1 Samuel 17:53

And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and they spoiled their tents.

And the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} returned {H7725} from chasing {H1814} after {H310} the Philistines {H6430}, and they spoiled {H8155} their tents {H4264}.

After chasing the P'lishtim, the army of Isra'el returned and plundered their camp.

When the Israelites returned from their pursuit of the Philistines, they plundered their camps.

And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and they plundered their camp.

Commentary

Context

This verse immediately follows the dramatic and decisive victory of young David over the Philistine giant, Goliath, in the Valley of Elah. Prior to David's courageous act, the armies of Israel and the Philistines had been stalemated for forty days, with King Saul and all Israel gripped by fear and unable to respond to Goliath's challenge. David's triumph, detailed in 1 Samuel 17:50-51, instantly turned the tide of battle. The Philistines, seeing their champion dead, fled in disarray, and the Israelites, now emboldened, pursued them vigorously.

Key Themes

  • Divine Victory and Deliverance: The swift and comprehensive nature of the Israelite victory underscores God's power working through David. What seemed impossible became a rout once God intervened.
  • Consequences of Defeat: The Philistines not only suffered a military defeat but also lost their encampment and possessions. This "spoiling" was a common practice in ancient warfare, signifying complete subjugation and the transfer of resources from the vanquished to the victor.
  • Shift in Morale and Action: The verse highlights the dramatic transformation of the Israelite army from a fearful, passive force into an aggressive, victorious one. David's faith and God's intervention brought about this profound change.

Linguistic Insights

The word "spoiled" comes from the Hebrew term shฤlฤl (ืฉึธืืœึทืœ), which means to plunder, take booty, or seize as spoil. It implies a thorough stripping of valuables from the enemy's camp, not just a casual taking of items. This action was a significant part of ancient warfare, providing resources for the victorious army and further weakening the defeated foe.

Practical Application

This verse offers several insights for believers today:

  • Following Through on Victory: Just as the Israelites pursued and plundered after Goliath's defeat, believers are called to press on after spiritual victories. When God grants a breakthrough, it's a call to continue to dismantle the enemy's influence and claim the ground.
  • The Spoils of Spiritual Battle: In a spiritual sense, after overcoming significant challenges or temptations (our "Goliaths"), there are often "spoils"โ€”blessings, increased faith, greater freedom, or deeper understanding of God's character. These are the benefits of standing firm and trusting God for deliverance.
  • God's Comprehensive Deliverance: God's salvation is often holistic. He doesn't just deliver from the immediate threat but also provides for and strengthens His people afterward, turning fear into triumph and lack into abundance.
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Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 4:20

    Destruction upon destruction is cried; for the whole land is spoiled: suddenly are my tents spoiled, [and] my curtains in a moment.

  • Jeremiah 30:16

    Therefore all they that devour thee shall be devoured; and all thine adversaries, every one of them, shall go into captivity; and they that spoil thee shall be a spoil, and all that prey upon thee will I give for a prey.

  • 2 Kings 7:7

    Wherefore they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents, and their horses, and their asses, even the camp as it [was], and fled for their life.

  • 2 Kings 7:16

    And the people went out, and spoiled the tents of the Syrians. So a measure of fine flour was [sold] for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, according to the word of the LORD.
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