5 One cliff stood to the north toward Mikmash, the other to the south toward Geba.
5 The forefront
5 The one crag rose on the north in front of Michmash, and the other on the south in front of Geba.
5 The cliff to the north faced Micmash; the cliff to the south faced Geba (Gibeah).
5 The front of one faced northward opposite Michmash, and the other southward opposite Gibeah.
5 The cliff on the north was in front of Micmash, and the one on the south was in front of Geba.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:5
Commentary on 1 Samuel 14:1-15
(Read 1 Samuel 14:1-15)
Saul seems to have been quite at a loss, and unable to help himself. Those can never think themselves safe who see themselves out of God's protection. Now he sent for a priest and the ark. He hopes to make up matters with the Almighty by a partial reformation, as many do whose hearts are unhumbled and unchanged. Many love to have ministers who prophesy smooth things to them. Jonathan felt a Divine impulse and impression, putting him upon this bold adventure. God will direct the steps of those that acknowledge him in all their ways, and seek to him for direction, with full purpose of heart to follow his guidance. Sometimes we find most comfort in that which is least our own doing, and into which we have been led by the unexpected but well-observed turns of Divine providence. There was trembling in the host. It is called a trembling of God, signifying, not only a great trembling they could not resist, nor reason themselves out of, but that it came at once from the hand of God. He that made the heart, knows how to make it tremble.