1 Samuel 4:9

Be strong, and quit yourselves like men, O ye Philistines, that ye be not servants unto the Hebrews, as they have been to you: quit yourselves like men, and fight.

Be strong {H2388}, and quit {H1961} yourselves like men {H582}, O ye Philistines {H6430}, that ye be not servants {H5647} unto the Hebrews {H5680}, as they have been {H5647} to you: quit {H1961} yourselves like men {H582}, and fight {H3898}.

Be strong; and behave like men, you P'lishtim; so that you won't become slaves to the Hebrews, as they have been to you. Behave like men, and fight!"

Take courage and be men, O Philistines! Otherwise, you will serve the Hebrews just as they served you. Now be men and fight!”

Be strong, and quit yourselves like men, O ye Philistines, that ye be not servants unto the Hebrews, as they have been to you: quit yourselves like men, and fight.

Commentary

1 Samuel 4:9 captures a critical and dramatic moment in the ancient conflict between the Philistines and the Israelites, showcasing the desperate rallying cry of Philistine commanders to their army.

Context

This verse is situated during a major battle where the Israelites, facing initial defeat, decide to bring the Ark of the Covenant from Shiloh into their camp, believing its sacred presence would guarantee them victory. The Philistines, upon hearing the triumphant shout from the Israelite camp and discovering the Ark of the Lord was present, were struck with immense fear. They remembered the mighty deeds of Israel's God against Egypt (1 Samuel 4:8) and recognized the formidable supernatural threat. In this moment of terror and perceived divine intervention, their leaders issued this urgent and forceful command, desperately attempting to instill courage and a fighting spirit into their soldiers.

Key Themes

  • Desperate Courage: The Philistine leaders appeal directly to their soldiers' sense of manhood, honor, and duty, urging them to fight with extreme valor despite their profound fear. This reflects a common military strategy in ancient warfare to inspire troops through appeals to pride and the dire consequences of defeat.
  • Fear as a Motivator: The primary force driving the Philistines' resolve is not faith in their own deities, but a deep-seated fear of becoming servants to the Hebrews. This fear of a historical role reversal—where Israel, once oppressed by them, would now subjugate them—fuels their determination to fight fiercely.
  • Human Resolve vs. Perceived Divine Power: Although pagan, the Philistines acknowledge the powerful reputation of Israel's God. Their urgent call to "quit yourselves like men" highlights their reliance on human strength, strategy, and sheer will in the face of what they perceived as a supernatural threat.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "quit yourselves like men" (KJV) translates a Hebrew idiom that literally means "be men" or "act like men." It is a powerful and direct exhortation to demonstrate courage, strength, and resolve characteristic of mature, capable warriors. It’s a call to overcome fear and exhibit true valor and masculine bravery in the face of a formidable enemy, emphasizing determination and a refusal to yield.

Practical Application

While spoken by the enemies of Israel, this verse offers timeless insights into human nature, leadership, and the dynamics of conflict. In times of crisis or when facing daunting challenges, individuals and communities are often called upon to "be strong" and "quit themselves like men"—to act with courage, determination, and resilience. It reminds us that:

  • Courage is Essential: Whether confronting personal trials, professional obstacles, or collective struggles, a resolute spirit is vital for overcoming adversity.
  • Motivation Matters: Understanding what truly drives us—be it fear of failure, hope for success, a desire for freedom, or a commitment to a cause—can profoundly impact our actions and outcomes.
  • Leadership in Crisis: Effective leadership involves inspiring and rallying those under one's charge, even when the odds seem insurmountable or fear is pervasive.
Ultimately, the Philistines' human resolve, though strong, proved sufficient in this battle, leading to a significant Philistine victory and the capture of the Ark, which itself initiated a series of dramatic events detailed in subsequent chapters of 1 Samuel.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 16:13 (7 votes)

    ¶ Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

  • Judges 13:1 (7 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.

  • 2 Samuel 10:12 (5 votes)

    Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the LORD do that which seemeth him good.

  • Ephesians 6:10 (5 votes)

    ¶ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

  • Ephesians 6:11 (5 votes)

    Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

  • Judges 10:7 (3 votes)

    And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hands of the Philistines, and into the hands of the children of Ammon.

  • Isaiah 33:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ Woe to thee that spoilest, and thou [wast] not spoiled; and dealest treacherously, and they dealt not treacherously with thee! when thou shalt cease to spoil, thou shalt be spoiled; [and] when thou shalt make an end to deal treacherously, they shall deal treacherously with thee.