1 Samuel 14:47

KJV

¶ 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].

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.

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.

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.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 14:47 provides a concise yet potent summary of King Saul's early reign, highlighting his primary role as Israel's military leader and chief defender. This verse encapsulates the initial fulfillment of the people's desire for a king who would "go out before us and fight our battles," showcasing Saul's vigorous and widespread military campaigns against the numerous hostile nations surrounding Israel, thereby establishing a measure of security and consolidating the nascent monarchy's control.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a pivotal summary statement, concluding a significant section detailing Saul's early kingship and military successes, particularly the recent dramatic victory over the Philistines orchestrated largely by Jonathan in 1 Samuel 14. It follows a period of intense Philistine oppression and Saul's initial, somewhat tentative, establishment of his authority. The preceding narratives recount Saul's anointing, his initial military triumph over the Ammonites in [1 Samuel 11](/1_samuel/11 "1 Samuel 11 - Saul Defeats the Ammonites"), and his subsequent confirmation as king at Gilgal. Verse 47 acts as a retrospective glance, affirming that Saul diligently took up the mantle of warrior-king, a role explicitly desired by the people when they demanded a monarch to "go out before us and fight our battles" ([1 Samuel 8:20](/1_samuel/8-20 "1 Samuel 8:20 - Israel's Demand for a King")). This summary, however, subtly foreshadows the limitations and eventual failures of Saul's reign, as his later disobedience and spiritual decline would undermine his military effectiveness and lead to his tragic downfall.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Saul's reign (late 11th century BCE) was characterized by a volatile geopolitical landscape in the ancient Near East. Israel, a tribal confederation transitioning into a unified monarchy, was constantly threatened by more established and aggressive neighbors. The Philistines, a formidable Sea People who had settled on the coastal plain, posed the most significant and persistent threat, possessing superior iron weaponry and military organization. Other listed enemies—Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Zobah—represented distinct challenges from Israel's eastern and northern borders. Moab and Ammon were Transjordanian kingdoms with long histories of conflict and kinship with Israel, while Edom controlled vital trade routes to the south. Zobah, likely an Aramean kingdom in Syria, indicates Saul's reach extended northward. The expectation for a king in this era was primarily that of a military strongman who could provide security and consolidate territory, a role Saul initially embraced with zeal.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Samuel 14:47 contributes to several key themes within the book of Samuel. Firstly, it underscores **Saul's Primary Role as Warrior-King**, demonstrating his initial fulfillment of the people's expectations for a leader who would defend them against their enemies. His reign was defined by constant 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 mention of Moab, Ammon, Edom, Zobah, and the Philistines emphasizes the pervasive nature of these conflicts and the challenges faced by the nascent monarchy. This constant state of warfare underscores the need for divine protection and leadership. Finally, it touches on the theme of **God's Providence and Deliverance through Human Means**, as Saul, despite his later flaws, was initially God's chosen instrument to provide a measure of security and protection for His people, aligning with the divine purpose for which a king was sought (see [1 Samuel 9:16](/1_samuel/9-16 "1 Samuel 9:16 - God's Promise of a Deliverer")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Took (Hebrew, _lakad'_):** The Hebrew verb לָכַד (_lakad_) means "to seize," "to capture," "to take possession of," or "to establish control over." In the context of "Saul took the kingdom," it signifies not merely assuming a title but actively establishing his authority and consolidating his rule. It implies a firm grasp of power and the initiation of sovereign actions, particularly military ones, to secure the realm he now governed. This is more than a passive reception; it's an active appropriation of the responsibilities of kingship.
* **Fought (Hebrew, _nilḥam'_):** The verb נִלְחַם (_nilḥam_), from the root לָחַם (_laḥam_), means "to fight," "to wage war," or "to engage in battle." The use of this verb in the imperfect tense (or a participle indicating continuous action) suggests ongoing, persistent military engagement. It emphasizes that Saul's reign was not one of peace but was characterized by continuous and widespread conflict, fulfilling the people's desire for a king who would actively lead them in battle against their adversaries.
* **Vexed (Hebrew, _yarsha'_):** The Hebrew word יָרְשַׁע (_yarsha'_) is derived from the root רָשַׁע (_rasha'_), which fundamentally means "to be wicked" 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, and achieving victory over those who opposed Israel, effectively punishing them for their hostility.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Saul took the kingdom over Israel":** This clause marks the commencement and establishment of Saul's reign as the first king of a unified Israel. It signifies his assumption of sovereign power and the responsibilities that came with it, particularly the defense of the nation.
* **"and fought against all his enemies on every side":** This broad statement highlights the comprehensive and pervasive nature of Saul's military campaigns. It indicates that his efforts were not limited to a single front but encompassed all directions from which threats emerged, underscoring his commitment to securing Israel's borders.
* **"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 enemies provides concrete examples of the widespread nature of Saul's conflicts. It identifies the primary geopolitical adversaries of Israel during this period, ranging from Transjordanian kingdoms (Moab, Ammon, Edom) to Aramean states (Zobah) and the perennial threat from the west (Philistines), demonstrating the extensive reach of Saul's military engagements.
* **"and whithersoever he turned himself, he vexed [them].":** This concluding phrase emphasizes Saul's proactive and decisive military posture. "Whithersoever he turned himself" suggests a relentless and comprehensive 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 measure of security for Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several **literary devices** to convey Saul's military prowess and the extent of his reign. The most prominent is **Summary Statement**, as the verse succinctly condenses a period of extensive military activity into a single, declarative sentence. The phrase "all his enemies on every side" is a form of **Merism**, using two contrasting or encompassing parts to represent a whole, indicating that Saul fought against every possible foe from every direction. The subsequent listing of specific nations (**Enumeration**) provides concrete examples, reinforcing the scope implied by the merism. The final clause, "whithersoever he turned himself, he vexed [them]," uses a form of **Hyperbole** to emphasize Saul's relentless and successful military endeavors, implying his ubiquitous presence and effectiveness in confronting threats. The overall effect is to portray Saul as a vigorous and formidable warrior-king, fulfilling the initial expectations of his office.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while a simple historical summary, carries significant theological weight. It demonstrates the initial fulfillment of God's provision for Israel through human leadership, even if that leadership was ultimately flawed. The people had demanded a king to fight their battles, and God, in His sovereignty, allowed for this human institution, anointing Saul for this very purpose. Thus, Saul's early military successes can be seen as a manifestation of God's continued care for His covenant people, using a human agent to provide the security they craved. However, it also subtly hints at the limitations of human kingship; while Saul could "vex" physical enemies, he could not ultimately deliver Israel from its spiritual enemies or from the consequences of its own sin and disobedience. His victories were temporal and contingent upon his obedience, a condition he would eventually fail to meet.

