1 Samuel 14:47

Translation
King James Version
¶ So Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines: and whithersoever he turned himself, he vexed them.
Ask
KJV (with Strong's)
So Saul H7586 took H3920 the kingdom H4410 over Israel H3478, and fought H3898 against all his enemies H341 on every side H5439, against Moab H4124, and against the children H1121 of Ammon H5983, and against Edom H123, and against the kings H4428 of Zobah H6678, and against the Philistines H6430: and whithersoever he turned H6437 himself, he vexed H7561 them.
Ask
Complete Jewish Bible
So Sha'ul took over the rulership of Isra'el. He fought against all his enemies on every side - against Mo'av, the people of 'Amon, Edom, the kings of Tzovah and the P'lishtim. No matter which way he turned, he defeated them.
Ask
Berean Standard Bible
After Saul had assumed the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side—the Moabites, the Ammonites, the Edomites, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines. Wherever he turned, he routed them.
Ask
American Standard Version
Now when Saul had taken the kingdom over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines: and whithersoever he turned himself, he put them to the worse.
Ask
World English Bible Messianic
Now when Saul had taken the kingdom over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines: and wherever he turned himself, he defeated them.
Ask
Geneva Bible (1599)
So Saul helde the kingdome ouer Israel, and fought against all his enemies on euery side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the Kings of Zobah, and against the Philistims: and whithersoeuer he went, he handled them as wicked men.
Ask
Young's Literal Translation
and Saul captured the kingdom over Israel, and he fighteth round about against all his enemies, against Moab, and against the Bene-Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines, and whithersoever he turneth he doth vex them .
Ask
See also
2 Samuel 10:61 Samuel 14:522 Samuel 8:31 Samuel 11:11 Samuel 11:131 Samuel 12:21 Kings 11:23
See on the biblical-era map
The Battle of Mikmash
The Battle of Mikmash View full PDF

Map © Biblica Open Bible Maps · CC BY-SA 4.0

In the KJVVerse 7,556 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Samuel 14:47 offers a concise yet profoundly significant summary of King Saul's early reign, primarily portraying him as Israel's divinely appointed military leader and chief defender. This verse encapsulates the initial fulfillment of the people's earnest desire for a king who would "go out before us and fight our battles," highlighting Saul's vigorous and widespread military campaigns against the numerous hostile nations surrounding Israel. Through these engagements, Saul actively established a measure of security for the nascent monarchy and began the process of consolidating its control over the land, demonstrating his initial zeal in assuming the responsibilities of kingship.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse functions as a crucial summary statement, strategically placed to conclude a significant narrative arc detailing Saul's initial successes as king and his military prowess. It follows the dramatic account of Jonathan's heroic exploits against the Philistines in 1 Samuel 14, which showcased a period of intense Philistine oppression and Saul's efforts to establish his authority. The preceding chapters recount Saul's anointing by Samuel, his decisive victory over the Ammonites in 1 Samuel 11, and his subsequent public confirmation as king at Gilgal. Verse 47 serves as a retrospective affirmation that Saul diligently embraced his role as warrior-king, a role explicitly articulated by the people when they demanded a monarch to "go out before us and fight our battles" (as seen in 1 Samuel 8:20). While celebrating his early achievements, this summary also subtly foreshadows the eventual limitations and tragic failures of Saul's reign, as his later disobedience and spiritual decline would ultimately undermine his military effectiveness and lead to his downfall.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: Saul's reign, situated in the late 11th century BCE, occurred during a highly volatile geopolitical period in the ancient Near East. Israel was transitioning from a loosely organized tribal confederation into a unified monarchy, a process fraught with external threats. The Philistines, a formidable "Sea People" who had settled on the southwestern coastal plain, represented the most persistent and technologically advanced adversary, possessing superior iron weaponry and military organization. The other nations listed—Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Zobah—posed distinct challenges from Israel's eastern and northern frontiers. Moab and Ammon were Transjordanian kingdoms with long histories of conflict and kinship with Israel, often vying for control of border territories. Edom, to the south, controlled vital trade routes and was a traditional enemy. Zobah, likely an Aramean kingdom located in central Syria, indicates the northern extent of Saul's military reach. In this era, the primary expectation for a king was that of a military strongman, capable of providing defense, ensuring security, and consolidating national territory, a role Saul initially fulfilled with considerable zeal.
  • Key Themes: 1 Samuel 14:47 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Samuel and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores Saul's Primary Role as Warrior-King, demonstrating his initial success in fulfilling the people's expectations for a leader who would actively defend them against their enemies. His reign was characterized by continuous military engagement, reflecting the tumultuous geopolitical reality of the time. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of Constant External Threats to Israel's existence; the specific enumeration of Moab, Ammon, Edom, Zobah, and the Philistines emphasizes the pervasive nature of these conflicts and the existential challenges faced by the nascent monarchy. This constant state of warfare underscores Israel's ongoing need for divine protection and effective leadership. Finally, it touches upon the theme of God's Providence and Deliverance through Human Means, as Saul, despite his eventual flaws, was initially God's chosen instrument to provide a measure of security and protection for His covenant people, aligning with the divine purpose for which a king was sought (see 1 Samuel 9:16).

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Took (Hebrew, lâkad', H3920): The Hebrew verb לָכַד (lâkad, H3920) signifies "to seize," "to capture," "to take possession of," or "to establish control over." In the context of "Saul took the kingdom," it conveys far more than a passive reception of a title; it denotes an active, decisive act of assuming authority and consolidating his rule. This implies a firm grasp of power and the initiation of sovereign actions, particularly military ones, to secure and govern the realm he now commanded. It speaks to the active appropriation of the responsibilities inherent in kingship, not merely inheriting them.
  • Fought (Hebrew, lâcham', H3898): The verb לָחַם (lâcham, H3898), specifically in its Niphal stem (passive or reflexive) in the KJV's "fought" (from nilḥam'), means "to engage in battle," "to wage war," or "to contend militarily." The grammatical form here suggests an ongoing or habitual action, emphasizing that Saul's reign was not characterized by peace but by continuous, persistent, and widespread military engagement. It highlights his active leadership in fulfilling the people's desire for a king who would personally lead them into battle against their adversaries.
  • Vexed (Hebrew, râshaʻ', H7561): The Hebrew word רָשַׁע (râshaʻ, H7561) fundamentally means "to be wicked," "to be guilty," or "to condemn." In a causative sense, as used here, it means "to treat as wicked," "to condemn," "to punish," or "to act wickedly against." In this military context, "he vexed [them]" signifies that Saul decisively dealt with his enemies, treating them as guilty adversaries, defeating them, and preventing their incursions. It implies more than mere annoyance; it suggests active subjugation, inflicting harm, achieving victory, and effectively punishing those who opposed Israel, thereby establishing dominance and security.

Verse Breakdown

  • "So Saul took the kingdom over Israel": This initial clause marks the formal and effective commencement of Saul's reign, signifying his assumption of sovereign power and the comprehensive responsibilities of kingship over the unified tribes of Israel. It implies not just a title but the active establishment of his authority.
  • "and fought against all his enemies on every side": This broad, sweeping statement highlights the comprehensive and pervasive nature of Saul's military campaigns. It indicates that his efforts were not confined to a single front but encompassed all geographical directions from which threats emerged, underscoring his commitment to securing and defending Israel's borders and people.
  • "against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines": This specific enumeration of diverse enemies provides concrete examples and illustrates the widespread nature of Saul's conflicts. It identifies the primary geopolitical adversaries of Israel during this period, ranging from the Transjordanian kingdoms (Moab, Ammon, Edom) to the Aramean states (Zobah) and the perennial, formidable threat from the west (Philistines), demonstrating the extensive reach and necessity of Saul's military engagements.
  • "and whithersoever he turned himself, he vexed [them].": This concluding phrase powerfully emphasizes Saul's proactive, relentless, and decisive military posture. "Whithersoever he turned himself" suggests a comprehensive and unyielding pursuit of Israel's enemies, while "he vexed [them]" (as analyzed above) conveys his effectiveness in defeating, punishing, and subjugating these adversaries, thereby providing a significant measure of security and stability for Israel.

