב יָדוֹ אֶל־פִּיו (ותראנה) [וַתָּאֹרְנָה] עֵינָֽיו׃
But Yonoson had not heard about the oath his father had imposed upon the people, and he stretched out the tip of the staff that was in his hand, and dipped it into the honeycomb; he then put his hand to his mouth and his eyes lit up.
But Yonoson had not heard about the oath his father had imposed upon the people, and he stretched out the tip of the staff that was in his hand, and dipped it into the honeycomb; he then put his hand to his mouth and his eyes lit up.
Rashi
ביערת הדבש. בקנה הדבש, כמו (שמות ב ג): ותשם בסוף, דמתרגמינן: ושויתיה ביערא. ו'סוף' הם קנים של אגם, וכן (שיר השירים ה א): אכלתי יערי עם דבשי. ובלשון ישמעאל קורין לאותו דבש סוקר"א בלע"ז, מפי רבי נתן הישמעאלי:
Into the honeycomb. Into the sugar cane, as in, "and she placed it in the reeds,"13 Shemos 2:3. which Onkelos renders, "and she placed it in the יַעֲרָא," and סוּף are reeds which grow in the swamp. And similarly, "I ate my sugar cane [יַעְרִי] with my sugar,14 Shir Hashirim 5:1. and in Arabic, that honey is called 'sukra' in their language; from R. Nosson Ha'yishme'eili.
וַיַּעַן אִישׁ מֵהָעָם וַיֹּאמֶר הַשְׁבֵּעַ הִשְׁבִּיעַ אָבִיךָ אֶת־הָעָם לֵאמֹר אָרוּר הָאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר־יֹאכַל לֶחֶם הַיּוֹם וַיָּעַף הָעָֽם׃
A man from among the people spoke up and said, "Your father has imposed an oath upon the people saying, 'Cursed be the man who eats food today,' and the people have become weary."
A man from among the people spoke up and said, "Your father has imposed an oath upon the people saying, 'Cursed be the man who eats food today,' and the people have become weary."
וַיֹּאמֶר יֽוֹנָתָן עָכַר אָבִי אֶת־הָאָרֶץ רְאוּ־נָא כִּי־אֹרוּ עֵינַי כִּי טָעַמְתִּי מְעַט דְּבַשׁ הַזֶּֽה׃
Yonoson said, "My father has brought distress to the [inhabitants of the] land. Look how my eyes lit up because I tasted a bit of this honey.
Yonoson said, "My father has brought distress to the [inhabitants of the] land. Look how my eyes lit up because I tasted a bit of this honey.
Rashi
עכר אבי את הארץ. בלבל את דעתם ואת ישועתם, כמים עכורים:
My father has brought distress to the [inhabitants of the] land. He confused [עָכַר] their thoughts and their salvation, like unclear [עֲכוּרִים] waters.
אַף כִּי לוּא אָכֹל אָכַל הַיּוֹם הָעָם מִשְּׁלַל אֹיְבָיו אֲשֶׁר מָצָא כִּי עַתָּה לֹא־רָבְתָה מַכָּה בַּפְּלִשְׁתִּֽים׃
For if the people had eaten today of the spoils of their enemy that they found, would it not now have been even greater—the blow against the Philistines?"
For if the people had eaten today of the spoils of their enemy that they found, would it not now have been even greater—the blow against the Philistines?"
Rashi
כי עתה לא רבתה מכה. בתמיה:
Would it not now have been even greater—the blow. This is a question.
וַיַּכּוּ בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא בַּפְּלִשְׁתִּים מִמִּכְמָשׂ אַיָּלֹנָה וַיָּעַף הָעָם מְאֹֽד׃
That day they slew the Philistines, from Michmos to Ayalon, and the people were very weary.
That day they slew the Philistines, from Michmos to Ayalon, and the people were very weary.
