1 Samuel 13:7

KJV

And [some of] the Hebrews went over Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. As for Saul, he [was] yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling.

KJV (with Strong's)

And some of the Hebrews {H5680} went over {H5674} Jordan {H3383} to the land {H776} of Gad {H1410} and Gilead {H1568}. As for Saul {H7586}, he was yet in Gilgal {H1537}, and all the people {H5971} followed {H310} him trembling {H2729}.

Complete Jewish Bible

while some of the Hebrews crossed the Yarden to the territory of Gad and Gil'ad. But Sha'ul was still in Gilgal, where all the people were eager to follow him.

Berean Standard Bible

Some Hebrews even crossed the Jordan into the land of Gad and Gilead. Saul, however, remained at Gilgal, and all his troops were quaking in fear.

American Standard Version

Now some of the Hebrews had gone over the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead; but as for Saul, he was yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Samuel 13:7 captures a moment of intense national crisis and widespread fear early in King Saul's reign, immediately following his son Jonathan's daring strike against a Philistine garrison. This verse vividly portrays the demoralized state of the Israelite army and the strategic predicament facing Saul, with some of his forces deserting in panic across the Jordan River, while those remaining with him at Gilgal were gripped by profound terror. It sets the stage for Saul's critical test of faith and obedience, highlighting the immense pressure under which he operated.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of Saul's kingship, specifically within 1 Samuel 13, which details the escalating conflict with the Philistines. Jonathan's bold attack on the Philistine garrison at Geba (1 Samuel 13:3) provoked a massive Philistine counter-mobilization, described in [1 Samuel 13:5](/1_samuel/13-5 "1 Samuel 13:5 - Philistine Army Gathers"). This overwhelming display of force immediately precedes 1 Samuel 13:7, explaining the widespread panic and desertion among the Israelite ranks. The verse serves as a crucial bridge, illustrating the dire circumstances that would soon prompt Saul's fateful act of offering the burnt offering himself, rather than waiting for Samuel, as commanded in [1 Samuel 10:8](/1_samuel/10-8 "1 Samuel 10:8 - Samuel's Instruction to Saul"). It underscores the pressure cooker environment that contributed to Saul's disobedience, leading directly to Samuel's pronouncement of his rejection as king in [1 Samuel 13:13-14](/1_samuel/13-13 "1 Samuel 13:13-14 - Saul's Disobedience and Rejection").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines were a formidable military power in the ancient Near East, possessing superior iron weaponry and well-organized forces, which gave them a significant advantage over the Israelites, who were still largely reliant on bronze. This technological disparity contributed to the Israelites' fear and sense of inferiority. Gilgal, where Saul was stationed, held deep historical and religious significance for Israel. It was the first encampment of Israel after crossing the Jordan into the Promised Land ([Joshua 4:19](/joshua/4-19 "Joshua 4:19 - Israel Enters Canaan")), a place of covenant renewal ([Joshua 5:9](/joshua/5-9 "Joshua 5:9 - Circumcision at Gilgal")), and a central gathering point for Samuel ([1 Samuel 7:16](/1_samuel/7-16 "1 Samuel 7:16 - Samuel Judges Israel")). For Israelites to flee across the Jordan to Gad and Gilead, regions east of the river, indicates a desperate attempt to escape the immediate Philistine threat and find refuge in less accessible territories, highlighting the extreme nature of their panic and the perceived vulnerability of their homeland.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in the book of [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel - The Rise and Fall of Kings"). Foremost is the theme of **fear versus faith**, as the Israelites' overwhelming dread leads to desertion and a crisis of confidence in their divinely appointed king and, by extension, in God's deliverance. This fear stands in stark contrast to the steadfastness required for leadership and divine obedience. Another critical theme is **leadership under pressure**, showcasing Saul's early struggles to maintain control and morale amidst overwhelming odds. His inability to inspire confidence and his subsequent rash decision in [1 Samuel 13:8-12](/1_samuel/13-8 "1 Samuel 13:8-12 - Saul's Impatience") are directly linked to the desperate situation depicted here. Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **divine testing and human failure**, as this moment of crisis serves as a crucible for Saul's character, setting the stage for his eventual rejection and the subsequent rise of David, a man after God's own heart ([1 Samuel 16:1](/1_samuel/16-1 "1 Samuel 16:1 - God Rejects Saul and Chooses David")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hebrews (עִבְרִים, _‘ivrim'_):** This term is often used by non-Israelites (like the Philistines) or in contexts that emphasize the Israelites' distinct ethnic identity, or sometimes their vulnerable, transient status. Here, its use might subtly underscore the perception of the Israelites by themselves or their enemies as a people under duress, highlighting their desperate flight from the heartland and their perceived lack of a stable, secure homeland in the face of Philistine dominance.
* **trembling (חָרַד, _charad'_):** This Hebrew verb conveys a profound sense of fear, anxiety, and agitation. It describes not merely an emotional state but often a physical reaction to terror, suggesting a visible shaking, quivering, or shuddering. The use of this word emphasizes the extreme psychological and physical state of Saul's remaining soldiers, indicating a complete breakdown of morale and military cohesion due to overwhelming dread.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And [some of] the Hebrews went over Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead."**: This clause immediately establishes the dire state of the Israelite forces. The phrase "some of the Hebrews" indicates a significant portion of the army, or at least a visible contingent, was deserting. Their flight "over Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead" signifies a strategic retreat to the eastern side of the Jordan River, a region perceived as safer and more remote from the Philistine threat in the central highlands. This act of desertion underscores the widespread panic and lack of faith in Saul's leadership or God's imminent deliverance.
* **"As for Saul, he [was] yet in Gilgal,"**: This phrase highlights Saul's static and increasingly isolated position. "Yet in Gilgal" emphasizes his continued presence at this specific, historically significant location, where he had been instructed to wait for Samuel. His remaining there, while others flee, sets him apart, but also underscores his vulnerability and the mounting pressure he faced as his forces dwindled. Gilgal becomes a symbol of his predicament and the crucible of his obedience.
* **"and all the people followed him trembling."**: This final clause describes the state of the remaining Israelite soldiers who had not deserted. The phrase "all the people" might be a hyperbole, but it effectively conveys the pervasive fear that had gripped those still loyal to Saul. They were not confident or resolute, but "trembling" (חָרַד, _charad_), indicating a deep-seated terror that rendered them ineffective and demoralized. This widespread fear among his immediate followers placed immense psychological pressure on Saul, challenging his ability to lead and inspire.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey the atmosphere of crisis. **Contrast** is evident between the fleeing "Hebrews" who crossed the Jordan and "Saul" and "all the people" who remained, albeit "trembling." This highlights the two reactions to the Philistine threat: complete desertion versus terrified adherence. **Imagery** is powerfully used, with phrases like "went over Jordan" painting a picture of desperate flight, and "trembling" vividly depicting the physical manifestation of fear gripping the remaining soldiers. The use of "all the people" might be considered **hyperbole**, emphasizing the pervasive and overwhelming nature of the fear rather than a literal headcount, thereby magnifying the sense of national panic. Furthermore, the entire scene serves as **foreshadowing**, hinting at Saul's impending failure of leadership and obedience due to the immense pressure of the situation, which will culminate in his rash actions later in the chapter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the destructive power of fear when it overtakes faith, both individually and nationally. The desertion and trembling of the Israelites demonstrate a fundamental lack of trust in God's ability to deliver them from their formidable enemy, despite His past victories for Israel. This human response to overwhelming circumstances sets the stage for a critical test of leadership and obedience, particularly for Saul. The crisis at Gilgal underscores that true security and victory do not come from military might or strategic retreat, but from faithful reliance on God's promises and adherence to His commands. It foreshadows the ongoing tension in Israel's history between human fear and divine sovereignty, a theme that reverberates throughout the Old Testament.

* [Deuteronomy 20:8](/deuteronomy/20-8 "Deuteronomy 20:8 - Dismissal of the Fearful")
* [Psalm 27:1](/psalms/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is My Light and Salvation")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Samuel 13:7 serves as a poignant reminder of the human tendency to succumb to fear when faced with overwhelming odds. The panic and desertion of the Israelites, and the trembling of those who remained, reflect a universal human experience of anxiety and uncertainty in the face of perceived danger. For believers today, this verse challenges us to examine our own responses to life's crises. Do we, like some of the Hebrews, flee to what seems like safety, abandoning our post or our principles? Or do we, like those with Saul, remain but are paralyzed by fear, unable to act in faith? The narrative implicitly calls us to cultivate a spirit of steadfast faith and patient obedience, even when circumstances seem dire and God's timing seems delayed. It reminds us that true strength is found not in human might or strategic escape, but in trusting God's sovereign plan and His empowering presence, even when the world around us is trembling.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does fear manifest in my life, and what are the "Philistines" that cause me to tremble or consider fleeing?**
* **In what situations am I tempted to act impulsively out of fear, rather than patiently waiting on God's timing and guidance?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty and presence, even when circumstances seem overwhelming and my "army" feels small and demoralized?**
* **What lessons can I draw from Saul's predicament about the importance of obedience and patience in leadership, whether in my home, church, or workplace?**

### FAQ
**Why did some of the Hebrews flee across the Jordan to Gad and Gilead?**

Answer: They fled across the Jordan to Gad and Gilead because these regions, located east of the Jordan River, were perceived as more remote and thus safer from the immediate and overwhelming Philistine military threat in the central Israelite highlands. This desperate move was a direct result of widespread panic and a lack of confidence in their ability to withstand the technologically superior and numerically vast Philistine army, as described in [1 Samuel 13:5](/1_samuel/13-5 "1 Samuel 13:5 - Philistine Army Gathers"). It was a strategic retreat born of fear, seeking refuge in less accessible territories.

**What is the significance of Saul being "yet in Gilgal"?**

Answer: Saul's continued presence "yet in Gilgal" is highly significant for several reasons. Gilgal was a historically and religiously important site for Israel, serving as a place of national assembly, covenant renewal, and worship (e.g., [Joshua 5:9](/joshua/5-9 "Joshua 5:9 - Circumcision at Gilgal")). More immediately, Saul had been explicitly commanded by Samuel to wait for him at Gilgal for seven days to offer sacrifices before engaging in battle ([1 Samuel 10:8](/1_samuel/10-8 "1 Samuel 10:8 - Samuel's Instruction to Saul")). Therefore, Saul's presence there highlights his precarious position, caught between a divine command to wait and the immense pressure of a deserting, terrified army. This setting becomes the crucible for his fateful act of disobedience, leading to his rejection as king ([1 Samuel 13:13-14](/1_samuel/13-13 "1 Samuel 13:13-14 - Saul's Disobedience and Rejection")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Samuel 13:7 paints a stark picture of human fear and leadership under duress, it ultimately points forward to the perfect King, Jesus Christ, who faced the ultimate trial without trembling or fleeing. Unlike Saul, who succumbed to the pressure of a terrified army and disobeyed God's command, Jesus perfectly fulfilled the Father's will, even in the face of overwhelming fear and abandonment. In the Garden of Gethsemane, facing the full weight of God's wrath against sin, Jesus's soul was "overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death" ([Matthew 26:38](/matthew/26-38 "Matthew 26:38 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")), yet He did not flee or compromise, but prayed, "not my will, but yours be done" ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). His disciples, much like Saul's army, fled in fear ([Matthew 26:56](/matthew/26-56 "Matthew 26:56 - Disciples Desert Jesus")), yet Jesus remained steadfast, becoming the ultimate 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")). He is the true Shepherd who gathers His sheep, providing perfect security and peace, conquering the fear of death itself through His resurrection ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Frees from Fear of Death")). In Christ, we find the leadership that never falters, the courage that never trembles, and the ultimate victory over every enemy, offering a peace that the world cannot give ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives Peace")).

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

Deuteronomy 3:12

¶ And this land, [which] we possessed at that time, from Aroer, which [is] by the river Arnon, and half mount Gilead, and the cities thereof, gave I unto the Reubenites and to the Gadites.

Deuteronomy 20:8

And the officers shall speak further unto the people, and they shall say, What man [is there that is] fearful and fainthearted? let him go and return unto his house, lest his brethren's heart faint as well as his heart.

Leviticus 26:17

And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you.

Numbers 32:33

And Moses gave unto them, [even] to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, and unto half the tribe of Manasseh the son of Joseph, the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, the land, with the cities thereof in the coasts, [even] the cities of the country round about.

Numbers 32:42

And Nobah went and took Kenath, and the villages thereof, and called it Nobah, after his own name.

Numbers 32:1

¶ Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place [was] a place for cattle;

Numbers 32:5

Wherefore, said they, if we have found grace in thy sight, let this land be given unto thy servants for a possession, [and] bring us not over Jordan.