Literary Devices

The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey the scope of Saul's military prowess and the extent of his reign. The most prominent is the Summary Statement, as the verse succinctly condenses a period of extensive military activity into a single, declarative sentence, providing a high-level overview of Saul's early accomplishments. The phrase "all his enemies on every side" functions as a form of Merism, using two encompassing parts ("all" and "every side") to represent a complete whole, indicating that Saul engaged every possible foe from every conceivable direction. The subsequent listing of specific nations—Moab, Ammon, Edom, Zobah, and the Philistines—is an example of Enumeration, which provides concrete details and reinforces the comprehensive scope implied by the merism. Finally, the concluding clause, "whithersoever he turned himself, he vexed [them]," utilizes Hyperbole to emphasize Saul's relentless and successful military endeavors, implying his ubiquitous presence and unwavering effectiveness in confronting and overcoming threats. The cumulative effect of these devices is to portray Saul as a vigorous, formidable, and highly active warrior-king, fulfilling the initial expectations of his office.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

This verse, while a straightforward historical summary, carries profound theological implications. It illustrates the initial phase of God's provision for Israel through human leadership, even though that leadership would eventually prove flawed. The people had demanded a king to fight their battles, and God, in His sovereign wisdom, allowed for this human institution, anointing Saul for this very purpose. Thus, Saul's early military successes can be understood as a tangible manifestation of God's continued care for His covenant people, utilizing a human agent to provide the security and stability they earnestly desired. However, the verse also subtly hints at the inherent limitations of human kingship; while Saul could "vex" physical enemies and secure temporal borders, he could not ultimately deliver Israel from its deeper spiritual enemies or from the consequences of its own sin and disobedience. His victories, though real, were temporal and contingent upon his obedience to divine commands, a condition he would tragically fail to meet in the long run.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

1 Samuel 14:47 offers a compelling reminder that leadership, whether in the context of a nation, a church, or a family, frequently entails confronting opposition and actively defending what has been entrusted. Saul's initial zeal and effectiveness in battling external threats serve as a powerful example of proactive engagement in the face of adversity. For believers today, this translates into the profound reality of spiritual warfare. We are called not to passive resignation but to active, vigilant engagement, standing firm against the schemes of the devil and the pervasive influences of a fallen world. Just as Saul was appointed to protect Israel's physical borders, Christians are spiritually equipped by God to contend earnestly for truth, defend the faith, and overcome the opposition of spiritual enemies through the indwelling power of Christ. This verse also subtly highlights that even leaders with significant flaws (as Saul later proved to be) can, in certain seasons and by God's grace, fulfill important aspects of their God-given roles, reminding us to discern God's hand at work even amidst imperfect human circumstances and instruments.

Questions for Reflection

  • What "enemies" or significant challenges are you currently called to confront or defend against in your personal life, family, or community?
  • How does Saul's initial proactive approach to leadership challenge or encourage your own posture towards difficulties and spiritual opposition?
  • In what specific ways do you recognize God's hand at work, even through imperfect human leaders or less-than-ideal circumstances in your life or the world?

FAQ

What does "vexed [them]" specifically mean in this context?

Answer: In 1 Samuel 14:47, "vexed [them]" translates the Hebrew word יָרְשַׁע (yarshaʻ, H7561), which is derived from a root often associated with wickedness or condemnation. In a causative sense, as used here, it means to treat someone as guilty, to condemn, or to punish them. Therefore, when it says Saul "vexed" his enemies, it does not imply mere annoyance or irritation. Rather, it signifies that he decisively defeated, punished, and subdued them. He inflicted trouble and loss upon them, preventing their incursions and asserting Israel's dominance, effectively treating them as the guilty aggressors they were. This implies significant military victory, subjugation, and the establishment of control over hostile forces.

Why are these specific nations (Moab, Ammon, Edom, Zobah, Philistines) listed?

Answer: These nations represent the primary geopolitical threats and adversaries that Israel faced during the early monarchy. The Philistines, based on the coastal plain, were the most immediate and technologically superior enemy, frequently clashing with Israel, as seen in numerous accounts like 1 Samuel 13. Moab, Ammon, and Edom were neighboring kingdoms to Israel's east and south, often in conflict over territory and resources, and they had long histories of antagonism with the Israelites as recorded in books like Numbers 22 and Judges 3. Zobah, likely an Aramean kingdom in what is now modern Syria, indicates Saul's military reach extended northward. The comprehensive nature of this list emphasizes that Saul's military efforts were widespread and multifaceted, addressing threats from all directions and fulfilling his mandate to protect Israel's nascent borders and secure its existence.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Saul, as the first king of Israel, was appointed by God to be a deliverer, a human agent tasked with fighting the physical battles of God's covenant people. In this verse, we witness him fulfilling that role, actively "vexing" Israel's enemies on every side. However, Saul's kingship, though divinely initiated, was temporary, deeply flawed, and ultimately ended in tragic failure. He could only provide a limited, earthly deliverance from physical foes. This earthly kingship, with its military victories and temporal protection, serves as a profound shadow and a pointer to the ultimate King and Deliverer, Jesus Christ. Unlike Saul, who fought against physical enemies with swords and spears, Jesus came to decisively defeat the true, spiritual enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the devil. His ultimate victory was not achieved through earthly warfare but through His perfect obedience to the Father, His sacrificial death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection from the dead. Through His atoning work, Christ disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, triumphing over them by the cross itself (as powerfully declared in Colossians 2:15). He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), and through His death, He destroyed the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil (Hebrews 2:14-15). Where Saul's reign was marked by constant conflict and eventual decline into disobedience, Christ's kingdom is eternal and His victory is absolute and everlasting. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, who reigns in perfect righteousness and peace, bringing ultimate and eternal deliverance to all who believe in Him (Revelation 19:11-16).

Copy as

Commentary on 1 Samuel 14 verses 47–52

Here is a general account of Saul's court and camp. 1. Of his court and family, the names of his sons and daughters (Sa1 14:49), and of his wife and his cousin-german that was general of his army, Sa1 14:50. There is mention of another wife of Saul's (Sa2 21:8), Rizpah, a secondary wife, and of the children he had by her. 2. Of his camp and military actions. (1.) How he levied his army: When he saw any strong valiant man, that was remarkably fit for service, he took him unto him (Sa1 14:52), as Samuel had told them the manner of the king would be (Sa1 8:11); and, if he must have a standing army, it was his prudence to fill it up with the ablest men he could make choice of. (2.) How he employed his army. He guarded his country against the insults of its enemies on every side, and prevented their incursions, Sa1 14:47, Sa1 14:48. It is supposed that he acted only defensively against those that used to invade the borders of Israel; and withersoever he turned himself, as there was occasion, he vexed them, by checking and disappointing them. But the enemies he struggled most with were the Philistines, with whom he had sore war all his days, Sa1 14:52. He had little reason to be proud of his royal dignity, nor had any of his neighbours cause to envy him, for he had little enjoyment of himself after he took the kingdom. He could not vex his enemies without some vexation to himself, such thorns are crowns quilted with.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 47–52. Public domain.
Copy as
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Samuel
Against Moab and the sons of Ammon, and Edom, etc. Moab and Ammon, who were conceived by incest at night through the help of drunkenness, in which there is lust (Eph. V), signify heretics, degenerate by the disorderly reception of the seed of paternal faith. Edom, who, though the elder, was condemned to serve his younger brother, represents the Jewish people; who are subjected to the nations of the Gentiles throughout the world, both by the blindness of the perfidy of their minds and by the condition of earthly servitude. The kings of Zobah, the Philistines, and Amalek, about whom it is subsequently said.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as

Continue studying 1 Samuel 14:47 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.

Read & Compare

Commentaries

Original Language & Research

Sermons, Hymns & Audio

TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.