(ויעש) [וַיַּעַט] הָעָם אֶל־[הַשָּׁלָל] (שלל) וַיִּקְחוּ צֹאן וּבָקָר וּבְנֵי בָקָר וַיִּשְׁחֲטוּ־אָרְצָה וַיֹּאכַל הָעָם עַל־הַדָּֽם׃
The people rushed to the spoils, and took sheep, cattle, and their young, and slaughtered them on the ground; and the people ate with the blood.
The people rushed to the spoils, and took sheep, cattle, and their young, and slaughtered them on the ground; and the people ate with the blood.
Rashi
ויעש העם. כמו ויעט העם, לשון עיט (בראשית טו יא):
The people rushed. Meaning 'the people rushed,'15 According to the קְרִי; however, according to the כְּתִיב the meaning is “the people prepared.” an expression of ,16 See below 25:14.עַיִט [birds of prey [הָעַיִט] who swoop down].17Bereishis 15:11.
צאן ובקר ובני בקר. אומר אני: זה אותו ואת בנו לא תשחטו (ויקרא כב כח), ולכך קראם חוטאים. ורבותינו אמרו בשחיטת קדשים, שהיו מקדישים אותם שלמים, ואוכלים לפני זריקת דם, הוא שאמר: ויאכל העם על הדם, אוכלים קדשים ועדיין דם במזרק:
Sheep, cattle and their young. I say that this was in violation of, "It and its young you must not slaughter [on the same day],"18 Vayikra 22:28. and he, therefore, called them sinners.19 Below verse 33. But our Rabbis said in [Perek] שְׁחִיטַת קָדָשִׁים [in Maseches Zevochim]20 120a. that they sanctified them for peace-offerings, from which they were eating before the sprinkling of the blood. This is what Scripture [means when it] states, "And the people ate with the blood," i.e., they ate of the sacrifice when the blood was yet in the basin.21 This violates the prohibition “You shall not eat over the blood” stated in Vayikra 19:26.—Sanhedrin 63a
וַיַּגִּידוּ לְשָׁאוּל לֵאמֹר הִנֵּה הָעָם חֹטִאים לַיהֹוָה לֶאֱכֹל עַל־הַדָּם וַיֹּאמֶר בְּגַדְתֶּם גֹּלּוּ־אֵלַי הַיּוֹם אֶבֶן גְּדוֹלָֽה׃
They told Shaul, saying, "Behold, the people are sinning before Adonoy by eating with the blood." He said, "You have acted faithlessly. Roll over a boulder to me today."
They told Shaul, saying, "Behold, the people are sinning before Adonoy by eating with the blood." He said, "You have acted faithlessly. Roll over a boulder to me today."
Rashi
גלו אלי. לשון גללו:
Roll over to me. An expression of גַּלְּלוּ [roll].
היום. מבעוד יום, ולמטה (פסוק לד) נאמר: ויגישו איש שורו בידו הלילה, רבותינו נחלקו בדבר בסוף מסכת זבחים, יש מהן פירשו: כאן בחולין כאן בקדשים. ויש מהן פירשו: כאן בקדשים שהוקדשו ליקרב בבמת נוב גדולה, כאן בקדשים שהוקדשו ליקרב בבמה קטנה, למד על עולת יחיד שכשירה לישחט בלילה:
Today. While it is yet daytime, and below it stated, "and all the people brought near, each man his ox in his hand that night."22 Below, verse 34. Our Rabbis had different views at the end of Maseches Zevochim;23 120a. some of them explain that [Scripture is referring to] ordinary animals,24 Below, verse 34. while here25 Verse 33. [the Scripture is referring to] sacrificial animals. Others explained that here26 Ibid. [Scripture is referring to] sacrificial animals which were sanctified to be offered at the large high place in Nov, while here27 Verse 34. [Scripture is referring to] sacrificial animals which were sanctified to be offered at a small high place. Scripture thereby teaches us that a private burnt-offering may be slaughtered at night [on a small, i.e., private high place].
