1 Samuel 31:7

And when the men of Israel that [were] on the other side of the valley, and [they] that [were] on the other side Jordan, saw that the men of Israel fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, they forsook the cities, and fled; and the Philistines came and dwelt in them.

And when the men {H582} of Israel {H3478} that were on the other side {H5676} of the valley {H6010}, and they that were on the other side {H5676} Jordan {H3383}, saw {H7200} that the men {H582} of Israel {H3478} fled {H5127}, and that Saul {H7586} and his sons {H1121} were dead {H4191}, they forsook {H5800} the cities {H5892}, and fled {H5127}; and the Philistines {H6430} came {H935} and dwelt {H3427} in them.

When the men of Isra'el who were on the other side of the valley and those who were on the far side of the Yarden saw that the men of Isra'el had fled and that Sha'ul and his sons were dead, they abandoned the cities and fled; then the P'lishtim came and lived in them.

When the Israelites along the valley and those on the other side of the Jordan saw that the army of Israel had fled and that Saul and his sons had died, they abandoned their cities and ran away. So the Philistines came and occupied their cities.

And when the men of Israel that were on the other side of the valley, and they that were beyond the Jordan, saw that the men of Israel fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, they forsook the cities, and fled; and the Philistines came and dwelt in them.

Commentary

1 Samuel 31:7 vividly portrays the immediate and devastating aftermath of Israel's defeat against the Philistines on Mount Gilboa, following the death of King Saul and his sons. This verse highlights the deep fear and disarray that swept through the Israelite population.

Context of 1 Samuel 31:7

This verse concludes the tragic account of King Saul's final battle. Having witnessed the death of King Saul, his three sons (including Jonathan), and a significant portion of the Israelite army on Mount Gilboa, the remaining Israelite forces and civilians panicked. The phrase "on the other side of the valley, and they that were on the other side Jordan" signifies the widespread alarm. The news of the king's death, coupled with the army's flight, led to a mass exodus from their cities, which were then quickly occupied by the victorious Philistines. This moment marks a dark period in Israelite history, signifying a severe blow to their national security and sovereignty.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Consequences of Defeat and Loss of Leadership: The death of King Saul, Israel's first king, created a massive leadership vacuum and a profound sense of hopelessness. The panic and abandonment of cities underscore the destabilizing effect of losing their supreme commander and seeing their army routed.
  • Philistine Dominance: The verse plainly states that "the Philistines came and dwelt in them," illustrating their immediate and significant territorial gains. This victory solidified their control over strategic areas, impacting Israel's ability to recover quickly.
  • Fear and Despair: The Israelite response of fleeing their homes and leaving cities undefended speaks to the overwhelming fear and despair that gripped the nation. It was a moment of profound national humiliation and vulnerability, marking the end of an era of Israelite rule under Saul and setting the stage for new leadership.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "fled" (nus) used repeatedly in this passage conveys a sense of rapid, panicked flight, often indicative of fear and desperation. It's not merely a retreat, but a hasty abandonment due to overwhelming terror, emphasizing the complete rout and loss of morale among the Israelites.

Practical Application and Reflection

The events of 1 Samuel 31:7 offer several timeless lessons:

  • The Impact of Leadership: This verse starkly demonstrates how the stability and morale of a people can be deeply tied to their leadership. Saul's tragic end led directly to widespread panic and loss of territory, underscoring the vital role of wise and God-fearing leadership.
  • Responding to Adversity: While the Israelites' flight was understandable given the circumstances, it also highlights the human tendency to despair and abandon hope in the face of overwhelming adversity. This contrasts with the later resilience shown by figures like David, who would eventually reclaim these territories and restore Israel's strength.
  • The Cycles of History: This passage reminds us that even for God's chosen people, there are periods of decline and defeat. However, it is often through such difficult times that God prepares the way for new beginnings and the fulfillment of His promises, as seen in the subsequent rise of David as king, which you can read about starting in 2 Samuel 1:1.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 13:6

    When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait, (for the people were distressed,) then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits.

  • Leviticus 26:36

    And upon them that are left [alive] of you I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursueth.

  • Leviticus 26:32

    And I will bring the land into desolation: and your enemies which dwell therein shall be astonished at it.

  • Judges 6:2

    And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: [and] because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which [are] in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds.

  • Deuteronomy 28:33

    The fruit of thy land, and all thy labours, shall a nation which thou knowest not eat up; and thou shalt be only oppressed and crushed alway:
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