1 Samuel 13:4
1 Samuel 13:4 in Multiple Translations
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.
And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal.
And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten the garrison of the Philistines, and also that Israel was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the people were gathered together after Saul to Gilgal.
And all Israel had the news that Saul had made an attack on the Philistines, and that Israel was bitterly hated by the Philistines. And the people came together after Saul to Gilgal.
All of Israel heard the news, “Saul has attacked the Philistine garrison, and now Israel is like a bad smell to the Philistines!” So the whole army was called up to join Saul at Gilgal.
And al Israel heard say, Saul hath destroied a garison of the Philistims: wherefore Israel was had in abomination with the Philistims: and the people gathered together after Saul to Gilgal.
And all Israel have heard, saying, 'Saul hath smitten the garrison of the Philistines,' and also, 'Israel hath been abhorred by the Philistines;' and the people are called after Saul to Gilgal.
All Israel heard that Saul had struck the garrison of the Philistines, and also that Israel was considered an abomination to the Philistines. The people were gathered together after Saul to Gilgal.
And all Israel heard it said that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines: and the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal.
And all Israel heard this report: Saul hath smitten the garrison of the Philistines: and Israel took courage against the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Galgal.
The messengers told the rest of the army to gather together with Saul at Gilgal. And all the people in Israel heard the news. People were saying, “Saul’s army has attacked the Philistine camp, with the result that now the Philistines hate us Israelis very much.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 13:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 13:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/כָל
יִשְׂרָאֵ֞ל
שָׁמְע֣וּ
לֵ/אמֹ֗ר
הִכָּ֤ה
שָׁאוּל֙
אֶת
נְצִ֣יב
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
וְ/גַם
נִבְאַשׁ
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
בַּ/פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים
וַ/יִּצָּעֲק֥וּ
הָ/עָ֛ם
אַחֲרֵ֥י
שָׁא֖וּל
הַ/גִּלְגָּֽל
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֞ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
שָׁמְע֣וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לֵ/אמֹ֗ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הִכָּ֤ה
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
שָׁאוּל֙
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
נְצִ֣יב
nᵉtsîyb
H5333
garrison
N-ms
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Ngmpa
וְ/גַם
gam
H1571
also
Conj | DirObjM
נִבְאַשׁ
bâʼash
H887
to stink
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
בַּ/פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Prep | Ngmpa
וַ/יִּצָּעֲק֥וּ
tsâʻaq
H6817
to cry
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
הָ/עָ֛ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
אַחֲרֵ֥י
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep
שָׁא֖וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
הַ/גִּלְגָּֽל
Gilgâl
H1537
Galilee
Art | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 13:4
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֞ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
שָׁמְע֣וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
לֵ/אמֹ֗ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הִכָּ֤ה
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
שָׁאוּל֙
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
נְצִ֣יב
nᵉtsîyb
H5333
"garrison"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for a garrison or military post, like the ones established by King Solomon. It appears in 1 Kings 4:19, where Solomon's administrative districts are listed. This word describes a place of military strength and control.
Definition: 1) set over, something placed, pillar, prefect, garrison, post 1a) pillar 1b) prefect, deputy
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: garrison, officer, pillar. See also: Genesis 19:26; 2 Samuel 8:14; 2 Chronicles 17:2.
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
"Philistines"
Ngmpa
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.
וְ/גַם
gam
H1571
"also"
Conj | DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
נִבְאַשׁ
bâʼash
H887
"to stink"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to smell bad or stink, and can also mean to be morally offensive. It is used to describe something or someone that is disgusting or wicked.
Definition: 1) to have a bad smell, stink, smell bad 1a) (Qal) to stink, smell bad 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to become odious 1b2) to make oneself odious 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stink, emit a stinking odour 1c2) to cause to stink 1c3) of wickedness (fig.) 1d) (Hithpael) to make oneself odious 2) (TWOT) to abhor
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: (make to) be abhorred (had in abomination, loathsome, odious), (cause a, make to) stink(-ing savour), [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:30; 1 Samuel 27:12; Psalms 38:6.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
בַּ/פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
"Philistines"
Prep | Ngmpa
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.
וַ/יִּצָּעֲק֥וּ
tsâʻaq
H6817
"to cry"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To cry or cry out is the meaning of this verb, often used to express distress or need, as seen in the Psalms where people cry out to God for help.
Definition: 1) to cry, cry out, call, cry for help 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cry, cry out (for help) 1a2) to cry, cry out (in distress or need) 1a3) to make outcry, clamour 1b) (Niphal) to be summoned 1c) (Piel) to cry aloud (in grief) 1d) (Hiphil) to call together
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, call together, cry (out), gather (selves) (together). See also: Genesis 4:10; 1 Samuel 13:4; Psalms 34:18.
הָ/עָ֛ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
אַחֲרֵ֥י
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
שָׁא֖וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
הַ/גִּלְגָּֽל
Gilgâl
H1537
"Galilee"
Art | N-proper
Gilgal refers to three places in Palestine, including a region conquered by Joshua. The name means 'a wheel, rolling' and is related to the word for Galilee, a region in northern Israel. Gilgal is mentioned in the book of Joshua.
Definition: Gilgal = "a wheel, rolling" a region conquered by Joshua, site unsure Another spelling of ga.lil (גָּלִיל "Galilee" H1551)
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Gilgal. See also H1019 (בֵּית הַגִּלְגָּל). See also: Deuteronomy 11:30; 1 Samuel 11:15; Micah 6:5.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 13:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 13:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 13:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 13:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:4
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:4
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 13:4
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 13:4
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:4
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 13:4
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.
5Now the Philistines assembled to fight against Israel with three thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen, and troops as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They went up and camped at Michmash, east of Beth-aven. 6Seeing 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 34:30 | Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble upon me by making me a stench to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people of this land. We are few in number; if they unite against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed.” |
| 2 | Exodus 5:21 | “May the LORD look upon you and judge you,” the foremen said, “for you have made us a stench before Pharaoh and his officials; you have placed in their hand a sword to kill us!” |
| 3 | Zechariah 11:8 | And in one month I dismissed three shepherds. My soul grew impatient with the flock, and their souls also detested me. |
| 4 | 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. |
| 5 | Joshua 5:9 | Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” So that place has been called Gilgal to this day. |
| 6 | Genesis 46:34 | you are to say, ‘Your servants have raised livestock ever since our youth—both we and our fathers.’ Then you will be allowed to settle in the land of Goshen, since all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians.” |
| 7 | 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 13:4 Summary
In 1 Samuel 13:4, we see that Saul's attack on the Philistines has made Israel a 'stench' to them, which means that the Philistines are now aware of Israel's presence and are likely to take action against them. This is similar to how the Egyptians viewed the Israelites in Exodus 8:24, and it highlights the importance of trusting in God's power and provision, rather than our own strength, as emphasized in Psalm 20:7-8. As believers, we can learn from this verse by recognizing that our actions can have consequences, and that we should always seek to trust in God's power and provision, rather than our own strength, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the news of Saul's attack on the Philistines spread so quickly?
The news spread quickly because Saul blew the ram's horn throughout the land, as seen in 1 Samuel 13:3, to gather the Hebrews and inform them of the attack, which was a common method of communication in those times, similar to how Moses used trumpets in Numbers 10:2 to signal important events.
What does it mean for Israel to become a 'stench' to the Philistines?
To become a 'stench' means that Israel has become a nuisance or a source of annoyance to the Philistines, much like how the Egyptians viewed the Israelites in Exodus 8:24, and this would likely provoke a strong reaction from the Philistines, as seen in 1 Samuel 13:5.
Why did the people gather at Gilgal?
The people gathered at Gilgal because it was a designated meeting point, as seen in 1 Samuel 13:4, and possibly because it was a place of spiritual significance, as it was where the Israelites had previously renewed their covenant with God in Joshua 5:2-12.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse sets the stage for the events that follow in 1 Samuel 13:5-6, where the Philistines assemble to fight against Israel, and the Israelites are forced to hide in fear, highlighting the consequences of Saul's actions and the need for faith and obedience, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 20:1-4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can be a 'stench' to the forces of darkness in my own life, and how can I trust God to give me the courage to stand against them?
- How can I balance the need to take action against my enemies with the need to trust in God's power and provision, as seen in 1 Samuel 13:4 and Psalm 20:7-8?
- What are some ways that I can gather with other believers, like the Israelites at Gilgal, to seek God's presence and protection in times of danger?
- How can I apply the lessons of 1 Samuel 13:4 to my own life, and what are some areas where I need to trust God more and rely on my own strength less?
