1 Samuel 28:4

KJV

And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the Philistines {H6430} gathered themselves together {H6908}, and came {H935} and pitched {H2583} in Shunem {H7766}: and Saul {H7586} gathered {H6908} all Israel {H3478} together {H6908}, and they pitched {H2583} in Gilboa {H1533}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The P'lishtim assembled; then they went and pitched camp at Shunem; while Sha'ul gathered all Isra'el together and pitched camp at Gilboa.

Berean Standard Bible

The Philistines came together and camped at Shunem, while Saul gathered all Israel and camped at Gilboa.

American Standard Version

And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and encamped in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they encamped in Gilboa.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 28:4 vividly sets the stage for the climactic and ultimately tragic final confrontation between King Saul and the Philistines. This verse precisely details the strategic military mobilization of both formidable forces: the Philistines assembling at Shunem and Saul rallying all Israel to encamp on Mount Gilboa. It encapsulates the imminent and fateful nature of the impending battle, highlighting the geographical tension and the profound crisis facing the nation of Israel under a divinely abandoned king.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a somber description of Saul's increasingly desperate spiritual state. The preceding verses (1 Samuel 28:1-3) establish that Samuel, the prophet through whom God had previously communicated with Saul, is dead, and Saul has purged the land of mediums and spiritists. Crucially, 1 Samuel 28:6 reveals that God has ceased to answer Saul by dreams, Urim, or prophets, leaving him in profound spiritual darkness. The gathering of the armies in verse 4 thus serves as the direct catalyst for Saul's subsequent, ill-fated decision to seek guidance from the very source he had previously outlawed—a medium at Endor (as detailed in [1 Samuel 28:7-19](/1_samuel/28-7 "1 Samuel 28:7-19 - Saul and the Medium of Endor")). This military setup is not merely a logistical detail but the immediate precipice that drives Saul to his final, desperate act of disobedience, sealing his tragic fate.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines were a persistent and formidable enemy of Israel throughout the period of the Judges and early monarchy. Their advanced iron technology and military organization often gave them an advantage. The Jezreel Valley, where Shunem and Gilboa are located, was a strategically vital corridor, controlling access between the coastal plain and the Jordan Valley, and thus central to Israel's security. Shunem, situated on the northern slope of the Hill of Moreh, provided the Philistines with a strong base, while Mount Gilboa, a prominent mountain range to the southeast, offered Saul a defensive position with a commanding view of the valley. The practice of "gathering" and "pitching" (encamping) was standard military procedure, signifying preparation for a decisive engagement. Culturally, kings were expected to seek divine counsel before battle, a practice Saul had abandoned or was no longer afforded due to his prior disobedience and rejection by God (see [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Saul's Rejection by God")).

