1 Samuel 7:7

ยถ And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together to Mizpeh, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard [it], they were afraid of the Philistines.

And when the Philistines {H6430} heard {H8085} that the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} were gathered together {H6908} to Mizpeh {H4708}, the lords {H5633} of the Philistines {H6430} went up {H5927} against Israel {H3478}. And when the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} heard {H8085} it, they were afraid {H3372} of {H6440} the Philistines {H6430}.

When the P'lishtim heard that the people of Isra'el had gathered together at Mitzpah, the leaders of the P'lishtim marched up against Isra'el; and when the people of Isra'el heard about this, they were afraid of the P'lishtim.

When the Philistines heard that the Israelites had gathered at Mizpah, their rulers marched up toward Israel. And when the Israelites learned of this, they feared the Philistines

And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together to Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines.

Commentary

1 Samuel 7:7 KJV describes a pivotal moment in Israel's history, immediately following their national repentance and spiritual renewal under the prophet Samuel's leadership. This verse highlights the immediate consequence of their gathering at Mizpeh: the hostile response of their perennial enemies, the Philistines, and Israel's subsequent fear.

Context

Prior to this verse, the children of Israel had been suffering under Philistine oppression for twenty years (1 Samuel 7:2). Samuel had called them to repent from idolatry and serve the Lord only. In response, Israel assembled at Mizpeh, a significant gathering place, where they fasted, confessed their sins, and poured out water before the Lord, symbolizing their contrite hearts and renewal of covenant (1 Samuel 7:6). The Philistines, likely interpreting this large assembly as a military mobilization rather than a spiritual revival, saw it as a direct threat to their dominance and prepared for war.

Key Themes

  • The Provocation of Repentance: Israel's turning back to God did not immediately bring peace but instead provoked their enemies. This illustrates that spiritual progress can often stir up opposition from the forces of darkness or those who benefit from the status quo.
  • Human Fear in the Face of Threat: Despite their recent spiritual commitment, the news of the Philistine advance struck fear into the hearts of the Israelites. The KJV text states, "they were afraid of the Philistines." This shows the human tendency to revert to anxiety and doubt when confronted with overwhelming physical danger, even after a spiritual awakening. It underscores their need for divine intervention.
  • The Ongoing Conflict: This verse underscores the persistent struggle between Israel and the Philistines, a recurring theme throughout the books of Judges and Samuel. The Philistines often symbolized the spiritual and physical challenges Israel faced in claiming their promised land and living under God's covenant.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew word translated as "afraid" is yare' (ื™ืจื), which conveys a strong sense of dread or terror. It emphasizes the immediate, visceral reaction of the Israelites to the news of the Philistine military mobilization, highlighting their vulnerability and the very real threat they perceived.

Practical Application

This verse offers a powerful lesson for believers today. When we commit to spiritual growth and turn away from sin, we should not be surprised if we encounter increased opposition or challenges. Just as Israel's repentance provoked the Philistines, our pursuit of God can provoke resistance. However, like Israel, our initial fear should lead us to greater dependence on God, rather than a retreat from Him. The subsequent verses in 1 Samuel 7 demonstrate that God responds to a cry for help from a repentant and fearful people, providing deliverance when they turn to Him.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 17:11 (4 votes)

    When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.

  • 1 Samuel 13:6 (3 votes)

    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.

  • Exodus 14:10 (2 votes)

    ยถ And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD.

  • 2 Chronicles 20:3 (2 votes)

    And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.