1 Samuel 17:52

KJV

And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the Philistines, until thou come to the valley, and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even unto Gath, and unto Ekron.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the men {H582} of Israel {H3478} and of Judah {H3063} arose {H6965}, and shouted {H7321}, and pursued {H7291} the Philistines {H6430}, until thou come {H935} to the valley {H1516}, and to the gates {H8179} of Ekron {H6138}. And the wounded {H2491} of the Philistines {H6430} fell down {H5307} by the way {H1870} to Shaaraim {H8189}, even unto Gath {H1661}, and unto Ekron {H6138}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The men of Isra'el and Y'hudah got up, shouting, and pursued the P'lishtim all the way to Gat and the gates of 'Ekron. The wounded P'lishtim fell down all along the road from Sha'arayim to Gat and 'Ekron.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the men of Israel and Judah charged forward with a shout and pursued the Philistines to the entrance of Gath and to the gates of Ekron. And the bodies of the Philistines were strewn along the Shaaraim road to Gath and Ekron.

American Standard Version

And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the Philistines, until thou comest to Gai, and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even unto Gath, and unto Ekron.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following David's astonishing defeat of Goliath, 1 Samuel 17:52 vividly portrays the immediate and dramatic shift in the battle's momentum, as the previously cowering armies of Israel and Judah surged forward with renewed courage, shouting in triumph and relentlessly pursuing the routed Philistines. This verse marks the decisive turning point of the conflict, transforming a prolonged standoff into a comprehensive rout, pushing the enemy deep into their own territory and demonstrating the full realization of the victory secured by divine intervention through David's faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate and climactic consequence of the preceding narrative in [1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath"). For forty days, the Philistine champion Goliath had defied the armies of Israel, paralyzing them with fear and intimidation, as detailed in [1 Samuel 17:1-11](/1_samuel/17-1-11 "1 Samuel 17:1-11 - Goliath's Challenge and Israel's Fear"). David, a young shepherd boy, arrived on the scene, driven by unwavering faith in the living God and righteous indignation at Goliath's blasphemy ([1 Samuel 17:26-37](/1_samuel/17-26-37 "1 Samuel 17:26-37 - David's Faith and Resolve")). His single-handed victory over Goliath, described in [1 Samuel 17:48-51](/1_samuel/17-48-51 "1 Samuel 17:48-51 - David Defeats Goliath"), acted as the decisive catalyst, instantly demoralizing the Philistines and electrifying the Israelite forces. Verse 52 precisely describes the immediate, overwhelming response of the Israelite army, transforming their defensive paralysis into an aggressive, victorious pursuit, thus concluding the primary military conflict of the chapter and setting the stage for David's rise.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The conflict between Israel and the Philistines was a long-standing, existential struggle for control of the land of Canaan, particularly the fertile Shephelah region, where the Valley of Elah was located. The Philistines, a powerful "Sea Peoples" confederation, possessed superior iron technology and a formidable military structure, including champions like Goliath, which often gave them a significant advantage over early Israelite forces. Their five primary cities—Gath, Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, and Ekron—formed a strategic pentapolis, from which they exerted considerable influence. The battle was not merely a skirmish but a clash between two peoples vying for dominance and survival. The practice of single combat, as exemplified by David and Goliath, was a recognized, though rare, method of deciding the outcome of a larger battle, with the losing side expected to submit or flee. The pursuit described in this verse was a crucial and common aspect of ancient warfare, aiming to maximize casualties on the fleeing enemy, secure spoils, and prevent their regrouping, thus ensuring a decisive victory and demonstrating military supremacy.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Samuel 17:52](/1_samuel/17-52 "1 Samuel 17:52 - Israel's Pursuit of the Philistines") powerfully underscores several key themes central to the book of Samuel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Deliverance and Empowerment**, demonstrating that God's victory through David was not a mere token but a comprehensive triumph that empowered His people to act decisively. The sudden shift from fear to fervent pursuit illustrates how divine intervention can transform human weakness into strength, echoing the Lord's promise to fight for Israel (e.g., [Deuteronomy 1:30](/deuteronomy/1-30 "Deuteronomy 1:30 - The Lord Fights for You")). Secondly, it emphasizes **Human Participation in God's Victory**. While David's faith initiated the breakthrough, the collective action of the Israelite army was essential for the full realization of the rout. Their "shouted" response and relentless pursuit signify their embrace of the victory God provided, demonstrating that God often calls His people to active partnership in His redemptive plans. Finally, the verse showcases the **Total Rout of the Enemy**, extending the pursuit to the Philistine strongholds of Ekron and Gath. This thorough defeat underscores the completeness of God's judgment against those who defy Him and the comprehensive nature of the deliverance He grants to His people, a theme consistent with God's promises of victory over enemies found throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:7](/deuteronomy/28-7 "Deuteronomy 28:7 - God's Promise of Victory")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shouted (Hebrew, _rûwaʻ'_):** This verb (H7321) signifies a loud cry, often a battle cry, a shout of triumph, or a signal. In this context, it denotes a powerful, collective acclamation of victory and renewed courage. It marks the moment the Israelite army, previously silent in fear, found its voice in triumphant pursuit, reflecting a dramatic shift in morale and spiritual empowerment. It's not just noise, but a purposeful, unified expression of their newfound confidence and aggressive intent, signaling the turning of the tide.
* **Pursued (Hebrew, _râdaph'_):** This word (H7291) describes a vigorous, relentless chase or pursuit, implying a determined effort to overtake and overcome. Here, it emphasizes the thoroughness of the Israelite victory. They did not merely hold their ground but actively chased the fleeing Philistines, ensuring their defeat was comprehensive and their ability to regroup was severely hampered. This pursuit was a critical component of securing the full military advantage and preventing future threats from the same enemy.
* **Wounded (Hebrew, _châlâl'_):** While often translated as "pierced" or "slain," this term (H2491) refers to those who were struck down or mortally wounded, often by a weapon. The phrase "the wounded... fell down by the way" paints a vivid picture of the Philistine retreat becoming a desperate flight, with many succumbing to their injuries or the ongoing assault along the route. It underscores the heavy casualties inflicted on the enemy, attesting to the intensity and effectiveness of the Israelite pursuit and the devastating impact of their sudden surge.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted,"**: This clause describes the immediate, unified, and enthusiastic reaction of the combined Israelite forces. "Arose" signifies a sudden, decisive movement from their defensive positions of fear and paralysis. "Shouted" indicates a collective cry of triumph, a battle roar that replaced their previous silence, signaling their newfound courage and aggressive intent. This is the moment their morale completely shifts from despair to zealous, unified action, empowered by the Lord's intervention through David.
* **"and pursued the Philistines, until thou come to the valley, and to the gates of Ekron."**: This segment details the relentless and far-reaching nature of the pursuit. The Israelite army did not stop at the immediate battlefield but chased the fleeing Philistines across the Valley of Elah and deep into their own territory, all the way to the vicinity of Ekron. Ekron was one of the five major Philistine cities, indicating a significant distance and a comprehensive rout rather than a mere retreat. The archaic phrase "until thou come" is an impersonal expression, effectively meaning "until one comes" or "as far as," emphasizing the extensive geographical reach of the pursuit.
* **"And the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even unto Gath, and unto Ekron."**: This final clause emphasizes the devastating casualties inflicted upon the Philistines during their flight. The "wounded" falling along the route to Shaaraim (meaning "two gates," likely a fortified town on the route) and then further to Gath and Ekron, highlights the sustained and effective nature of the Israelite pursuit. Gath was another major Philistine city, reinforcing the extensive reach of the rout and the thoroughness of the Philistine defeat, as they were driven back to their very strongholds, leaving a trail of dead and dying.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of [1 Samuel 17:52](/1_samuel/17-52 "1 Samuel 17:52 - Israel's Pursuit of the Philistines") masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the dramatic shift and comprehensive victory. **Contrast** is paramount, vividly juxtaposing the Israelites' prior forty days of paralyzed fear and cowering behind their lines with their sudden, unified, and aggressive pursuit. This stark difference highlights the transformative power of David's faith-inspired victory and God's intervention. **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration** might be subtly present in the description of the pursuit extending "until thou come to the valley, and to the gates of Ekron" and "even unto Gath, and unto Ekron," serving to emphasize the thoroughness and extensive nature of the rout, though the pursuit was indeed far-reaching. The detailed geographical markers (Valley of Elah, Ekron, Shaaraim, Gath) serve as powerful **Imagery** and **Verisimilitude**, grounding the narrative in a tangible reality and underscoring the vast distance covered by the pursuit. The "shouted" response is a form of potent **Auditory Imagery**, conveying the overwhelming sound of a victorious army, a sound that replaces the previous silence of fear. Finally, the entire passage functions as the **Climax** of the battle narrative, providing the decisive resolution to the tension built up throughout the chapter, marking the full realization of God's deliverance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the principle that divine intervention, while initiating a breakthrough, often calls for human participation to fully realize the victory. David's faith-filled act was the catalyst, but the subsequent surge and relentless pursuit by the Israelite army were essential for the comprehensive rout of the Philistines. This demonstrates that God empowers His people not just for initial triumphs, but also for the diligent, collective effort required to consolidate and complete the victory. It speaks to the active role believers are called to play in spiritual warfare, not merely as passive recipients of grace, but as co-laborers with God in extending His kingdom and overcoming the forces of darkness. The thoroughness of the pursuit, pushing the enemy back to their strongholds, signifies God's desire for a complete and decisive victory over all opposition, leaving no room for the enemy to regroup or reassert their dominance. This passage encourages believers to press on in faith, knowing that God's victories are meant to be fully embraced and acted upon.

