1 Samuel 13:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all Israel {H3478} heard {H8085} say {H559} that Saul {H7586} had smitten {H5221} a garrison {H5333} of the Philistines {H6430}, and that Israel {H3478} also was had in abomination {H887} with the Philistines {H6430}. And the people {H5971} were called together {H6817} after {H310} Saul {H7586} to Gilgal {H1537}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All Isra'el heard that Sha'ul had assassinated the governor of the P'lishtim and thus made Isra'el a stench in the nostrils of the P'lishtim. So the people rallied behind Sha'ul in Gilgal;

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 13:4 chronicles a pivotal moment in Saul's reign, marking the escalation of the long-standing conflict between Israel and the Philistines. Following Jonathan's audacious strike against a Philistine garrison, this verse details the widespread news throughout Israel, attributing the decisive blow to King Saul. More significantly, it reveals the Philistines' profound revulsion and intense loathing for Israel, signaling a shift from mere political tension to open, visceral enmity. In response to this heightened animosity and the imminent Philistine retaliation, Saul strategically mobilizes the Israelite forces, summoning them to the historically and spiritually significant site of Gilgal, thereby preparing the nascent nation for a full-scale confrontation that would define the early years of his monarchy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [1 Samuel 13:3](/1_samuel/13-3 "1 Samuel 13:3 - Jonathan Strikes the Philistine Garrison"), which explicitly states, "Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba." The subsequent attribution of this act to Saul in [1 Samuel 13:4](/1_samuel/13-4 "1 Samuel 13:4 - Israel's Provocation of the Philistines") is a crucial narrative detail, reflecting the ancient Near Eastern concept of royal prerogative where the king receives credit for the actions of his army, or perhaps a deliberate strategic move by Saul to consolidate national support under his leadership. This verse serves as the direct catalyst for the massive Philistine counter-mobilization described in [1 Samuel 13:5](/1_samuel/13-5 "1 Samuel 13:5 - Philistine Army Assembles"), initiating the major conflict that defines much of Saul's early kingship. It marks the transition from localized skirmishes to full-scale warfare, a direct and unavoidable consequence of Israel's challenge to entrenched Philistine hegemony. The narrative carefully builds tension, highlighting the immediate and severe repercussions of Jonathan's bold act.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During this period, Israel was largely under Philistine subjugation, a situation vividly detailed in [1 Samuel 13:19-22](/1_samuel/13-19-22 "1 Samuel 13:19-22 - Philistine Control of Ironworking"), which describes the Philistine monopoly over ironworking, effectively disarming the Israelites and hindering their military capabilities. The Philistines, a powerful "Sea Peoples" group, had established a strong presence along the coastal plain and were aggressively expanding inland, posing a constant, existential threat to Israelite autonomy and identity. Jonathan's attack was not merely a random raid but a direct act of rebellion against this oppressive Philistine control, targeting their garrisons—military outposts that maintained their dominance and collected tribute. Gilgal, the chosen rallying point, held immense historical and religious importance for Israel, serving as the initial encampment after crossing the Jordan ([Joshua 4:19](/joshua/4-19 "Joshua 4:19 - Israel Enters the Promised Land")), a place of covenant renewal ([Joshua 5:9](/joshua/5-9 "Joshua 5:9 - The Reproach of Egypt Removed at Gilgal")), and a traditional site for sacrifices and mustering troops. Its selection by Saul underscores his attempt to invoke national and spiritual unity, drawing upon Israel's foundational memories in the face of a formidable enemy.
* **Key Themes:** This verse underscores several key themes central to the book of Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **consequences of defiance** against an oppressive power. Challenging the status quo, while necessary for freedom, inevitably provokes a strong and often violent reaction, as seen in the Philistines' "abomination" of Israel. Secondly, it emphasizes the **role of leadership** in times of crisis, as Saul, though imperfect and later prone to disobedience, takes on the immediate responsibility of mobilizing his people for war. This act of calling Israel together to Gilgal signifies his assumption of the kingly duty to protect his nation and lead them into battle. Thirdly, the phrase "Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines" introduces the profound theme of **intense enmity and spiritual opposition**, portraying the Philistines not just as political rivals but as a people with deep-seated hatred for Israel. This reflects the ongoing spiritual battle between God's chosen people and the forces that oppose His purposes, a theme echoed throughout the narrative of [Israel's struggles against its enemies](/judges/3-7 "Judges 3:7 - Israel's Disobedience and Oppression") and culminating in the ultimate cosmic conflict between good and evil.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Smitten (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** The Hebrew verb נָכָה (_nâkâh_, H5221) is a primitive root meaning "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively); beat, kill, slay, smite." In this context, it signifies a decisive military blow or attack. While [1 Samuel 13:3](/1_samuel/13-3 "1 Samuel 13:3 - Jonathan Strikes the Philistine Garrison") explicitly attributes the "smiting" of the garrison to Jonathan, the credit is given to Saul in [1 Samuel 13:4](/1_samuel/13-4 "1 Samuel 13:4 - Israel's Provocation of the Philistines"). This highlights the concept of royal authority and unified command, where the king, as the head of the military, is credited for the actions of his subordinates. It transforms Jonathan's individual act of bravery into a national act of defiance under Saul's leadership, underscoring the king's responsibility for the ensuing conflict.
* **Abomination (Hebrew, _bâʼash'_):** The Hebrew verb בָּאַשׁ (_bâʼash_, H887) is a primitive root meaning "to smell bad; figuratively, to be offensive morally; (make to) be abhorred (had in abomination, loathsome, odious), (cause a, make to) stink." This word conveys a much stronger sense than mere anger or annoyance. When Israel "was had in abomination with the Philistines," it means Israel had become utterly repulsive, disgusting, and intolerable to them. This signifies a profound and visceral revulsion, indicating that the Philistines would now seek not just to defeat Israel, but to utterly crush them, viewing them as an intolerable stench in their nostrils. It underscores the depth of the Philistine animosity and the gravity of the impending, existential conflict.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all Israel heard say [that] Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines":** This clause emphasizes the widespread dissemination of the news throughout the nation of Israel. The attribution of the "smiting" to Saul, despite [1 Samuel 13:3](/1_samuel/13-3 "1 Samuel 13:3 - Jonathan Strikes the Philistine Garrison") crediting Jonathan, serves to centralize the authority and leadership under the newly appointed king. It transforms a localized skirmish into a national declaration of intent, rallying the people under Saul's banner. The news would have stirred both hope and apprehension among the Israelites, knowing that such a bold act would inevitably provoke a severe Philistine response.
* **"and [that] Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines":** This crucial phrase reveals the immediate and intense reaction of the Philistines. The use of "abomination" (from _bâʼash_) signifies that Israel had become utterly detestable and loathsome to them. This was not just a political or military grievance but a profound, visceral hatred, indicating a complete breakdown of any semblance of peaceful coexistence. It signals the Philistines' determination to retaliate decisively and crush Israel's burgeoning independence, viewing them as an intolerable affront.
* **"And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal":** This final clause describes Saul's decisive action to mobilize the nation. "Called together" (from _tsâʻaq_, H6817) indicates a formal summons or muster, a call to arms. Gilgal, a site of immense historical and religious significance (where Israel encamped after crossing the Jordan and where Saul himself was confirmed as king in [1 Samuel 11:14-15](/1_samuel/11-14-15 "1 Samuel 11:14-15 - Saul Confirmed as King at Gilgal")), was strategically chosen as the rallying point. This act demonstrates Saul's leadership in preparing his people for the inevitable war, gathering them at a place associated with their national identity and covenant with God, aiming to foster unity and resolve.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Foreshadowing**, as the intense "abomination" felt by the Philistines clearly portends a major, brutal conflict, which indeed unfolds in the subsequent chapters of 1 Samuel. There is an element of **Irony** in Saul being credited with Jonathan's strike, highlighting the nature of ancient royal authority where the king's name becomes synonymous with the actions of his forces, even when performed by others. This narrative choice emphasizes Saul's overarching responsibility and the national scope of the conflict. The phrase "had in abomination" functions as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme emotional reaction of the Philistines and underscoring the severity of the situation, making the reader fully grasp the depth of their animosity. This dramatic language effectively builds tension, setting the stage for the escalating confrontation and the significant challenges that lie ahead for Saul's fledgling kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 13:4 powerfully illustrates the theological principle that actions, particularly those taken in defiance of oppressive forces, carry significant consequences and often provoke intense opposition. It reveals the reality of spiritual warfare, where the forces opposing God's people are not merely political or military but are often driven by deep-seated hatred and visceral revulsion. This "abomination" reflects the inherent conflict between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world, which often find God's truth and His people offensive. Yet, it also underscores God's sovereignty, as He often uses such confrontations to demonstrate His power and to solidify the leadership of His chosen instruments, in this case, Saul. The call to Gilgal signifies the need for unity, remembrance of covenant identity, and reliance on God when facing overwhelming odds, reminding Israel of their unique relationship with Yahweh.

* [Psalm 118:6](/psalm/118-6 "Psalm 118:6 - The Lord Is With Me")
* [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God Is For Us")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound insights for contemporary believers. Just as Israel's act of defiance provoked intense "abomination" from the Philistines, so too can a commitment to Christ and His truth provoke strong opposition from a world that often finds God's ways "abominable" or offensive. Standing for righteousness, justice, and the Gospel can lead to being misunderstood, reviled, or even hated by those who oppose God's kingdom. This verse calls us to recognize the spiritual nature of such opposition and to be prepared for its consequences, understanding that our struggle is not merely against flesh and blood. Furthermore, Saul's act of calling the people to Gilgal reminds us of the importance of courageous and unifying leadership in times of crisis, and the essential need for the church to gather, to be discipled, and to stand united in faith when facing external pressures. It encourages us to be ready to engage in the spiritual battle, not in our own strength, but by relying on God's power and the indissoluble unity of the body of Christ, drawing strength from our shared identity in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Philistines' "abomination" of Israel resonate with the world's reaction to Christian values or the church today?**
* **What does Saul's act of calling the people to Gilgal teach us about courageous and unifying leadership in times of spiritual conflict?**
* **In what ways might our faithful actions for Christ provoke opposition, and how should we spiritually and practically prepare ourselves for such a response?**
* **How can we foster greater unity within the body of Christ to stand firm against spiritual adversaries, much like Israel was called together at Gilgal?**

