1 Samuel 31:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 31:7 starkly depicts the catastrophic aftermath of Israel's defeat on Mount Gilboa, following the deaths of King Saul and his sons. The verse reveals a profound national collapse, as Israelites residing across the valley and beyond the Jordan River, witnessing the rout of their army and the demise of their leadership, abandoned their cities in widespread panic, allowing the victorious Philistines to immediately occupy and settle in these vacated territories, thereby solidifying their dominance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the grim climax to the battle described in [1 Samuel 31:1-6](/1_samuel/31-1 "1 Samuel 31:1-6 - The Battle on Mount Gilboa and Saul's Death"). Having witnessed the complete collapse of Israel's forces and the tragic deaths of King Saul, his three sons—including the beloved [Jonathan](/1_samuel/18-1 "1 Samuel 18:1 - David and Jonathan's Covenant"), who had a covenant with David—and his armor-bearer, the immediate narrative shifts from the battlefield to the broader civilian population. It sets up the Philistine desecration of the bodies in [1 Samuel 31:8-10](/1_samuel/31-8 "1 Samuel 31:8-10 - Philistine Desecration") and the valiant rescue by the men of Jabesh-Gilead in [1 Samuel 31:11-13](/1_samuel/31-11 "1 Samuel 31:11-13 - Burial of Saul and His Sons"). This verse acts as a bridge, showing the immediate consequences of the military defeat on the civilian populace, thus concluding the narrative arc of Saul's reign and preparing the reader for the transition to David's kingship in [2 Samuel 1](/2_samuel/1 "2 Samuel 1 - David Learns of Saul's Death").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically, the Philistines were a formidable enemy, constantly vying for control over the fertile crescent and strategic trade routes with Israel. Their victory at Mount Gilboa, a crucial battleground, marked a significant resurgence of their power and a severe blow to Israel's nascent monarchy. The mention of "the other side of the valley" (likely the Jezreel Valley, a key strategic corridor) and "the other side Jordan" highlights the widespread impact of the defeat, indicating that the panic extended beyond the immediate battle zone to communities in Transjordan. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, the death of a king often signaled the complete collapse of an army and state, leading to widespread chaos and territorial loss, as vividly portrayed here. The rapid occupation by the Philistines underscores their military efficiency and their intent to consolidate control over these newly vacated Israelite cities.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within [1 Samuel](/1_samuel "The Book of 1 Samuel - Israel's First King"). Foremost among these is the theme of **consequences of disobedience and failed leadership**. Saul's reign, marked by his repeated failures to fully obey God (e.g., [1 Samuel 13](/1_samuel/13 "1 Samuel 13 - Saul's Disobedience at Gilgal") and [1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Rejection for Disobedience")), culminates in this devastating defeat, illustrating the spiritual and national ramifications of a king who has lost divine favor. The immediate flight of the people and the Philistine occupation underscore the theme of **national vulnerability and divine judgment**, as Israel is left exposed and humiliated. Furthermore, it highlights the **power vacuum** created by Saul's death, setting the stage for the divinely appointed successor, David, to eventually emerge and restore Israel's fortunes, a narrative arc that begins to unfold in [2 Samuel](/2_samuel "The Book of 2 Samuel - The Reign of King David"). The Philistine dominance depicted here reinforces the ongoing struggle between Israel and its enemies, a recurring motif throughout the historical books.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fled (Hebrew, _nus'_):** This verb, used twice in the verse ("men of Israel fled" and "they forsook the cities, and fled"), denotes a rapid, panicked, and often desperate flight. It's not merely a strategic retreat but an uncontrolled, fear-driven abandonment, emphasizing the complete rout and loss of morale among the Israelite populace. The repetition underscores the widespread nature of this terror.
* **Forsook (Hebrew, _'azav'_):** This word implies abandonment, leaving behind, or deserting. In this context, it highlights the Israelites' act of willingly giving up their homes and cities, not due to military strategy but out of overwhelming fear and despair. It conveys a sense of desolation and surrender, as they left their possessions and territories vulnerable.
* **Dwelt (Hebrew, _yashav'_):** This verb signifies settling, inhabiting, or taking up residence. Its use here for the Philistines indicates a swift and decisive occupation. They didn't just raid or pass through; they established themselves, signifying a permanent or at least long-term claim over the vacated Israelite cities, thereby consolidating their victory and territorial gains.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"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":** This opening clause establishes the widespread geographical reach of the panic. "The other side of the valley" likely refers to the Jezreel Valley, where the battle took place, indicating civilians living in the surrounding regions. "The other side Jordan" points to the Transjordanian tribes, demonstrating that the news and its terrifying implications had spread far and wide, affecting communities beyond the immediate conflict zone. Their "seeing" implies not necessarily direct visual observation of the battle, but rather the rapid dissemination of news about the defeat and the king's death.
* **"...that the men of Israel fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead":** This clause reveals the two primary triggers for the civilian panic. First, the sight or news of their own army "fleeing" signified a complete military collapse, stripping away any hope of defense. Second, the devastating news that "Saul and his sons were dead" confirmed the loss of central leadership and the utter defeat of the monarchy. These two facts combined to create an overwhelming sense of vulnerability and hopelessness among the populace.
* **"...they forsook the cities, and fled; and the Philistines came and dwelt in them":** This final clause describes the immediate and dire consequences. The Israelites' response was to "forsake their cities"—to abandon their homes, livelihoods, and defensive positions—and "fled" in a desperate, unorganized retreat. This act of abandonment created a vacuum that the Philistines immediately exploited. The phrase "the Philistines came and dwelt in them" signifies a swift and decisive occupation, transforming Israelite territories into Philistine strongholds and underscoring the complete reversal of power and the profound national humiliation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its stark message. **Juxtaposition** is evident in the sharp contrast between the Israelites' panicked flight and abandonment of their cities, and the Philistines' immediate and deliberate act of coming to "dwell in them." This highlights the complete reversal of fortunes and the swift transfer of power. The **repetition** of the verb "fled" (used for the army and then the civilians) powerfully emphasizes the pervasive fear and disarray that gripped the nation, underscoring the total collapse of morale and order. There is also a strong sense of **irony** in this concluding scene of Saul's reign. Saul was chosen as king, in part, to deliver Israel from the Philistines, yet his reign ends with a decisive Philistine victory that results in their territorial expansion and further subjugation of Israel, demonstrating the tragic failure of his kingship and the consequences of his disobedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while depicting a moment of profound national despair, is deeply interwoven with the broader theological narrative of Israel's history. It serves as a stark illustration of the consequences of a king who has lost divine favor and the vulnerability of a nation that relies on human strength rather than God's covenant faithfulness. The Philistine victory and subsequent occupation can be understood within the biblical framework of **divine judgment** or **chastisement**, a recurring theme where Israel's disobedience leads to oppression by foreign powers, as seen throughout the book of Judges. This catastrophic defeat underscores the inadequacy of human leadership apart from divine guidance and sets the stage for God's sovereign plan to establish a king "after His own heart," preparing the way for David's ascendance and the establishment of an enduring dynasty. It highlights the principle that true security and prosperity for Israel are found in covenant fidelity, not merely military might or human strategy.
* [Deuteronomy 28:25](/deuteronomy/28-25 "Deuteronomy 28:25 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Judges 2:14-15](/judges/2-14 "Judges 2:14-15 - Israel Oppressed for Disobedience")
* [Psalm 146:3](/psalms/146-3 "Psalm 146:3 - Do Not Trust in Princes")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic events of [1 Samuel 31:7](/1_samuel/31-7 "1 Samuel 31:7 - Israel's Flight and Philistine Occupation") offer profound lessons for believers today. Firstly, it underscores the immense responsibility and impact of **leadership**, both spiritual and temporal. Saul's failure led to national catastrophe, reminding us of the need for leaders who are not only competent but also grounded in integrity and divine wisdom. Secondly, it speaks to the human tendency towards **despair and panic** in the face of overwhelming adversity. When our perceived sources of security (leaders, armies, institutions) collapse, it is natural to feel fear. However, this passage implicitly challenges us to consider where our ultimate trust lies. Even in moments of apparent defeat and chaos, God's sovereign plan is at work, often preparing the ground for new beginnings and the fulfillment of His promises, as evidenced by David's subsequent rise. It calls us to cultivate resilience and faith, even when circumstances seem dire, remembering that God's purposes cannot be thwarted.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do moments of crisis and loss of leadership in our lives or communities test our faith and resilience?**
* **What are the "cities" or sources of security that we might be tempted to abandon in fear, rather than trusting in God's provision?**
* **In what ways does this historical account encourage us to look beyond immediate circumstances to God's overarching redemptive plan?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Israelites flee their cities so quickly?**

Answer: The rapid flight of the Israelites from their cities was primarily driven by overwhelming fear and despair. The news of their army's complete rout on Mount Gilboa, coupled with the devastating confirmation of King Saul's death and the deaths of his sons, signaled a total collapse of national defense and leadership. In the ancient world, the death of a king in battle often meant the end of the state and brutal treatment by the victors. Lacking any organized defense or leadership, and facing the immediate threat of a victorious and ruthless Philistine army, the civilians perceived abandonment of their homes as their only means of survival. This immediate and widespread panic is further emphasized by the fact that those "on the other side of the valley" and "on the other side Jordan" also fled, indicating the news and its terrifying implications spread rapidly.

**What was the immediate impact of the Philistines "dwelling" in the vacated Israelite cities?**

Answer: The Philistines' act of "dwelling" in the cities immediately vacated by the fleeing Israelites signified a swift and decisive consolidation of their victory and a significant expansion of their territorial control. This was not merely a temporary occupation or a raid; it implied a permanent or long-term settlement, establishing new Philistine strongholds within what was formerly Israelite territory. This act underscored Israel's profound national humiliation, the loss of sovereignty over strategic areas, and the immediate consequences of their military defeat. It marked a dark period for Israel, setting the stage for the arduous process of recovery and reclamation under the future leadership of David, as detailed in [2 Samuel](/2_samuel "The Book of 2 Samuel - The Reign of King David").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Samuel 31:7](/1_samuel/31-7 "1 Samuel 31:7 - Israel's Flight and Philistine Occupation"), with its depiction of a failed king, a scattered people, and a land occupied by enemies, powerfully foreshadows the profound need for a perfect, eternal King. Saul's reign, ending in defeat and despair, highlights the futility of human leadership apart from divine anointing and obedience. This tragic scene points forward to Jesus Christ, the true King of Israel, whose kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), and whose victory is not achieved through military might but through sacrificial love. Unlike Saul, who fled from his enemies and whose death led to the scattering of his people, Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly laid down His life on the cross, an apparent defeat that was, in fact, the ultimate victory over sin and death ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). His resurrection ensures that His kingdom will never be defeated or occupied by enemies ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")), and His followers, unlike the fleeing Israelites, are gathered and secured in Him ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them")). Thus, Saul's tragic end serves as a stark backdrop, illuminating the glory and eternal security found in the reign of Christ, our victorious and faithful King.

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.