אבן גדולה. עשאה במה, לזרוק עליה דם והקטר חלבים:
A boulder. He made it a high place upon which to sprinkle the blood and for the burning of the fatty parts.
וַיֹּאמֶר שָׁאוּל פֻּצוּ בָעָם וַאֲמַרְתֶּם לָהֶם הַגִּישׁוּ אֵלַי אִישׁ שׁוֹרוֹ וְאִישׁ שְׂיֵהוּ וּשְׁחַטְתֶּם בָּזֶה וַאֲכַלְתֶּם וְלֹא־תֶחֶטְאוּ לַיהֹוָה לֶאֱכֹל אֶל־הַדָּם וַיַּגִּשׁוּ כׇל־הָעָם אִישׁ שׁוֹרוֹ בְיָדוֹ הַלַּיְלָה וַיִּשְׁחֲטוּ־שָֽׁם׃
Shaul said, "Spread out among the people and tell them, 'Let each man bring me his ox and each man his sheep, and you shall slaughter [them] here and eat [them], so that you not sin before Adonoy by eating with the blood.'" So each man of the people brought his ox with him that night, and they slaughtered them there.
Shaul said, "Spread out among the people and tell them, 'Let each man bring me his ox and each man his sheep, and you shall slaughter [them] here and eat [them], so that you not sin before Adonoy by eating with the blood.'" So each man of the people brought his ox with him that night, and they slaughtered them there.
Rashi
פוצו בעם. הכריזו במקומות הרבה, ויהיו המכריזים נפוצים בעם:
Spread out among the people. Announce in many places, and let the announcers disperse among the people.
ושחטתם בזה. כאן, במקום שחיטה דבר אחר: סכין בדק להם:
And you shall slaughter [them] here. Here in the place of slaughtering.28בָּזֶה referring to the “place” of slaughtering. Another explanation is, he examined a slaughtering knife29בָּזֶה referring to the “knife” used for slaughtering. He had inspected it to make sure it was fit for ritual slaughter. for them.30Maseches Chulin 17b.
הלילה. בהמות של חולין נשחטו בלילה, כך מפורש בזבחים (שם):
That night. The ordinary [i.e., non-sanctified] animals were slaughtered at night. Thus it is explained in [Maseches] Zevochim.31 120a.
וַיִּבֶן שָׁאוּל מִזְבֵּחַ לַיהֹוָה אֹתוֹ הֵחֵל לִבְנוֹת מִזְבֵּחַ לַיהֹוָֽה׃ {פ}
Shaul built an altar to Adonoy; it was the first of the altars that he built to Adonoy.
Shaul built an altar to Adonoy; it was the first of the altars that he built to Adonoy.
Rashi
אותו החל. אותו המזבח, ראשון למזבחות שבנה שאול:
It was the first of the altars. That altar was the first of the altars which Shaul built.32 He built this altar in honor of the victory, as Moshe did after having defeated Amoleik in Shemos 17:15.
וַיֹּאמֶר שָׁאוּל נֵרְדָה אַחֲרֵי פְלִשְׁתִּים ׀ לַיְלָה וְֽנָבֹזָה בָהֶם ׀ עַד־אוֹר הַבֹּקֶר וְלֹֽא־נַשְׁאֵר בָּהֶם אִישׁ וַיֹּאמְרוּ כׇּל־הַטּוֹב בְּעֵינֶיךָ עֲשֵׂה {ס} וַיֹּאמֶר הַכֹּהֵן נִקְרְבָה הֲלֹם אֶל־הָאֱלֹהִֽים׃
Shaul said, "Let us go down after the Philistines at night and plunder them until the morning light; we shall not leave a man [alive] among them." They answered, "Do whatever you feel is proper." The kohein then said, "Let us approach God here."
Shaul said, "Let us go down after the Philistines at night and plunder them until the morning light; we shall not leave a man [alive] among them." They answered, "Do whatever you feel is proper." The kohein then said, "Let us approach God here."
וַיִּשְׁאַל שָׁאוּל בֵּֽאלֹהִים הַֽאֵרֵד אַחֲרֵי פְלִשְׁתִּים הֲתִתְּנֵם בְּיַד יִשְׂרָאֵל וְלֹא עָנָהוּ בַּיּוֹם הַהֽוּא׃
So Shaul inquired of God: "Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will You deliver them into the hand of Yisroel?" But He did not answer him on that day.
So Shaul inquired of God: "Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will You deliver them into the hand of Yisroel?" But He did not answer him on that day.
וַיֹּאמֶר שָׁאוּל גֹּשֽׁוּ הֲלֹם כֹּל פִּנּוֹת הָעָם וּדְעוּ וּרְאוּ בַּמָּה הָיְתָה הַחַטָּאת הַזֹּאת הַיּֽוֹם׃
Shaul said, "Draw near to here all leaders of the people, and find out and see through whom was this sin today.
Shaul said, "Draw near to here all leaders of the people, and find out and see through whom was this sin today.
Rashi
פנות העם. שרי העם, אבן הפנה היא החשובה:
Leaders of the people. The chiefs of the people; the cornerstone אֶבֶן הַפִּנָּה is the most esteemed.
כִּי חַי־יְהֹוָה הַמּוֹשִׁיעַ אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵל כִּי אִם־יֶשְׁנוֹ בְּיוֹנָתָן בְּנִי כִּי מוֹת יָמוּת וְאֵין עֹנֵהוּ מִכׇּל־הָעָֽם׃
For as Adonoy, the Savior of Israel, lives, even if it is found to be with my son Yonoson, he shall surely die!" But no one of all the people answered him.
For as Adonoy, the Savior of Israel, lives, even if it is found to be with my son Yonoson, he shall surely die!" But no one of all the people answered him.
וַיֹּאמֶר אֶל־כׇּל־יִשְׂרָאֵל אַתֶּם תִּֽהְיוּ לְעֵבֶר אֶחָד וַֽאֲנִי וְיוֹנָתָן בְּנִי נִהְיֶה לְעֵבֶר אֶחָד וַיֹּאמְרוּ הָעָם אֶל־שָׁאוּל הַטּוֹב בְּעֵינֶיךָ עֲשֵֽׂה׃ {ס}
He said to all of Yisroel, "You be on one side and I and my son Yonoson will be on the other side." The people said to Shaul, "Do whatever you feel is proper."
He said to all of Yisroel, "You be on one side and I and my son Yonoson will be on the other side." The people said to Shaul, "Do whatever you feel is proper."
Rashi
לעבר אחד. להפיל גורל בין כלכם ובינינו:
On one side. To cast lots between all of you, and us.
וַיֹּאמֶר שָׁאוּל אֶל־יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל הָבָה תָמִים וַיִּלָּכֵד יוֹנָתָן וְשָׁאוּל וְהָעָם יָצָֽאוּ׃
Shaul said to Adonoy, "God of Yisroel, make it truthful." Yonoson and Shaul were singled out and the people were excluded.
Shaul said to Adonoy, "God of Yisroel, make it truthful." Yonoson and Shaul were singled out and the people were excluded.
Rashi
הבה תמים. תן גורל אמת:
Make it truthful. Give a true lot.
והעם יצאו. נקיים מן הגורל:
And the people were excluded. Innocent, from the lot.
וַיֹּאמֶר שָׁאוּל הַפִּילוּ בֵּינִי וּבֵין יוֹנָתָן בְּנִי וַיִּלָּכֵד יוֹנָתָֽן׃
Shaul said, "Cast [a lot] between me and my son Yonoson." And Yonoson was singled out.
Shaul said, "Cast [a lot] between me and my son Yonoson." And Yonoson was singled out.
