1 Chronicles 10:7

KJV

And when all the men of Israel that [were] in the valley saw that they fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, then they forsook their cities, and fled: and the Philistines came and dwelt in them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when all the men {H376} of Israel {H3478} that were in the valley {H6010} saw {H7200} that they fled {H5127}, and that Saul {H7586} and his sons {H1121} were dead {H4191}, then they forsook {H5800} their cities {H5892}, and fled {H5127}: and the Philistines {H6430} came {H935} and dwelt {H3427} in them.

Complete Jewish Bible

When all the men of Isra'el who were in the valley saw them fleeing and that Sha'ul and his sons were dead, they abandoned their cities and fled; then the P'lishtim came and lived in them.

Berean Standard Bible

When all the Israelites in the valley saw that the army had fled and that Saul and his sons had died, they abandoned their cities and ran away. So the Philistines came and occupied their cities.

American Standard Version

And when all the men of Israel that were in the valley saw that they fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, they forsook their cities, and fled; and the Philistines came and dwelt in them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 10:7 vividly portrays the immediate, devastating aftermath of Israel's defeat at the Battle of Mount Gilboa. Following the deaths of King Saul and his sons, the remaining Israelite forces and inhabitants in the surrounding valley, witnessing the rout and the demise of their leadership, abandoned their cities in panicked flight. This act of forsaking their homes allowed the victorious Philistines to swiftly occupy and settle in these strategic Israelite territories, marking a dark period of foreign dominance and national despair for Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 10 serves as a pivotal transition point in the Chronicler's narrative, marking the definitive end of Saul's reign and setting the stage for the rise of David, God's chosen king. The chapter begins by detailing the battle against the Philistines on Mount Gilboa, culminating in the tragic deaths of Saul and his three sons (1 Chronicles 10:1-6). Verse 7 specifically describes the broader national impact of this defeat, extending beyond the battlefield to the civilian population and abandoned cities. The Chronicler's primary interest in recounting Saul's demise is not merely historical but theological: he explicitly states in [1 Chronicles 10:13-14](/1_chronicles/10-13 "1 Chronicles 10:13-14 - Saul's Disobedience and Death") that Saul died because of his unfaithfulness to the Lord, particularly his failure to keep God's word and his consultation with a medium. Thus, 1 Chronicles 10:7 underscores the dire consequences of such disobedience, paving the way for the establishment of the righteous Davidic monarchy in the subsequent chapters, beginning with [1 Chronicles 11](/1_chronicles/11 "1 Chronicles 11 - David Becomes King").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Battle of Mount Gilboa was a catastrophic event for ancient Israel, signifying a major Philistine victory and the reassertion of their dominance over Israelite territories. The Philistines, a powerful maritime people settled on the southwestern coast of Canaan, were a persistent threat to Israel's nascent monarchy. The death of a king in battle, especially one who had been anointed by God, was a profound national crisis, often leading to widespread panic and disarray among the populace. The "men of Israel that were in the valley" likely refers to those Israelite forces not directly engaged on Mount Gilboa, or more broadly, the inhabitants of towns and villages in the Jezreel Valley and surrounding regions who witnessed the defeat or received news of the king's death. In ancient warfare, the abandonment of cities by their inhabitants was a common response to overwhelming enemy victory, driven by fear of slaughter, enslavement, or plunder, leaving their homes vulnerable to immediate occupation by the conquerors.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **consequences of disobedience and divine judgment**, as Saul's demise and Israel's subsequent humiliation are presented as a direct result of his unfaithfulness (as noted in [1 Chronicles 10:13-14](/1_chronicles/10-13 "1 Chronicles 10:13-14 - Saul's Disobedience and Death")). Secondly, it powerfully illustrates **national despair and disarray**, as the flight of the Israelites and the abandonment of their cities underscore the profound fear and hopelessness that gripped the nation in the absence of effective leadership. Thirdly, the Philistine occupation signifies their **ascendancy and re-establishment of control**, marking a dark period of foreign oppression for Israel. Finally, and crucially for the Chronicler's theological agenda, this grim scene serves as a necessary **transition point in God's sovereign plan**. The complete collapse of Saul's kingdom, though tragic, divinely clears the path for the anointing and reign of David, the king after God's own heart, whose story of establishing God's kingdom in Israel begins immediately in [1 Chronicles 11](/1_chronicles/11 "1 Chronicles 11 - David Becomes King"), demonstrating God's faithfulness even amidst human failure.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fled (Hebrew, _nûs_):** This verb, used twice in the verse, denotes a rapid, panicked flight, often indicative of terror or overwhelming defeat. It implies a desperate scramble for self-preservation rather than an orderly retreat. The repetition emphasizes the widespread, urgent nature of the Israelites' abandonment of their positions and homes.
* **Forsook (Hebrew, _'āzav_):** This word signifies abandonment, desertion, or leaving something behind. In this context, it highlights a deliberate act of relinquishing possession of their cities. It conveys the depth of their despair and the perceived futility of resistance, leading them to leave their homes and possessions vulnerable to the enemy.
* **Dwelt (Hebrew, _yāshav_):** This verb means to sit, remain, or settle. Here, it indicates the Philistines' immediate and decisive occupation of the abandoned Israelite cities. It signifies not merely a temporary encampment but a taking up of residence, asserting their dominance and control over the conquered territories.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when all the men of Israel that [were] in the valley saw that they fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead,"**: This opening clause establishes the critical conditions that triggered the Israelite response. "All the men of Israel that were in the valley" refers to those not directly on Mount Gilboa but in the surrounding lowlands or nearby settlements. Their "seeing that they fled" likely refers to the sight of the routed Israelite army from Gilboa, or perhaps the flight of other civilians. The news of Saul and his sons' deaths, the ultimate sign of national defeat and the collapse of leadership, served as the final catalyst for their actions.
* **"then they forsook their cities, and fled:"**: This phrase describes the direct and immediate consequence of the preceding observation. Overwhelmed by fear and despair, with no king or military command to rally them, the Israelites abandoned their homes. The act of "forsaking their cities" implies a complete surrender of their dwelling places and possessions, driven by the instinct for self-preservation. The second "fled" reinforces the panicked, urgent nature of their departure.
* **"and the Philistines came and dwelt in them."**: This final clause highlights the swift and decisive outcome of the Israelite flight. The vacuum created by the abandoned cities was immediately filled by the victorious Philistines. Their "coming and dwelling" signifies a complete takeover, establishing their control and presence in these strategically important Israelite territories. This marks a significant moment of Philistine ascendancy and Israelite subjugation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its stark message. **Contrast** is evident in the juxtaposition of the fleeing Israelites and the occupying Philistines, highlighting the dramatic shift in power and the reversal of fortunes. The Israelites, once inhabitants, become refugees, while the Philistines, once invaders, become residents. **Pathos** is evoked by the description of a people so utterly defeated and terrified that they abandon their homes and everything they possess. The phrase "forsook their cities, and fled" is a powerful image of national despair and disarray. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Foreshadowing** within the Chronicler's narrative. While grim, this complete collapse of Saul's kingdom is necessary to clear the stage for the introduction of David, whose righteous reign and establishment of a kingdom aligned with God's will will follow immediately, thus setting up the divine solution to Israel's crisis.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 10:7, while detailing a moment of profound national crisis and despair, is deeply significant for its theological implications. It underscores the severe consequences of disobedience to God, as Saul's failure to adhere to divine commands directly led to this catastrophic defeat and the subsequent suffering of his people. The abandonment of cities and the flight of the Israelites vividly illustrate the vulnerability of a nation that has strayed from its covenant with God. However, even in this dark hour, the Chronicler's overarching message is one of God's unwavering sovereignty. This seemingly hopeless situation is not an end but a divinely orchestrated transition, paving the way for the rise of David, the king after God's own heart, through whom God would re-establish His covenant and bring about His purposes for Israel. Thus, the verse serves as a stark reminder that while human sin brings devastation, God's ultimate plan of redemption and restoration continues to unfold, often through unexpected and painful circumstances.

* [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Rebellion as Witchcraft")
* [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good in All Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene depicted in 1 Chronicles 10:7 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It confronts us with the reality of human failure, the devastating consequences of disobedience, and the overwhelming power of fear and despair when we perceive our defenses have crumbled. Just as the Israelites "forsook their cities and fled," we too can be tempted to abandon our spiritual posts, our commitments, or our hope when faced with overwhelming challenges, personal failures, or the apparent triumph of adversity. This verse calls us to examine our own responses to crisis: do we flee in panic, or do we seek refuge and strength in God? It reminds us that true security is not found in human leaders or earthly strongholds, but in the steadfastness of God's covenant and His sovereign plan. Even when our "cities" (our sense of security, our plans, our comfort zones) seem forsaken and occupied by the "Philistines" of life's trials, the biblical narrative consistently points to God's ultimate control, working even through painful transitions to bring about His greater purposes. Our call is to trust in His sovereignty, even when circumstances seem dire, knowing that He is always preparing the way for His next move, often through the very challenges that threaten to overwhelm us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when I feel overwhelmed by fear or despair, similar to the Israelites in this verse?**
* **What "cities" (areas of life, commitments, relationships) might I be tempted to "forsake" when facing significant challenges or perceived defeat?**
* **In what ways can I recognize God's sovereign hand at work, even amidst moments of personal or collective crisis and apparent loss?**
* **How does the transition from Saul's failed reign to David's anointing encourage me to trust God's plan, even when current circumstances seem bleak?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Chronicler include this grim account of Israel's defeat and flight?**

Answer: The Chronicler's primary purpose in recounting this grim defeat was not merely historical, but theological and literary. He wanted to definitively mark the end of King Saul's reign, emphasizing that Saul's downfall was a direct consequence of his unfaithfulness to the Lord, as explicitly stated in [1 Chronicles 10:13-14](/1_chronicles/10-13 "1 Chronicles 10:13-14 - Saul's Disobedience and Death"). By portraying the complete collapse of Saul's kingdom and the subsequent national despair, the Chronicler sets a stark contrast to the righteous and successful reign of David, which begins immediately in [1 Chronicles 11](/1_chronicles/11 "1 Chronicles 11 - David Becomes King"). This narrative strategy highlights God's sovereignty in removing a disobedient king and providentially preparing the way for His chosen leader, through whom He would establish an enduring covenant and kingdom.

**Who were "all the men of Israel that [were] in the valley," and why did they flee?**

Answer: "All the men of Israel that [were] in the valley" likely refers to the Israelite population—both remaining military personnel not directly on Mount Gilboa and civilians—residing in the towns and villages located in the Jezreel Valley and surrounding lowlands near the battle site. They fled because they witnessed the catastrophic defeat of their army, the rout of their forces, and, most critically, received news of the deaths of King Saul and his three sons. In ancient warfare, the death of a king often signaled the complete collapse of leadership and defense, leading to widespread panic. With no one to rally them and facing the overwhelming might of the victorious Philistines, their flight was a desperate act of self-preservation, abandoning their homes to avoid slaughter, enslavement, or plunder by the conquering enemy. This act of "forsaking their cities" directly led to the Philistines' swift occupation, as noted in the latter part of [1 Chronicles 10:7](/1_chronicles/10-7 "1 Chronicles 10:7 - Israel's Flight and Philistine Occupation").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The despair and abandonment depicted in 1 Chronicles 10:7, where Israel's earthly king fails and his people flee, powerfully foreshadow the ultimate need for a perfect, eternal King who will never fail or abandon His people. Saul's reign, marked by disobedience and culminating in utter defeat, highlights the inadequacy of human leadership and the fragility of earthly kingdoms. This dark moment of national collapse and foreign occupation points to humanity's deeper spiritual plight: forsaken by sin and under the dominion of spiritual enemies. However, the narrative of God's sovereignty, which immediately transitions to the rise of David, ultimately finds its complete fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Unlike Saul, Jesus is the King who does not flee from the battle but courageously confronts sin and death on the cross, conquering them through His own sacrifice ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). He is the true Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, ensuring they are never abandoned ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")). Where Israel's cities were forsaken and occupied, Christ establishes an eternal kingdom where His people find true dwelling and security. Through His resurrection and ascension, Jesus reigns forever, gathering His people into a kingdom that will never be defeated or forsaken ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")). He is the ultimate refuge, the King who saves His people from their sins ([Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Jesus Saves His People")), and in Him, we find the courage to stand firm, knowing that our true home is secure in His eternal reign ([Hebrews 13:14](/hebrews/13-14 "Hebrews 13:14 - We Seek the City to Come")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 13:6

When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait, (for the people were distressed,) then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits.

Leviticus 26:31

And I will make your cities waste, and bring your sanctuaries unto desolation, and I will not smell the savour of your sweet odours.

Deuteronomy 28:43

The stranger that [is] within thee shall get up above thee very high; and thou shalt come down very low.

Leviticus 26:36

And upon them that are left [alive] of you I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursueth.

1 Samuel 31:7

And when the men of Israel that [were] on the other side of the valley, and [they] that [were] on the other side Jordan, saw that the men of Israel fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, they forsook the cities, and fled; and the Philistines came and dwelt in them.

Deuteronomy 28:33

The fruit of thy land, and all thy labours, shall a nation which thou knowest not eat up; and thou shalt be only oppressed and crushed alway:

Judges 6:2

And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: [and] because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which [are] in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds.