1 Samuel 28:5

KJV

And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when Saul {H7586} saw {H7200} the host {H4264} of the Philistines {H6430}, he was afraid {H3372}, and his heart {H3820} greatly {H3966} trembled {H2729}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When Sha'ul saw the army of the P'lishtim, he became afraid - it struck terror in his heart.

Berean Standard Bible

When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid and trembled violently.

American Standard Version

And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 28:5 powerfully encapsulates the profound psychological and spiritual crisis of King Saul as he confronts the formidable Philistine army. This verse marks a pivotal and tragic moment in Saul's reign, vividly illustrating the debilitating fear and utter despair that grip a leader estranged from God. His "greatly trembled heart" is depicted not merely as a physical reaction but as a deep spiritual malaise, indicative of a king who has lost divine favor, prophetic counsel, and, consequently, all hope in the face of overwhelming odds. It sets the stage for Saul's desperate and forbidden attempt to consult the dead, highlighting the ultimate, dire consequences of persistent disobedience and spiritual isolation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate precursor to one of the most dramatic and tragic episodes in Saul's life: his desperate and illicit consultation with the medium of Endor. Chapter 28 opens with the Philistines gathering their forces at Shunem, while Israel encamps at Gilboa, setting the scene for a decisive battle. The narrative of 1 Samuel has consistently highlighted Saul's spiritual and moral decline since his definitive rejection by God in [1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience and Rejection"). The death of Samuel, God's primary prophet and Saul's former mentor, has left a profound spiritual void, depriving Saul of legitimate divine counsel. Critically, [1 Samuel 28:6](/1_samuel/28-6 "1 Samuel 28:6 - God's Silence to Saul") explicitly states that God had ceased to answer Saul, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets. This divine silence, coupled with the overwhelming military threat, amplifies Saul's terror, driving him to seek forbidden counsel and demonstrating the tragic depths of his spiritual desperation and abandonment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines were a persistent and formidable enemy of Israel throughout the period of the Judges and the early monarchy. Known for their superior iron weaponry and organized military structure, they frequently posed an existential threat, often dominating Israelite territories and suppressing their ability to forge iron (cf. [1 Samuel 13:19-22](/1_samuel/13-19-22 "1 Samuel 13:19-22 - Philistine Monopoly on Iron")). The setting at Shunem and Gilboa places the Philistine army in a strategic position, threatening the heartland of Israel and setting the stage for a critical confrontation. Culturally, kings in ancient Near Eastern societies, and particularly in Israel, were expected to lead their armies with courage, valor, and, most importantly, divine backing. Saul's visible fear and trembling would have been a profound sign of weakness, a stark contrast to the ideal of a divinely appointed leader who inspires confidence and relies on God for victory. In ancient Israel, seeking divine counsel through legitimate means (prophets, Urim and Thummim, dreams) was paramount, making Saul's inability to receive such guidance and his subsequent turn to a medium a grave transgression against Mosaic Law, strictly prohibited in [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10-12 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Prohibition of Divination and Sorcery").
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Samuel. Firstly, it underscores the **consequences of disobedience and divine rejection**. Saul's profound fear is a direct and palpable outcome of his estrangement from God, demonstrating that without God's empowering presence and guiding counsel, even a king becomes utterly vulnerable and incapable. Secondly, it highlights the **peril of leadership without divine counsel**. Saul, once chosen and empowered by God, now faces an existential threat without the spiritual resources necessary to lead, illustrating the immense burden and ultimate futility of self-reliance in the face of insurmountable challenges. Thirdly, it emphasizes the theme of **divine silence and human desperation**. God's refusal to answer Saul, a direct consequence of his persistent rebellion, drives the king to forbidden practices, revealing the tragic depths to which a person can sink when cut off from legitimate divine communication. This episode serves as a stark contrast to the faith and courage exemplified by figures like David, who consistently sought the Lord's will and guidance before action, as seen in [1 Samuel 23:2](/1_samuel/23-2 "1 Samuel 23:2 - David Inquires of the Lord Before Battle").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Afraid (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** This common Hebrew verb signifies a wide range of emotions, from reverential awe (as in "the fear of the Lord") to intense, debilitating fear or terror. In this context, it denotes a profound and paralyzing fear that grips Saul. It is a natural human reaction to a perceived overwhelming threat, but for a king, especially one who should rely on divine strength, it indicates a significant spiritual and psychological breakdown, a loss of kingly fortitude.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** In biblical thought, the "heart" is far more than just a physical organ; it is considered the seat of one's intellect, emotions, will, and moral character—the very core of a person's being. When Saul's "heart" is described as trembling, it signifies a complete collapse of his inner resolve, courage, and mental composure, indicating a deep-seated spiritual and emotional crisis, not merely a superficial fright.
* **Trembled (Hebrew, _chârad'_):** This word is stronger and more visceral than "afraid," describing a deep, inward shaking, quaking, or agitation. It conveys a profound sense of dread, terror, or alarm, often associated with a sudden, overwhelming fright that affects one physically and emotionally. The use of this term emphasizes the uncontrollable, visceral nature of Saul's reaction, indicating the depth of his internal turmoil and the complete loss of his composure and kingly fortitude. The adverb "greatly" (H3966, _mᵉʼôd_) intensifies this internal shaking, underscoring the profound and overwhelming nature of his terror.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines":** This clause establishes the immediate external trigger for Saul's internal state. The "host" (Hebrew: _machăneh_) refers to a large, organized military encampment or army. The sheer visual presence, numerical superiority, and presumed strength of the Philistine army immediately instill terror in Saul, highlighting the overwhelming nature of the threat he perceived and the gravity of the impending conflict.
* **"he was afraid":** This describes Saul's initial, direct, and immediate emotional response. It is a straightforward declaration of his fear, setting the stage for the more intense and visceral description that follows. This fear is not just a fleeting emotion but a pervasive state that begins to consume him.
* **"and his heart greatly trembled":** This is the climax of the verse, providing a vivid, almost visceral, description of Saul's internal condition. As noted in the key word analysis, the "heart" (Hebrew: _lêb_) represents the core of his being—his intellect, emotions, and will. Thus, Saul's "heart greatly trembled" signifies a complete breakdown of his inner fortitude; his courage, resolve, and hope are shattered. The adverb "greatly" (Hebrew: _mᵉʼôd_), meaning "very much" or "exceedingly," intensifies the verb "trembled," emphasizing the profound, overwhelming, and debilitating nature of his terror, which has seized his very soul.