### FAQ

**Why is Saul credited with smiting the garrison when 1 Samuel 13:3 says Jonathan did it?**

Answer: This is a common practice in ancient Near Eastern kingship and military reporting, reflecting the principle of royal prerogative. While Jonathan performed the direct action, Saul, as the newly established king and commander-in-chief, was the ultimate authority and leader of the nation. His son's act of defiance against the Philistines was effectively an act of war declared under Saul's reign and command. Therefore, the credit for the national provocation and the subsequent mobilization falls to the king. It underscores Saul's role in initiating a full-scale conflict with the Philistines, moving beyond individual skirmishes to a national confrontation that he would be held accountable for.

**What does it mean that "Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines"?**

Answer: The Hebrew word translated "abomination" (בָּאַשׁ, _bâʼash_) literally means "to stink" or "to become odious." It conveys a much stronger sense than mere anger or annoyance. It means that Israel had become utterly repulsive, disgusting, and intolerable to the Philistines. This profound loathing indicates that the Philistines would not merely seek to defeat Israel but to utterly crush them, viewing them as an intolerable presence and a grave affront to their dominance. It highlights the depth of their animosity and the existential nature of the conflict that was about to unfold, signaling a fight to the finish.

**Why did Saul choose Gilgal as the rallying point for the people?**

Answer: Gilgal held immense historical and religious significance for Israel, making it a powerful symbolic choice. It was the first encampment site after the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land ([Joshua 4:19](/joshua/4-19 "Joshua 4:19 - Israel Enters the Promised Land")), where they renewed their covenant with God through circumcision ([Joshua 5:9](/joshua/5-9 "Joshua 5:9 - The Reproach of Egypt Removed at Gilgal")), and where the first Passover in Canaan was celebrated. Crucially, it was also the place where Saul himself was publicly confirmed as king by Samuel and the people following his victory over the Ammonites ([1 Samuel 11:14-15](/1_samuel/11-14-15 "1 Samuel 11:14-15 - Saul Confirmed as King at Gilgal")). By calling the people to Gilgal, Saul was invoking national memory, spiritual identity, and a sense of divine purpose, aiming to unite the tribes under his leadership for the impending battle and reinforce his legitimacy as king.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Samuel 13:4 describes an earthly king mobilizing his people for a physical battle against a human enemy, it powerfully foreshadows the ultimate spiritual conflict and the perfect King who leads His people to eternal victory. Saul's attempt to rally Israel at Gilgal points to Jesus Christ, the true King, who gathers His elect from every nation, tribe, and tongue through the power of His Gospel ([Matthew 24:31](/matthew/24-31 "Matthew 24:31 - The Gathering of the Elect")). The Philistines' "abomination" of Israel, signifying intense hatred and opposition, prefigures the world's deep-seated animosity towards Christ and His followers, as Jesus Himself warned that the world would hate His disciples just as it hated Him ([John 15:18-19](/john/15-18-19 "John 15:18-19 - The World's Hatred")). Yet, unlike Saul, whose leadership would ultimately falter due to his disobedience, Jesus perfectly leads His church against the true enemies: sin, death, and the spiritual forces of evil ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and through His sacrifice on the cross and His glorious resurrection, He has already secured the decisive victory, ensuring that the gates of hell will not prevail against His church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church")). Thus, 1 Samuel 13:4, with its depiction of a people called to battle under their king, ultimately points to the greater spiritual reality of Christ's triumph and His call for His people to stand firm in Him, knowing that the ultimate victory is already secured through His finished work.

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

Genesis 34:30

And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I [being] few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.

Exodus 5:21

And they said unto them, The LORD look upon you, and judge; because ye have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us.

Genesis 46:34

That ye shall say, Thy servants' trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we, [and] also our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd [is] an abomination unto the Egyptians.

Joshua 5:9

And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you. Wherefore the name of the place is called Gilgal unto this day.

1 Samuel 10:8

And thou shalt go down before me to Gilgal; and, behold, I will come down unto thee, to offer burnt offerings, [and] to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings: seven days shalt thou tarry, till I come to thee, and shew thee what thou shalt do.

Zechariah 11:8

Three shepherds also I cut off in one month; and my soul lothed them, and their soul also abhorred me.

1 Samuel 11:14

Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there.