- What does it mean for me to 'become a stench' to the forces of darkness in my own life, and how can I live in a way that is pleasing to God and frustrating to the enemy, as seen in 2 Corinthians 2:14-16?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 13:4
And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines,.... For though it was smitten by Jonathan, yet it was by the order of Saul, and so ascribed to him; it seems to be a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 13:4
And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines and that Israel also was had in And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and that
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:4
Saul had smitten, i.e. Jonathan by Saul’ s direction and encouragement. The actions of an army are commonly ascribed to their general. Gilgal; the place before appointed b Samuel, .
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:4
1 Samuel 13:4 And all Israel heard say [that] Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and [that] Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal.Ver. 4. That Saul had smitten a garrison.] As desirous to rid the country of those Lurdaines. And that Israel also was had in abomination.] Heb., Did stink; were as loathsome to them as any carrion. It was quarrel enough to the Hebrews, that they would not be miserable, but sought to unslave themselves.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:4
(4) And all Israel heard.—Saul is put for “Jonathan,” though the bold deed had been performed by the young prince, Saul being the general-in-chief. The expression “smitten” implies that the garrison in question had been utterly routed, probably put to the sword. The intense hatred with which the Philistines hated the Hebrews is often brought forward. From the first conquest by Joshua they regarded them as interlopers and intruders; between the two peoples there was ceaseless warfare, until the Philistines were completely subdued by the greater Hebrew kings. Naturally, such a deed as that of Jonathan’s would at once arouse Philistia. And the people were called together.—Gradually round the King of Israel the fighting men of the nation in great numbers were gathered. This seems to have been by no means a “levée en masse” of all the people; they seem to have come together very slowly, and very quickly again to have dispersed. The hour for a decisive blow was not yet come. Something, as we shall soon see, prevented Saul, with all his gallantry and splendid military skill, from winning popular confidence. (On Gilgal, the place where Saul was trying to assemble the people at this juncture, see Note on 1 Samuel 13:8 and Excursus E at the end of this Book.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:4
Verse 4. The people were called together] The smiting of this garrison was the commencement of a war, and in effect the shaking off of the Philistine yoke; and now the people found that they must stand together, and fight for their lives.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 13:4
4. heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison] Heard saying, Saul hath smitten the garrison of the Philistines. The first blow in the war of independence was doubtless struck by Jonathan under Saul’s direction. was had in abomination] The same word meaning literally, “to make one’s self stink” occurs in Genesis 34:30; Exodus 5:21; 1 Samuel 27:12; 2 Samuel 10:6. the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal] Gilgal (see note on 1 Samuel 7:15) was probably chosen for the rendezvous as being the usual meeting-place, and the least liable to an attack from the Philistines.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 13:4
To Gilgal - The Wady Suweinit de-bouches into the plain of the Jordan in which Gilgal was situated. For the sanctity of Gilgal, see above, 1 Samuel 11:14 note.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:4
4. Was had in abomination — ðáàùׁ, was made to stink; that is, had become loathsome and hateful to their enemies.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 13:4
| Sermon | Description | |
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(Genesis) Genesis 35 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Jacob and the tragic events that took place in his life. Jacob, despite being a spiritual giant, was not prepared for the challe |
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Going Back to the Altar by John Hames | John Hames preaches on the importance of returning to our spiritual 'Bethel' when we find ourselves straying away from God's path. Using Jacob's experience as an example, he highli |
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Who Are the Meek and What Do They Inherit by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges faced by Moses when he was sent by God to deliver the Israelites from the grip of Pharaoh. Despite coming with a message of fre |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Zechariah) ch.11 & 12 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching from the heart rather than just from the head. He discusses the concept of burden, which is a deep concern or we |
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Come Let Us Go to Gilgal, and Renew by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of renewing our commitment to Jesus as our King, drawing parallels from the Israelites' journey to Gilgal after Saul's victory. He highlights t |
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Joshua 1 - 13 by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby explores the themes of faith, obedience, and the spiritual journey of the Israelites as they prepare to cross the Jordan into Canaan. He emphasizes the importance |
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(Genesis) 62 - the Grandeur of God's Glory by S. Lewis Johnson | The sermon transcript discusses the character of Jacob and his blessing of Pharaoh before leaving his presence. It then transitions to discussing Joseph and his economic policies a |