* [Deuteronomy 17:14-20](/deuteronomy/17-14 "Deuteronomy 17:14-20 - Laws Concerning the King")
* [Psalm 18:37-40](/psalms/18-37 "Psalm 18:37-40 - David's Song of Deliverance")
* [1 Samuel 8:19-20](/1_samuel/8-19 "1 Samuel 8:19-20 - Israel's Demand for a King")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 14:47 offers a powerful reminder that leadership, whether in a nation, a church, or a family, often involves confronting opposition and actively defending what has been entrusted. Saul's initial zeal and effectiveness in battling external threats serve as an example of proactive engagement in the face of adversity. For believers, this translates into the reality of spiritual warfare. We are called not to passive resignation but to active engagement, standing firm against the schemes of the devil and the influences of a fallen world. Just as Saul was appointed to protect Israel's physical borders, Christians are equipped by God to contend for truth, defend the faith, and overcome the opposition of spiritual enemies through the 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 even in imperfect circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "enemies" or challenges are you currently called to confront or defend against in your personal life, family, or community?**
* **How does Saul's proactive approach to leadership challenge or encourage your own posture towards difficulties?**
* **In what ways do you recognize God's hand at work, even through imperfect human leaders or circumstances?**

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

Answer: In 1 Samuel 14:47, "vexed [them]" translates the Hebrew word יָרְשַׁע (_yarsha'_), which comes 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 doesn't mean he merely annoyed them. 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 military victory 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. 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](/numbers/22 "Numbers 22 - Balaam and the Donkey") and [Judges](/judges/3 "Judges 3 - Othniel and Ehud"). Zobah, likely an Aramean kingdom in what is now Syria, indicates Saul's military reach extended northward. The comprehensive list emphasizes that Saul's military efforts were widespread and multifaceted, addressing threats from all directions and fulfilling his mandate to protect Israel's borders.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Saul, as the first king of Israel, was appointed to be a deliverer, a human agent to fight the physical battles of God's people. In this verse, we see him fulfilling that role, "vexing" Israel's enemies on every side. However, Saul's kingship was temporary, flawed, and ultimately ended in failure. He could only provide a limited, earthly deliverance. This earthly kingship, with its military victories and protection, serves as a 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 defeat the true, spiritual enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the devil. His victory was not achieved through earthly warfare but through His perfect obedience, His sacrificial death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection. Through His atoning work, Christ disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph over spiritual powers")). He is the true 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 death, He destroyed the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")). Where Saul's reign was marked by constant conflict and eventual decline, 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 deliverance to all who believe in Him ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")).

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

2 Samuel 10:6

¶ And when the children of Ammon saw that they stank before David, the children of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of Bethrehob, and the Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand footmen, and of king Maacah a thousand men, and of Ishtob twelve thousand men.

1 Samuel 14:52

And there was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul: and when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he took him unto him.

2 Samuel 8:3

David smote also Hadadezer, the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to recover his border at the river Euphrates.

1 Samuel 11:1

¶ Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabeshgilead: and all the men of Jabesh said unto Nahash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve thee.

1 Samuel 11:13

And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day: for to day the LORD hath wrought salvation in Israel.

1 Samuel 12:2

And now, behold, the king walketh before you: and I am old and grayheaded; and, behold, my sons [are] with you: and I have walked before you from my childhood unto this day.

1 Kings 11:23

And God stirred him up [another] adversary, Rezon the son of Eliadah, which fled from his lord Hadadezer king of Zobah: