1 Samuel 7:10

KJV

And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And as Samuel {H8050} was offering up {H5927} the burnt offering {H5930}, the Philistines {H6430} drew near {H5066} to battle {H4421} against Israel {H3478}: but the LORD {H3068} thundered {H7481} with a great {H1419} thunder {H6963} on that day {H3117} upon the Philistines {H6430}, and discomfited {H2000} them; and they were smitten {H5062} before {H6440} Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As Sh'mu'el was presenting the burnt offering, the P'lishtim advanced to attack Isra'el. But this time, ADONAI thundered violently over the P'lishtim, throwing them into such confusion that they were struck down before Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

As the Philistines drew near to fight against Israel, Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering. But that day the LORD thundered loudly against the Philistines and threw them into such confusion that they fled before Israel.

American Standard Version

And as Samuel was offering up the burnt-offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel; but Jehovah thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten down before Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 7:10 records a pivotal moment in Israel's history where divine intervention dramatically secured victory against the Philistines. As Samuel was offering a burnt offering and interceding for a repentant Israel at Mizpah, the Philistines advanced for battle. In response, the LORD supernaturally thundered with a mighty sound, throwing the enemy into utter confusion and panic, leading to their decisive defeat before the Israelites. This event powerfully demonstrates God's sovereignty, His responsiveness to His people's repentance and prayer, and His willingness to fight on their behalf.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of a significant spiritual revival in Israel, initiated by the prophet-judge Samuel. Following a period of severe Philistine oppression and Israel's spiritual decline (marked by the loss of the Ark in [1 Samuel 4](/1_samuel/4 "1 Samuel 4 - The Ark Captured")), Samuel calls the nation to repentance at Mizpah. Verses [1 Samuel 7:3-4](/1_samuel/7-3 "1 Samuel 7:3-4 - Israel Puts Away Idols") describe Israel putting away their foreign gods and serving the LORD alone. The people then gather at Mizpah, confessing their sin and fasting ([1 Samuel 7:5-6](/1_samuel/7-5 "1 Samuel 7:5-6 - Israel Gathers at Mizpah")). The Philistines, hearing of this assembly, view it as a military threat and advance. In response to Israel's fear and plea, Samuel offers a burnt offering and cries out to the LORD on their behalf ([1 Samuel 7:8-9](/1_samuel/7-8 "1 Samuel 7:8-9 - Samuel's Intercession")). It is precisely at this moment of worship and intercession that the dramatic divine intervention of verse 10 occurs, immediately followed by Israel's pursuit of the routed Philistines ([1 Samuel 7:11](/1_samuel/7-11 "1 Samuel 7:11 - Philistines Routed")) and the setting up of the Ebenezer stone ([1 Samuel 7:12](/1_samuel/7-12 "1 Samuel 7:12 - The Stone of Help")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period leading up to 1 Samuel 7 was characterized by Philistine dominance over Israel, particularly in military and economic spheres ([1 Samuel 13:19-22](/1_samuel/13-19 "1 Samuel 13:19-22 - Philistine Monopoly on Iron")). The Philistines were a formidable, technologically superior enemy, controlling key territories and often raiding Israelite lands. Mizpah, meaning "watchtower," was a strategically important site in Benjamin, frequently serving as a national assembly point for religious and judicial purposes (e.g., [Judges 20:1](/judges/20-1 "Judges 20:1 - Israel Gathers at Mizpah")). The burnt offering was a central act of Israelite worship, signifying complete dedication, atonement, and communion with God. For the Philistines to attack during such a sacred assembly underscored their contempt for Israel's God and their intent to crush any resurgence of Israelite identity or strength.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of 1 Samuel and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Intervention and Deliverance**, where God actively and supernaturally intervenes on behalf of His people when they turn to Him. It underscores the **Efficacy of Repentance and Prayer**, demonstrating that sincere turning from sin and crying out to God elicits a divine response, even in the face of overwhelming odds. The event also highlights **God's Sovereignty Over Creation**, as He uses natural phenomena (thunder) as a weapon to achieve His purposes, echoing earlier displays of power against enemies (e.g., [Exodus 14:24-25](/exodus/14-24 "Exodus 14:24-25 - God Throws Egyptians into Confusion")). Finally, it emphasizes **Victory Through Reliance on God**, contrasting Israel's previous military failures when they relied on human strength or idolatry, with this victory achieved through spiritual renewal and divine power.