#### Literary Devices
1 Samuel 28:5 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey Saul's desperate and tragic state. **Pathos** is powerfully evident, as the verse evokes a sense of profound pity and sympathy for Saul's debilitating fear, even though it is presented as a direct consequence of his own persistent disobedience and spiritual estrangement from God. The stark description of his "greatly trembled heart" creates a deep sense of tragedy for a king once anointed by God and empowered by His Spirit. **Hyperbole** is utilized in the phrase "greatly trembled," emphasizing the extreme and overwhelming nature of his fear, suggesting it was far beyond ordinary apprehension and bordered on a complete psychological collapse. This intense description also serves as potent **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the tragic events that are about to unfold, particularly Saul's desperate and illicit consultation with the medium of Endor, which ultimately precipitates his demise and seals his fate. Furthermore, there is a subtle but profound **Irony** at play: the king chosen by God, meant to lead Israel with divine strength and courage, is now utterly paralyzed by fear, standing in stark contrast to the fearless leaders like David who consistently trusted in the Lord and found strength in His presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Saul's profound fear and trembling in the face of the Philistine army serve as a stark theological commentary on the devastating consequences of spiritual estrangement from God. His terror is not merely a psychological reaction to military might but a profound spiritual symptom of a heart that has lost its vital connection to the divine source of strength, courage, wisdom, and peace. When God withdraws His presence and counsel due to persistent disobedience and rebellion, human reliance is exposed as utterly insufficient, leading inevitably to despair, paralysis, and a complete breakdown of inner fortitude. This verse powerfully illustrates that true security, unwavering courage, and lasting peace are found not in military strength, human leadership, or self-reliance alone, but in a right, obedient, and trusting relationship with the Almighty. It is God's presence that dispels fear, grants unwavering resolve, and provides an anchor for the soul even in the direst and most overwhelming circumstances.

* [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The Fear of Man")
* [Psalm 27:1](/psalm/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is My Light and Salvation")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Saul's experience in 1 Samuel 28:5 offers a profound and sobering reflection for believers today. His "greatly trembled heart" is a vivid and poignant portrayal of the human condition when separated from divine grace, guidance, and empowering presence. It serves as a stark reminder that true courage, inner peace, and steadfastness are not inherent human qualities but are gifts cultivated and sustained through a living, obedient, and dependent relationship with God. When we drift from God's commands, neglect His Word, or cease to earnestly seek His counsel, we become vulnerable to the overwhelming anxieties, fears, and pressures of the world, much like Saul facing the formidable Philistines without divine backing. This verse challenges us to continually examine the state of our own hearts, ensuring that our reliance is firmly placed on God, for it is in His presence that we find the strength to face our own "Philistines"—the challenges, temptations, uncertainties, and spiritual battles of life—without succumbing to debilitating fear. It underscores the vital importance of maintaining open, consistent communication with God through prayer, diligent study of Scripture, and seeking wise, godly counsel, so that when trials inevitably come, our hearts may be steadfast, anchored in faith, rather than trembling in despair.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Philistines" (challenges, fears, anxieties, temptations) are currently causing your heart to tremble or feel overwhelmed?**
* **In what ways might your current fears or anxieties be connected to a sense of spiritual distance from God or a lack of full reliance on His sovereignty?**
* **How does Saul's desperate state prompt you to re-evaluate your own spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, Scripture engagement, and your pursuit of God's presence and counsel?**
* **What concrete steps can you take today to deepen your trust in God, cultivate a heart that is steadfast rather than fearful, and ensure you are seeking His will in all circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why was Saul so afraid, given he was a king and a warrior?**

Answer: Saul's profound fear in [1 Samuel 28:5](/1_samuel/28-5 "1 Samuel 28:5 - Saul's Fear") was not merely a natural reaction to a strong enemy but stemmed from a deeper, more critical spiritual crisis. While he was indeed a warrior and the king of Israel, his courage and leadership were intrinsically tied to God's favor and empowering presence. The narrative clearly states that God had rejected Saul due to his persistent disobedience and rebellion ([1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Saul's Rejection by God for Disobedience")), and crucially, God had ceased to answer him by any legitimate means—neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets ([1 Samuel 28:6](/1_samuel/28-6 "1 Samuel 28:6 - God's Silence to Saul")). Without divine guidance, assurance, or blessing, Saul was left to face an overwhelming military threat entirely in his own strength, which proved utterly insufficient. His fear was amplified by his spiritual isolation, the knowledge that he had forfeited God's empowering presence, and the absence of legitimate divine counsel, leading to a profound sense of despair, vulnerability, and impending doom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Saul's trembling heart in 1 Samuel 28:5 stands in stark and illuminating contrast to the unwavering resolve and perfect peace found in Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of faithful leadership, divine presence, and courageous obedience. Saul's fear was a direct consequence of his disobedience and God's withdrawal of counsel, leaving him isolated, vulnerable, and ultimately doomed. In radical contrast, Jesus, the perfectly obedient Son, never experienced such divine abandonment. Even in the face of the ultimate "host"—the full weight of human sin, the power of death, and the forces of spiritual darkness—Jesus faced His trials with resolute courage and steadfast purpose, not with a trembling heart. His anguish in Gethsemane ([Luke 22:42-44](/luke/22-42-44 "Luke 22:42-44 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")) was not born of fear for Himself or a lack of divine presence, but of the immense, crushing weight of bearing the world's sin and the impending separation from the Father, yet He submitted perfectly to the Father's will. Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Christ conquered the very sources of fear, despair, and spiritual isolation that plagued Saul, offering believers a new covenant where God's presence is not withdrawn but is eternally secured through the indwelling Holy Spirit ([John 14:16-18](/john/14-16-18 "John 14:16-18 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). Unlike Saul, who desperately sought forbidden counsel in his spiritual bankruptcy, believers in Christ have constant, unhindered access to the true Prophet, Priest, and King, who intercedes for them at the right hand of God ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood and Intercession")) and whose perfect love casts out all fear ([1 John 4:18](/1_john/4-18 "1 John 4:18 - Perfect Love Casts Out Fear")). In Him, we find the courage, strength, and abiding peace that Saul so desperately lacked, for He is our ever-present refuge and strength in times of trouble ([Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is Our Refuge and Strength")).

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

Job 18:11

¶ Terrors shall make him afraid on every side, and shall drive him to his feet.

Isaiah 7:2

And it was told the house of David, saying, Syria is confederate with Ephraim. And his heart was moved, and the heart of his people, as the trees of the wood are moved with the wind.

Isaiah 21:3

Therefore are my loins filled with pain: pangs have taken hold upon me, as the pangs of a woman that travaileth: I was bowed down at the hearing [of it]; I was dismayed at the seeing [of it].

Isaiah 21:4

My heart panted, fearfulness affrighted me: the night of my pleasure hath he turned into fear unto me.

Psalms 48:5

They saw [it, and] so they marvelled; they were troubled, [and] hasted away.

Psalms 48:6

Fear took hold upon them there, [and] pain, as of a woman in travail.

Psalms 73:19

How are they [brought] into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.