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Samuel. Firstly, it underscores the **Imminent Conflict** between Israel and the Philistines, a recurring struggle that highlights Israel's precarious existence and the need for a strong, divinely-guided leader. Secondly, it emphasizes **Strategic Positioning**, as the choice of Shunem and Gilboa sets the stage for a tense standoff in a critical geographical location, foreshadowing the decisive nature of the battle to come. Most profoundly, the military crisis depicted here is a direct manifestation of **Saul's Desperation and Divine Abandonment**. While the verse itself only describes the armies, the broader narrative context reveals that Saul's assembly of forces on Gilboa is a desperate act by a king who has lost God's favor and guidance. His inability to receive divine counsel, as explicitly stated in [1 Samuel 28:6](/1_samuel/28-6 "1 Samuel 28:6 - God's Silence to Saul"), drives him to seek illicit spiritual means, leading directly to his downfall and the ultimate defeat on [Mount Gilboa](/1_samuel/31 "1 Samuel 31 - The Death of Saul").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gathered (Hebrew, _'asaf'_):** This verb, used for both the Philistines and Saul, denotes a deliberate, organized assembly or collection. It implies a purposeful mobilization of forces, not a haphazard coming together. In a military context, it signifies the mustering of troops for a specific objective, in this case, a major battle. The repetition emphasizes the parallel and opposing actions of the two armies.
* **Pitched (Hebrew, _chanah'_):** This term refers to the act of encamping or setting up a military camp. It implies establishing a temporary base of operations, including tents, supplies, and defensive arrangements. When armies "pitch," they are settling in for a period, signifying readiness for confrontation and often a strategic waiting game before engagement. The use of this word highlights the establishment of battle lines and the imminence of conflict.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem:"** This clause establishes the aggressor's initiative and their strategic location. The Philistines, Israel's perennial adversaries, are depicted as a unified, organized force. Their choice of Shunem, a town in the Jezreel Valley, was militarily astute, providing them with a strong base from which to threaten central and northern Israel, and potentially cut off Saul's forces from other parts of the kingdom. This opening sets a tone of impending threat and foreign aggression.
* **"and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa."** This second clause presents Israel's defensive response under King Saul. The phrase "all Israel" suggests a comprehensive mobilization, indicating the gravity of the threat. Saul's decision to "pitch in Gilboa" signifies his attempt to establish a strong defensive position on the high ground overlooking the valley. This positioning creates a direct geographical and military confrontation with the Philistines, highlighting the tension and the high stakes of the impending battle. It also subtly underscores Saul's reliance on human strength and strategy in the absence of divine guidance.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Juxtaposition** is central, as the Philistines and Saul's forces are presented in direct opposition, each "gathering" and "pitching" in distinct yet proximate locations (Shunem vs. Gilboa). This creates a vivid image of two formidable armies poised for a decisive clash. The specific naming of the locations serves as **Setting**, grounding the narrative in a historically and geographically significant region, the Jezreel Valley, known for its strategic importance in ancient warfare. This precise setting also contributes to **Foreshadowing**, as the mention of Gilboa immediately brings to mind the tragic events of [1 Samuel 31](/1_samuel/31 "1 Samuel 31 - The Death of Saul and His Sons"), where Saul and his sons meet their demise. The structural **Parallelism** in the phrasing ("Philistines gathered...pitched in Shunem; Saul gathered...pitched in Gilboa") emphasizes the symmetrical nature of the military preparations, yet it also subtly highlights the contrasting spiritual states of the two leaders, one acting with perceived strength, the other in profound desperation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 28:4 serves as a grim prelude to the final act of King Saul's tragic reign, underscoring the severe consequences of spiritual disobedience and divine abandonment. The gathering of these armies, particularly Saul's, is a desperate measure by a king who has lost God's favor and, consequently, His counsel. This military crisis is not merely a physical threat but a spiritual one, revealing the depth of Saul's isolation and his ultimate reliance on human strength rather than divine guidance. The impending battle on Gilboa, set in motion by this verse, is the culmination of Saul's rebellion against God's commands, his persistent pride, and his failure to genuinely repent. It highlights a profound theological truth: when a leader, or any individual, consistently rejects God's authority, they inevitably face the consequences of their own choices, often leading to desperation and ultimately, ruin. The scene is a stark reminder that true security and victory come from faithful obedience and reliance on the Lord, not from military might alone or illicit spiritual endeavors.

* [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Saul's Disobedience and Rejection")
* [1 Samuel 28:6](/1_samuel/28-6 "1 Samuel 28:6 - God's Silence to Saul")
* [1 Samuel 31:1-6](/1_samuel/31-1 "1 Samuel 31:1-6 - The Death of Saul and His Sons")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in 1 Samuel 28:4, while ancient, resonates deeply with contemporary spiritual realities. It portrays a leader facing an overwhelming external threat, but whose true crisis is internal—a profound spiritual disconnect from God. When we face our own "Philistine" battles—whether they be personal struggles, professional challenges, or societal pressures—it is tempting to rely solely on our own strength, strategies, or even to seek guidance from sources outside of God's revealed will. Saul's desperate situation, exacerbated by God's silence, serves as a powerful warning against the dangers of spiritual drift and unconfessed sin. It compels us to examine our own hearts: Are we diligently seeking God's counsel through His Word and prayer? Are we living in obedience, or are we, like Saul, creating a chasm between ourselves and the divine source of wisdom and strength? The ultimate tragedy of Saul's reign, initiated by the events of this chapter, is a stark reminder that true victory and peace are found not in human ingenuity or illicit shortcuts, but in humble, persistent reliance on the Lord, even when His voice seems distant.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when I feel God is silent or when I face overwhelming challenges?**
* **What "Philistine" battles am I currently facing, and where am I seeking guidance and strength?**
* **In what ways might my own past disobedience or spiritual neglect be contributing to feelings of desperation or isolation?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more consistent reliance on God's Word and prayer, especially when circumstances tempt me to seek ungodly solutions?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Philistines choose Shunem as their encampment?**
Answer: Shunem was a strategically advantageous location for the Philistines. Situated on the northern slope of the Hill of Moreh (also known as Little Hermon), it provided a commanding view of the eastern Jezreel Valley. This position allowed them to control a vital east-west trade route and posed a direct threat to Israel's northern territories. It also offered a strong base from which to launch an attack towards Mount Gilboa, where Saul's forces were gathered, and to potentially cut off communication and supply lines between northern and central Israel.

**Why did Saul choose Mount Gilboa for his encampment?**
Answer: Mount Gilboa offered Saul a strong defensive position. As a prominent mountain range overlooking the Jezreel Valley, it provided a natural fortress and a significant tactical advantage. From Gilboa, Saul's army could observe the movements of the Philistines in the valley below and potentially defend against an uphill assault. It was a logical choice for a king attempting to rally his forces against a superior enemy, seeking to use the terrain to his advantage in a desperate situation.

**What was the broader significance of this specific military confrontation for Israel's history?**
Answer: This military confrontation, set up in 1 Samuel 28:4, was profoundly significant as it marked the tragic end of King Saul's reign and the beginning of a new era for Israel. The subsequent battle on Mount Gilboa resulted in the devastating defeat of Israel's army and the deaths of Saul and his three sons, including Jonathan ([1 Samuel 31:1-6](/1_samuel/31-1 "1 Samuel 31:1-6 - The Death of Saul and His Sons")). This event cleared the way for David, God's chosen king, to fully ascend to the throne, ushering in a period of unprecedented national strength and divine favor under a leader "after God's own heart." It was a pivotal turning point, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in establishing His chosen king and judging the disobedient.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The desperate scene of 1 Samuel 28:4, with a divinely abandoned king facing an overwhelming enemy, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate need for a perfect King who would never be forsaken by God. Saul's reliance on human strategy and his eventual resort to illicit spiritual means highlight the profound limitations of human kingship and the devastating consequences of spiritual rebellion. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ is the true King, the Son of God, who always walked in perfect obedience to His Father ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Unlike Saul, who experienced God's silence, Jesus consistently communed with the Father, even in His deepest agony ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). Where Saul faced defeat and death on Gilboa, Jesus, through His death on the cross, achieved ultimate victory over sin, death, and all spiritual enemies ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is the King who never fails, whose kingdom is eternal, and who offers true security and guidance to all who trust in Him. The tragedy of Saul's reign underscores the necessity of Christ's perfect reign, where His people are never abandoned but are eternally guided and protected by the Good Shepherd ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")).

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 19:18

And their border was toward Jezreel, and Chesulloth, and Shunem,

1 Samuel 31:1

¶ Now the Philistines fought against Israel: and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa.

2 Kings 4:8

¶ And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where [was] a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And [so] it was, [that] as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.

2 Samuel 1:21

Ye mountains of Gilboa, [let there be] no dew, neither [let there be] rain, upon you, nor fields of offerings: for there the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away, the shield of Saul, [as though he had] not [been] anointed with oil.

2 Samuel 21:12

And David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from the men of Jabeshgilead, which had stolen them from the street of Bethshan, where the Philistines had hanged them, when the Philistines had slain Saul in Gilboa:

2 Samuel 1:6

And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him.