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Thundered (Hebrew, _ra'am'_):** This verb signifies a loud, rumbling sound, specifically thunder. In biblical contexts, thunder is frequently associated with the voice or presence of God, often indicating divine judgment, power, or a theophany (manifestation of God). Here, it's not merely a natural storm but "the LORD thundered," implying a direct, supernatural act of God, a terrifying sound designed to incapacitate the enemy. It is a divine weapon.
* **Discomfited (Hebrew, _hamam'_):** This powerful verb means "to throw into confusion," "to rout," "to disturb," or "to put to flight." It describes a state of sudden, overwhelming panic, disorientation, and terror that renders the enemy helpless and unable to fight effectively. It's more than a simple defeat; it's a psychological and tactical collapse divinely orchestrated, making the Philistines easy prey for the Israelites. This term is also used in [Exodus 14:24](/exodus/14-24 "Exodus 14:24 - God Throws Egyptians into Confusion") to describe God's actions against the Egyptians at the Red Sea.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering":** This clause emphasizes the precise timing of God's intervention. It was not before or after, but *during* the act of worship and intercession, signifying God's immediate response to Israel's repentance and Samuel's prayer. It highlights the spiritual nature of the battle and the power of devotion.
* **"the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel":** This sets the stage for the conflict, revealing the Philistines' aggressive intent to suppress Israel's spiritual revival and reassert their dominance, unaware of the divine power about to be unleashed.
* **"but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines":** The pivotal turning point. The conjunction "but" introduces a dramatic contrast. The "great thunder" is God's direct, supernatural weapon, a terrifying sound and force that targeted the Philistines specifically, demonstrating His active presence and power in the battle.
* **"and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel":** This describes the immediate and devastating effect of God's thunder. The Philistines were thrown into a state of utter confusion and panic, rendering them defenseless. Consequently, they were easily defeated and "smitten" (struck down) by the Israelites, who were now empowered by God's intervention.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in 1 Samuel 7:10 masterfully employs several literary devices to heighten its impact. **Theophany** is central, as God directly manifests His power through the "great thunder," a divine display that is both auditory and impactful, signifying His active presence and judgment. The use of **Juxtaposition** is stark and effective: the peaceful, sacred act of Samuel offering the burnt offering is immediately contrasted with the Philistines' aggressive military advance, only to be swiftly followed by God's overwhelming and violent intervention. This creates a sense of **Dramatic Irony**, as the Philistines, intending to crush Israel, are instead crushed by an unseen, divine force. The phrase "great thunder" also serves as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, underscoring the extraordinary and supernatural nature of the event, distinguishing it from a mere natural storm and highlighting the immense power of God. The narrative structure itself builds **Suspense**, leading to the climactic moment of divine deliverance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 7:10 is a profound theological statement about God's character and His relationship with His people. It reveals God as a sovereign Deliverer who actively intervenes in human history, especially when His people humble themselves, repent, and seek Him. The timing of His intervention—precisely when Samuel was offering sacrifice and praying—underscores the efficacy of sincere worship and intercession. This event serves as a powerful reminder that true victory comes not from human might or strategic brilliance, but from divine power unleashed in response to faith and obedience. It reinforces the theme that God fights for those who are truly devoted to Him, turning confusion into victory and demonstrating His absolute control over all creation.