וַיֹּאמֶר שָׁאוּל אֶל־יוֹנָתָן הַגִּידָה לִּי מֶה עָשִׂיתָה וַיַּגֶּד־לוֹ יוֹנָתָן וַיֹּאמֶר טָעֹם טָעַמְתִּי בִּקְצֵה הַמַּטֶּה אֲשֶׁר־בְּיָדִי מְעַט דְּבַשׁ הִנְנִי אָמֽוּת׃ {ס}
Shaul said to Yonoson, "Tell me, what have you done?" And Yonoson told him, and he said, "I did taste—with the tip of the staff that is in my hand—a bit of honey; I am prepared to die."
Shaul said to Yonoson, "Tell me, what have you done?" And Yonoson told him, and he said, "I did taste—with the tip of the staff that is in my hand—a bit of honey; I am prepared to die."
וַיֹּאמֶר שָׁאוּל כֹּה־יַעֲשֶׂה אֱלֹהִים וְכֹה יוֹסִף כִּי־מוֹת תָּמוּת יוֹנָתָֽן׃
So Shaul said "So shall Adonoy do and so shall He do further, for you must die, Yonoson."
So Shaul said "So shall Adonoy do and so shall He do further, for you must die, Yonoson."
וַיֹּאמֶר הָעָם אֶל־שָׁאוּל הֲֽיוֹנָתָן ׀ יָמוּת אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה הַיְשׁוּעָה הַגְּדוֹלָה הַזֹּאת בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל חָלִילָה חַי־יְהֹוָה אִם־יִפֹּל מִשַּׂעֲרַת רֹאשׁוֹ אַרְצָה כִּֽי־עִם־אֱלֹהִים עָשָׂה הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה וַיִּפְדּוּ הָעָם אֶת־יוֹנָתָן וְלֹא־מֵֽת׃ {ס}
But the people said to Shaul, "Shall Yonoson die? He who has brought about this great salvation for Yisroel, Far be it! As Adonoy lives, not a hair on his head shall fall to the ground, for he acted for God's sake this day." The people redeemed Yonoson and he did not die.
But the people said to Shaul, "Shall Yonoson die? He who has brought about this great salvation for Yisroel, Far be it! As Adonoy lives, not a hair on his head shall fall to the ground, for he acted for God's sake this day." The people redeemed Yonoson and he did not die.
Rashi
ויפדו העם. התירו לו לשאול שבועתו:
The people redeemed [Yonoson]. They nullified Shaul's oath.
וַיַּעַל שָׁאוּל מֵאַחֲרֵי פְּלִשְׁתִּים וּפְלִשְׁתִּים הָלְכוּ לִמְקוֹמָֽם׃
Shaul left from [the pursuit of] the Philistines, and the Philistines returned to their place.
Shaul left from [the pursuit of] the Philistines, and the Philistines returned to their place.
וְשָׁאוּל לָכַד הַמְּלוּכָה עַל־יִשְׂרָאֵל וַיִּלָּחֶם סָבִיב ׀ בְּֽכׇל־אֹיְבָיו בְּמוֹאָב ׀ וּבִבְנֵֽי־עַמּוֹן וּבֶאֱדוֹם וּבְמַלְכֵי צוֹבָה וּבַפְּלִשְׁתִּים וּבְכֹל אֲשֶׁר־יִפְנֶה יַרְשִֽׁיעַ׃
Shaul strengthened his hold on the kingship over Yisroel. He waged war against all his surrounding enemies, against Moav and Ammon, against Edom and the kings of Tzovah, and against the Philistines; wherever he turned he overwhelmed [his enemies].
Shaul strengthened his hold on the kingship over Yisroel. He waged war against all his surrounding enemies, against Moav and Ammon, against Edom and the kings of Tzovah, and against the Philistines; wherever he turned he overwhelmed [his enemies].
וַיַּעַשׂ חַיִל וַיַּךְ אֶת־עֲמָלֵק וַיַּצֵּל אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵל מִיַּד שֹׁסֵֽהוּ׃ {פ}
He raised an army and defeated Amoleik and he saved Yisroel from the hand of its oppressor.
