1 Samuel 28:4
1 Samuel 28:4 in Multiple Translations
The Philistines came together and camped at Shunem, while Saul gathered all Israel and camped at Gilboa.
And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.
And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and encamped in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they encamped in Gilboa.
And the Philistines came together and put their forces in position in Shunem; and Saul got all Israel together and they took up their positions in Gilboa.
The Philistine armies gathered and set up camp at Shunem. Saul called up all the Israelite army and set up camp at Gilboa.
Then the Philistims assembled themselues, and came, and pitched in Shunem: and Saul assembled all Israel, and they pitched in Gilboa.
And the Philistines are gathered, and come in, and encamp in Shunem, and Saul gathereth all Israel, and they encamp in Gilboa,
The Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and encamped in Shunem; and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they encamped in Gilboa.
And the Philistines assembled, and came and encamped in Shunem: and Saul collected all Israel, and they encamped in Gilboa.
And the Philistines were gathered together, and came and camped in Sunam: and Saul also gathered together all Israel, and came to Gelboe.
The army of Philistia gathered and set up their tents at Shunem city, in the north of Israel. Saul gathered the Israeli army and set up their tents at Gilboa in the eastern part of the same valley.
Some time later, the Philistia mob came together at a place called Shunem to fight with the Israel mob. Saul gathered his soldiers together at another place called Gilboa, not far from Shunem.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 28:4
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 28:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּקָּבְצ֣וּ
פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
וַ/יָּבֹ֖אוּ
וַ/יַּחֲנ֣וּ
בְ/שׁוּנֵ֑ם
וַ/יִּקְבֹּ֤ץ
שָׁאוּל֙
אֶת
כָּל
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
וַֽ/יַּחֲנ֖וּ
בַּ/גִּלְבֹּֽעַ
וַ/יִּקָּבְצ֣וּ
qâbats
H6908
to gather
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Ngmpa
וַ/יָּבֹ֖אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
וַ/יַּחֲנ֣וּ
chânâh
H2583
to camp
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
בְ/שׁוּנֵ֑ם
Shûwnêm
H7766
Shunem
Prep | N-proper
וַ/יִּקְבֹּ֤ץ
qâbats
H6908
to gather
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁאוּל֙
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וַֽ/יַּחֲנ֖וּ
chânâh
H2583
to camp
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
בַּ/גִּלְבֹּֽעַ
Gilbôaʻ
H1533
Gilboa
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 28:4
וַ/יִּקָּבְצ֣וּ
qâbats
H6908
"to gather"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To gather or collect people or things, like when the Israelites assembled in the book of Numbers. It's about bringing things or people together in one place.
Definition: 1) to gather, assemble 1a) (Qal) to gather, collect, assemble 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, gather 1b2) to be gathered 1c) (Piel) to gather, gather together, take away 1d) (Pual) to be gathered together 1e) (Hithpael) to gather together, be gathered together
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: assemble (selves), gather (bring) (together, selves together, up), heap, resort, [idiom] surely, take up. See also: Genesis 41:35; Proverbs 28:8; Psalms 41:7.
פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
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.
וַ/יָּבֹ֖אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
וַ/יַּחֲנ֣וּ
chânâh
H2583
"to camp"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew verb means to set up camp or pitch a tent, like when the Israelites encamped in the wilderness. It can also mean to lay siege against a city.
Definition: 1) to decline, incline, encamp, bend down, lay siege against 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to decline 1a2) to encamp
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: abide (in tents), camp, dwell, encamp, grow to an end, lie, pitch (tent), rest in tent. See also: Genesis 26:17; Numbers 33:33; Psalms 27:3.
בְ/שׁוּנֵ֑ם
Shûwnêm
H7766
"Shunem"
Prep | N-proper
Shunem was a city in the region of Issachar, located near Mount Tabor, and its name means double resting place. It was an important location in the biblical account.
Definition: § Shunem = "double resting place" a city in Issachar, located 5 miles (8 km) south of Mount Tabor
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Shunem. See also: Joshua 19:18; 1 Samuel 28:4; 2 Kings 4:8.
וַ/יִּקְבֹּ֤ץ
qâbats
H6908
"to gather"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To gather or collect people or things, like when the Israelites assembled in the book of Numbers. It's about bringing things or people together in one place.
Definition: 1) to gather, assemble 1a) (Qal) to gather, collect, assemble 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, gather 1b2) to be gathered 1c) (Piel) to gather, gather together, take away 1d) (Pual) to be gathered together 1e) (Hithpael) to gather together, be gathered together
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: assemble (selves), gather (bring) (together, selves together, up), heap, resort, [idiom] surely, take up. See also: Genesis 41:35; Proverbs 28:8; Psalms 41:7.