* [Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "Exodus 14:14 - The LORD will fight for you"): "The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."
* [Psalm 18:13](/psalm/18-13 "Psalm 18:13 - God's Thunder Against Enemies"): "The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded."
* [Isaiah 30:30-31](/isaiah/30-30 "Isaiah 30:30-31 - The Voice of the LORD"): "The LORD will cause His majestic voice to be heard and will show the descent of His arm with raging anger and a consuming fire, with cloudburst, thunderstorm, and hailstones. For at the voice of the LORD Assyria will be dismayed; with His rod He will strike them."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account in 1 Samuel 7:10 offers timeless encouragement and profound lessons for believers today. It reminds us that even when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges or overwhelming opposition, our ultimate reliance must be on God's power and not our own. Just as Israel's victory was predicated on their repentance and turning back to the LORD, so too are our breakthroughs often contingent on our spiritual posture—humility, confession, and sincere prayer. This passage calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's faithfulness, knowing that He is able to intervene in ways we cannot foresee, turning confusion into victory for His people. It challenges us to assess where our true strength lies and to remember that the battle is the LORD's, especially when we are committed to His will and His ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this account challenge our understanding of where true strength and victory come from in our own lives or in the challenges we face?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to "turn to the LORD" in repentance and trust in His supernatural intervention, rather than relying on your own efforts?**
* **What does the timing of God's intervention (during Samuel's offering) teach us about the role of worship, prayer, and intercession in spiritual warfare or personal struggles?**

### FAQ
**Was the "great thunder" a natural storm or a miracle?**

Answer: While natural storms occur, the biblical text strongly indicates that the "great thunder" in 1 Samuel 7:10 was a supernatural, targeted act of divine intervention, not merely a coincidental weather event. The phrasing "the LORD thundered" attributes the action directly to God. Furthermore, the immediate and precise effect—that the Philistines were "discomfited" or thrown into confusion—points to a miraculous, psychological impact specifically designed to incapacitate the enemy. This aligns with other instances in Scripture where God uses natural phenomena as instruments of His will to deliver His people or judge His enemies (e.g., the hailstones in [Joshua 10:11](/joshua/10-11 "Joshua 10:11 - God Fights for Israel")). It was a theophany, a manifestation of God's power in battle.

**What is the significance of "Mizpah" in this narrative?**

Answer: Mizpah ("watchtower") was a highly significant location in Israel's history, often serving as a central gathering point for national assemblies, covenants, and acts of repentance or judgment. In this context (1 Samuel 7), Mizpah becomes the stage for Israel's spiritual renewal. It's where the people collectively confess their sins ([1 Samuel 7:6](/1_samuel/7-6 "1 Samuel 7:6 - Israel Confesses Sin at Mizpah")), put away their idols, and commit to serving the LORD alone ([1 Samuel 7:3-4](/1_samuel/7-3 "1 Samuel 7:3-4 - Israel Puts Away Idols")). The Philistine attack on Mizpah, therefore, was not just a military maneuver but an assault on the very heart of Israel's renewed devotion to God. God's dramatic intervention at this specific site underscores His approval of their repentance and His commitment to defend His covenant people in their place of spiritual commitment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic divine intervention at Mizpah in 1 Samuel 7:10, where the LORD supernaturally defeated Israel's enemies, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and decisive victory achieved by Jesus Christ. Just as God fought for Israel, Christ, as the divine Warrior and ultimate Deliverer, has fought and won the battle against the cosmic powers of darkness, sin, and death. The "great thunder" that discomfited the Philistines points to the overwhelming authority and power of Christ, who, through His crucifixion and resurrection, "disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers")). Samuel's intercession and the offering of the burnt offering, which preceded God's deliverance, find their perfect fulfillment in Christ, our Great High Priest, who offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")) and who "always lives to intercede for them" ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Our Intercessor")). The peace and recovery that followed Israel's victory at Mizpah ultimately find their truest expression in the spiritual peace and eternal life offered through the reign of Christ, who has overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Christ Has Overcome the World")) and will one day return to fully establish His kingdom, judging all His enemies with the "breath of his mouth" ([2 Thessalonians 2:8](/2_thessalonians/2-8 "2 Thessalonians 2:8 - The Lawless One Destroyed")).

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

1 Samuel 2:10

The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.

1 Samuel 12:17

[Is it] not wheat harvest to day? I will call unto the LORD, and he shall send thunder and rain; that ye may perceive and see that your wickedness [is] great, which ye have done in the sight of the LORD, in asking you a king.

Joshua 10:10

And the LORD discomfited them before Israel, and slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them along the way that goeth up to Bethhoron, and smote them to Azekah, and unto Makkedah.

Judges 5:20

They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera.

2 Samuel 22:14

The LORD thundered from heaven, and the most High uttered his voice.

2 Samuel 22:15

And he sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and discomfited them.

Zechariah 4:6

Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This [is] the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.