He raised an army and defeated Amoleik and he saved Yisroel from the hand of its oppressor.
Rashi
ויעש חיל. ויאסף חיל:
He raised an army. And he gathered an army.
וַיִּֽהְיוּ בְּנֵי שָׁאוּל יוֹנָתָן וְיִשְׁוִי וּמַלְכִּישׁוּעַ וְשֵׁם שְׁתֵּי בְנֹתָיו שֵׁם הַבְּכִירָה מֵרַב וְשֵׁם הַקְּטַנָּה מִיכַֽל׃
The sons of Shaul were Yonoson, Yishvi, and Malckishua; and the names of his two daughters—the name of the older one was Meirav, and the name of the younger one was Michal.
The sons of Shaul were Yonoson, Yishvi, and Malckishua; and the names of his two daughters—the name of the older one was Meirav, and the name of the younger one was Michal.
וְשֵׁם אֵשֶׁת שָׁאוּל אֲחִינֹעַם בַּת־אֲחִימָעַץ וְשֵׁם שַׂר־צְבָאוֹ אֲבִינֵר בֶּן־נֵר דּוֹד שָׁאֽוּל׃
The name of Shaul's wife [was] Achinoam daughter of Achima'atz; the name of his commander of the army was Avineir the son of Neir, Shaul's uncle.
The name of Shaul's wife [was] Achinoam daughter of Achima'atz; the name of his commander of the army was Avineir the son of Neir, Shaul's uncle.
Rashi
אבינר בן נר. ונר היה דוד שאול, אחיו של קיש, ושניהם בני אביאל, וגם אביאל נקרא נר, בדברי הימים (א ח לג), שהיה מדליק נרות לרבים במבואות האפלים (ויקרא רבה ט ב):
Avineir the son of Neir. Neir was Shaul's uncle, the brother of Kish, and both were the sons of Avieil. Aviei was also known as Neir, in Divrei Hayomim,33I Divrei Hayomim 8:33. because he would light candles for the public in the dark streets.34 See Radak above 9:1.
וְקִישׁ אֲבִֽי־שָׁאוּל וְנֵר אֲבִֽי־אַבְנֵר בֶּן־אֲבִיאֵֽל׃ {ס}
Shaul's father Kish and Avneir's father Neir were sons of Avieil.
Shaul's father Kish and Avneir's father Neir were sons of Avieil.
וַתְּהִי הַמִּלְחָמָה חֲזָקָה עַל־פְּלִשְׁתִּים כֹּל יְמֵי שָׁאוּל וְרָאָה שָׁאוּל כׇּל־אִישׁ גִּבּוֹר וְכׇל־בֶּן־חַיִל וַיַּאַסְפֵהוּ אֵלָֽיו׃ {פ}
The war against the Philistines was intense all the days of Shaul, and whenever Shaul saw a man who was mighty or valiant, he would take him [into his army].
The war against the Philistines was intense all the days of Shaul, and whenever Shaul saw a man who was mighty or valiant, he would take him [into his army].
Rashi
וראה שאול. לשון הוה, כשהיה שאול רואה איש גבור חיל, היה אוספו אליו:
And whenever Shaul saw. This is in the present tense, meaning, when Shaul would see a valiant soldier, he would bring him [into his army].
מעבר הלז כל 'הלז' ו'לזה' שבמקרא, אינו לשון הזה, אלא לשון דבר שכנגדו, והוא מראהו באצבע, ובלע"ז אינו לשון ציש"ט בלע"ז, אלא ציי"ל בלע"ז:
On the other side. Every הַלָּז and לָזֶה in Scripture, is not an expression of הַזֶּה [this], but it is an expression of opposite [the speaker], and he is pointing it out with his finger. It is not an expression of 'cest' in O.F., but of 'cel' in O.F.