1 Samuel 7:13

¶ So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the coast of Israel: and the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.

So the Philistines {H6430} were subdued {H3665}, and they came {H935} no more {H3254} into the coast {H1366} of Israel {H3478}: and the hand {H3027} of the LORD {H3068} was against the Philistines {H6430} all the days {H3117} of Samuel {H8050}.

Thus the P'lishtim were humbled, so that they no longer entered Isra'el's territory; and the hand of ADONAI was against the P'lishtim as long as Sh'mu'el lived.

So the Philistines were subdued, and they stopped invading the territory of Israel. And the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.

So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more within the border of Israel: and the hand of Jehovah was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.

Commentary

1 Samuel 7:13 marks a significant turning point in Israel's history under the leadership of the prophet and judge, Samuel. Following a period of national repentance and a decisive victory orchestrated by God, this verse describes the lasting peace and divine protection that followed.

Context

This verse is the direct outcome of the events described earlier in 1 Samuel chapter 7. After twenty years of Philistine oppression, Samuel called the people of Israel to repentance and a return to the LORD, urging them to put away their foreign gods. At Mizpah, while Samuel was interceding for them and offering a burnt offering, the Philistines attacked. The LORD intervened with a great thunder, confusing the Philistines and allowing Israel to rout them. This victory was commemorated by Samuel setting up a stone named Ebenezer, meaning "stone of help". Verse 13 details the long-term effect of this divine intervention.

Key Themes

  • Divine Deliverance and Protection: The primary message is that the cessation of Philistine incursions was not due to Israel's military might alone, but because "the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines." This highlights God's active involvement in defending His people.
  • Consequences of Repentance: Israel's turning away from idolatry and towards God (as seen in 1 Samuel 7:3-6) directly preceded this period of peace. It illustrates the principle that obedience often brings divine favor and protection.
  • Samuel's Enduring Influence: The phrase "all the days of Samuel" underscores the stability and peace Israel experienced under his faithful leadership as both judge and prophet. His consistent intercession and guidance were instrumental in maintaining this divine favor.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the hand of the LORD" is a significant Hebrew idiom (yad Yahweh) used throughout the Old Testament. It signifies God's active power, authority, and direct intervention, whether in judgment, blessing, or deliverance. Here, it powerfully conveys that God Himself was the force subduing the Philistines, not merely circumstances or human effort.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful lessons for believers today:

  • God Fights for His People: Just as God fought for Israel against the Philistines, He continues to be our defender. We are reminded that when faced with overwhelming challenges, our ultimate reliance should be on divine power, much like the promise in Exodus 14:14, "The LORD shall fight for you."
  • The Power of Repentance: The peace described here was a direct result of Israel's national repentance. For individuals and communities, turning from sin and drawing near to God remains a pathway to spiritual peace and deliverance from oppressive forces.
  • Lasting Peace Through God's Presence: The long-term peace signifies that true security comes from a sustained relationship with God and His abiding presence, rather than temporary victories.
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Cross-References

  • Judges 13:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD delivered them into the hand of the Philistines forty years.

  • 1 Samuel 17:49 (2 votes)

    And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang [it], and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.

  • 1 Samuel 17:53 (2 votes)

    And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and they spoiled their tents.

  • 1 Samuel 14:6 (1 votes)

    And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for [there is] no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.

  • 1 Samuel 14:16 (1 votes)

    ¶ And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down [one another].

  • 1 Samuel 28:3 (1 votes)

    Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.

  • 1 Samuel 28:5 (1 votes)

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