* [Deuteronomy 28:7](/deuteronomy/28-7 "Deuteronomy 28:7 - God's Promise of Victory Over Enemies")
* [Psalm 18:37](/psalms/18-37 "Psalm 18:37 - David's Song of Deliverance and Pursuit")
* [Joshua 10:19](/joshua/10-19 "Joshua 10:19 - Pursuit of the Amorite Kings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in 1 Samuel 17:52 offers a powerful lesson on the nature of spiritual victory and our indispensable role within it. Just as the Israelites were transformed from a fearful, paralyzed army into a courageous, pursuing force by the single act of David's faith, so too can individual acts of obedience and faith in God ignite a collective spiritual fervor and lead to comprehensive triumph in our lives and communities. This verse challenges us to consider our own responses after God has provided a breakthrough, a moment of deliverance, or a clear victory in our lives. Do we rest on the initial triumph, or do we, like the Israelites, "arise, and shout, and pursue" the implications of that victory, pressing forward to secure the full measure of what God has granted? It calls us to relentless follow-through in our spiritual battles—whether against personal sin, societal injustice, spiritual apathy, or the schemes of the enemy. We are reminded that God's deliverance is often comprehensive, demanding our active and sustained participation to fully dislodge the enemy and secure the ground He has given us. It’s a profound call to courage, collective action, and persistent effort in the wake of God's mighty and miraculous acts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Israelites' transformation from fear to zealous pursuit challenge my own tendency to become complacent after an initial spiritual victory?**
* **In what specific areas of my life or community do I need to "arise, shout, and pursue" the full implications of God's past victories and breakthroughs?**
* **What specific "Philistines" (e.g., persistent sins, negative thought patterns, spiritual strongholds, societal injustices) am I called to relentlessly pursue and overcome with God's empowerment, rather than merely enduring?**

### FAQ
**What does the phrase "until thou come" mean in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "until thou come" (or "until you come") is an archaic form of address in English, meaning "until one comes" or "as far as one goes." It's an impersonal way of describing the extent of the pursuit, indicating that the Israelite army chased the Philistines all the way to the named locations. The text specifies "to the valley, and to the gates of Ekron," and later reinforces this by adding "even unto Gath, and unto Ekron." This phrasing emphasizes the thoroughness of the pursuit and the great distance covered, demonstrating a comprehensive rout of the enemy back to their fortified cities. It is not addressing a specific person but rather setting a geographical boundary for the pursuit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic rout of the Philistines in [1 Samuel 17:52](/1_samuel/17-52 "1 Samuel 17:52 - Israel's Pursuit of the Philistines") finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the decisive victory of Jesus Christ over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Just as David, a shepherd king, defeated Goliath and liberated Israel from Philistine oppression, so Jesus, the Good Shepherd and true King, confronted and decisively defeated the ultimate enemy, Satan, through His obedient life, atoning death, and triumphant resurrection. His victory on the cross was the singular, catalytic event that broke the power of sin and death, much like Goliath's fall shattered the Philistine morale and initiated their rout. The "shouting" and "pursuit" of the Israelite army foreshadow the joyful proclamation and ongoing mission of the Church, empowered by Christ's triumph. We are called to "pursue" the implications of His victory, proclaiming the good news and making disciples of all nations, as commanded in [Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission"). Just as the Philistines were driven back to their strongholds, Christ's victory ensures 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")). Believers, united with Christ, participate in His ongoing triumph, having been given authority over all the power of the enemy ([Luke 10:19](/luke/10-19 "Luke 10:19 - Authority Over Demons")) and called to stand firm against the devil's schemes, clothed in the full armor of God ([Ephesians 6:10-13](/ephesians/6-10-13 "Ephesians 6:10-13 - The Armor of God")). Thus, David's victory and Israel's subsequent pursuit prefigure the comprehensive and everlasting victory secured by 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")), enabling His people to live in freedom and advance His kingdom.

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

Joshua 15:11

And the border went out unto the side of Ekron northward: and the border was drawn to Shicron, and passed along to mount Baalah, and went out unto Jabneel; and the goings out of the border were at the sea.

2 Samuel 23:10

He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil.

1 Samuel 14:21

Moreover the Hebrews [that] were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp [from the country] round about, even they also [turned] to be with the Israelites that [were] with Saul and Jonathan.

1 Samuel 14:22

Likewise all the men of Israel which had hid themselves in mount Ephraim, [when] they heard that the Philistines fled, even they also followed hard after them in the battle.

Joshua 15:45

Ekron, with her towns and her villages:

Joshua 15:46

From Ekron even unto the sea, all that [lay] near Ashdod, with their villages:

Joshua 15:33

[And] in the valley, Eshtaol, and Zoreah, and Ashnah,