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.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
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.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
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.
וַֽ/יַּחֲנ֖וּ
chânâh
H2583
"to camp"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew verb means to set up camp or pitch a tent, like when the Israelites encamped in the wilderness. It can also mean to lay siege against a city.
Definition: 1) to decline, incline, encamp, bend down, lay siege against 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to decline 1a2) to encamp
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: abide (in tents), camp, dwell, encamp, grow to an end, lie, pitch (tent), rest in tent. See also: Genesis 26:17; Numbers 33:33; Psalms 27:3.
בַּ/גִּלְבֹּֽעַ
Gilbôaʻ
H1533
"Gilboa"
Prep | N-proper
Mount Gilboa is a mountain in Palestine where Saul and Jonathan died. The name means swollen heap, and it is located near the plain of Jezreel. This mountain is significant in the Bible as the site of a major battle.
Definition: Gilboa = "swollen heap" a mountain-ridge at the southeastern end of the plain of Jezreel, site of the death of Saul and Jonathan Also named: gil.ad (גִּלְעָד "(Mount )Gilead" H1568K)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Gilboa. See also: 1 Samuel 28:4; 2 Samuel 1:21; 1 Chronicles 10:8.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 28:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 28:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 28:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 28:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:4
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:4
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 28:4
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 28:4
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:4
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 28:4
Context — The Philistines Gather against Israel
2David replied, “Then you will come to know what your servant can do.” “Very well,” said Achish. “I will make you my bodyguard for life.”
3Now by this time Samuel had died, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in Ramah, his own city. And Saul had removed the mediums and spiritists from the land.
4The Philistines gathered together and camped at Shunem, while Saul gathered all Israel and camped at Gilboa.
5When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid and trembled violently. 6He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 31:1 | Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa. |
| 2 | Joshua 19:18 | Their territory included Jezreel, Chesulloth, Shunem, |
| 3 | 2 Kings 4:8 | One day Elisha went to Shunem, and a prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to have a meal. So whenever he would pass by, he would stop there to eat. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 21:12 | he went and took the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan from the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the public square of Beth-shan where the Philistines had hung the bodies after they had struck down Saul at Gilboa. |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 1:21 | O mountains of Gilboa, may you have no dew or rain, no fields yielding offerings of grain. For there the shield of the mighty was defiled, the shield of Saul, no longer anointed with oil. |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 1:6 | “I happened to be on Mount Gilboa,” he replied, “and there was Saul, leaning on his spear, with the chariots and the cavalry closing in on him. |
1 Samuel 28:4 Summary
This verse tells us that the Philistines, Israel's enemies, gathered at a place called Shunem, while Saul, the king of Israel, gathered his army at Gilboa. This was a time of great tension and fear, as Saul would soon realize he was in grave danger (as seen in 1 Samuel 28:5). The location of Gilboa is important, as it's where Saul would later face defeat and death (1 Samuel 31:1-7). We can learn from this verse about the importance of trusting in God, even when we're afraid or unsure of what's happening, just like David did when he trusted God to deliver him from his enemies (Psalm 27:1-3).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Philistines gather at Shunem?
The Philistines gathered at Shunem as part of their military campaign against Israel, as seen in 1 Samuel 28:4, and it was a strategic location for them to launch their attack, similar to how they positioned themselves in other battles, such as in 1 Samuel 4:1.
What was Saul's response to the Philistine army?
Saul gathered all Israel and camped at Gilboa, as stated in 1 Samuel 28:4, in preparation to face the Philistine army, but he was afraid and trembled violently when he saw them, as described in 1 Samuel 28:5.
Is this the same Gilboa where Saul would later die?
Yes, this is the same Gilboa where Saul would later die, as recorded in 1 Samuel 31:1-7, and it's a significant location in the narrative of Saul's reign and downfall.
How does this event relate to the rest of the chapter?
This event sets the stage for Saul's desperate attempt to inquire of the Lord, as seen in 1 Samuel 28:6, and his subsequent consultation with a medium, as told in 1 Samuel 28:7-25, which highlights his spiritual state and the consequences of his actions.
Reflection Questions
- What can we learn from Saul's actions in this verse about leadership and decision-making?
- How does this verse relate to the theme of trust in God, especially in the face of uncertainty or fear?
- What role does location play in this verse, and what significance does it hold for the events that unfold?
- In what ways can we identify with Saul's fear and trembling, and how can we apply the lessons from this verse to our own lives?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 28:4
And the Philistines gathered themselves together,.... From different parts, and formed a considerable army: and came and pitched in Shunem; a city, in the borders of the tribe of Issachar, of which
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 28:4
And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa. The Philistines ... pitched in Shunem.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:4
Shunem; a town in the tribe of Issachar, . Gilboa; a mountain not far from the valley of Jezreel, where the battle was fought, . So the two armies seem to be placed in the same manner as they were 1Sa 17, each upon a hill, and a valley between them.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:4
1 Samuel 28:4 And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.Ver. 4. And pitched in Shunem.] A city in the tribe of Issachar, ennobled afterwards by the good Shunamite with whom Elisha hosted. Pitched in Gilboa.] Baleful and baneful to Saul and his sons: and therefore cursed by David.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:4
(4) And pitched in Shunem.—As has been already described in the Note on 1 Samuel 27:1, the Philistine army had penetrated into the heart of Palestine, and, marching across the Valley of Jezreel, took up a strong position on the south-western slope of “Little Hermon,” near to the village, or town, of Shunem, a little to the north of Jezreel. Shunem is known in Biblical history as the home of Abishag (1 Kings 1:3), and the dwelling-place of the woman who entertained Elisha, and whose dead son he raised to life (2 Kings 4). It has been identified by modern travellers. Conder speaks of it as being at present only a mud hamlet, with cactus hedges and a spring; but the view, he says, extends as far as Mount Carmel, fifteen miles away. It is now called Sutêm. And Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.—Saul’s position was only a few miles distant from the camp of his enemies, on the slope of the hills opposite Shunem, but parted by the deep Valley of Jezreel. From the high ground by his camp Saul could plainly see the whole of the Philistine army. Mount Gilboa is the name given to a range of lofty hills, rising 1,500 feet above the sea, and consisting of white chalk.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 28:4
4. the Philistines gathered themselves together] This was no border foray, but a gathering of the whole force of the confederacy, as is clear from 1 Samuel 28:1 and 1 Samuel 29:1-4, for a decisive struggle with Israel. They marched northwards along the coast to the plain of Esdraelon, the great battle-field of Palestine, where their chariots and horsemen could move freely. in Shunem] Now Sôlam, on the S.W. slope of the range called Little Hermon (Neby Dûhy), opposite Jezreel and Mount Gilboa, having the deep broad valley of Jezreel between, and overlooking the whole western plain to Carmel. Shunem is elsewhere mentioned as the abode of Abishag (1 Kings 1:3), and the home of the woman who entertained Elisha (2 King 1 Samuel 4:8 ff.). in Gilboa] A mountainous tract on the E. of the plain of Esdraelon. It is now called Jebel Fukûa, but the ancient name is still preserved in the village of Jelbôn, situated on the top of the mountain.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 28:4
Gilboa - Now called Jebel Fukuak. But the ancient name is preserved in the village of Jelbon, situated on the south side of the mountain. It was separated from Shunem (see the marginal reference) by the deep valley of Jezreel.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 28:4
4. Shunem — The modern Solam, on the southwestern declivity of Jebel Duhy, (Little Hermon,) and on the eastern border of the great Plain of Esdraelon. Joshua 19:18.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 28:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Spiritual Insights 03 Rom 13:8 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of wisdom and obedience to God's word. He contrasts the actions of wise individuals who seek to please the Lord with the fool |
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Insights by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the verse 1 Peter 5:7, specifically the phrase "He careth for you." He begins by highlighting examples from the Old Testament where God show |
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Skyland Conference 1979-04 Elisha by Robert Constable | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Elisha and the great woman from 2 Kings chapter four. The preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to the word of God an |
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The Man of God by Robert Constable | Robert Constable emphasizes the identity and responsibility of being a 'man of God,' urging the congregation to recognize their status as holy and set apart for God's service. He d |
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The Walk of Faith - Part 1 by Larry Ainsworth | In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging the absence of some attendees from the morning session and provides a brief recap of the previous study on the words of Jesus, " |
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Elijah and Elisha 05 ~ Keswick Conference 1970 by Harold Wildish | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of hospitality and welcoming others in the name of God. He shares personal experiences of being welcomed into homes as a miss |
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Elijah and Elisha 09 ~ Keswick Conference 1970 by Harold Wildish | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Elisha and his servant in the book of 2 Kings. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being a faithful servant of God and carry |