1 Samuel 13 17

1 Samuel 13:17 kjv

And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned unto the way that leadeth to Ophrah, unto the land of Shual:

1 Samuel 13:17 nkjv

Then raiders came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies. One company turned onto the road to Ophrah, to the land of Shual,

1 Samuel 13:17 niv

Raiding parties went out from the Philistine camp in three detachments. One turned toward Ophrah in the vicinity of Shual,

1 Samuel 13:17 esv

And raiders came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies. One company turned toward Ophrah, to the land of Shual;

1 Samuel 13:17 nlt

Three raiding parties soon left the camp of the Philistines. One went north toward Ophrah in the land of Shual,

1 Samuel 13 verses

1 Samuel 13 17 Meaning

This verse describes the immediate consequence of the Philistine military gathering and the Israelites' weakened state. It details the strategic dispersion of the Philistine army into three raiding parties, which departed from their main camp at Michmash. These companies set out to terrorize and control the surrounding Israelite territory, specifically mentioning the route towards Ophrah and the land of Shual, thereby asserting their dominance and harassing the populace. This action exemplifies the tightening Philistine grip on Israel due to their disarray and divine displeasure over Saul's disobedience.

1 Samuel 13 17 Context

This verse is situated immediately after Saul's disobedient act of offering the burnt sacrifice himself, rather than waiting for Samuel, and Samuel's subsequent rebuke prophesying the loss of his kingdom (1 Sam 13:8-14). With the Israelite army greatly diminished and demoralized—Saul was left with only 600 men at Gibeah, while many Israelites were hiding in caves or crossing the Jordan—the Philistines seize this opportune moment. Verse 17 directly follows the description of the Philistine camp at Michmash and the Israelite weakness at Gibeah (13:16). The dispatching of these three companies demonstrates the Philistines' strategic move to consolidate their control, exploit the Israelite vulnerability, and exert oppressive influence over the land of Benjamin. This act sets the stage for the narrative's climax in the chapter, where the full extent of Philistine economic and military domination, including their control over smithing, is revealed.

1 Samuel 13 17 Word analysis

• And the spoilers (וְהַמַּשְׁחִית)

  • Word-level: The Hebrew word is ha-mashchit, derived from the root שָׁחַת (shachath), meaning "to destroy," "corrupt," "ruin," or "spoil." In this context, it refers specifically to "destroyers," "plunderers," or "raiders." It denotes a force whose purpose is to inflict damage, plunder goods, and spread terror. This is not just a skirmish but a calculated act of oppression.
  • Significance: The use of mashchit underscores the malevolent and destructive intent of these Philistine detachments. They were not merely scouts but agents of subjugation and economic devastation, a key element of Philistine control over Israel (as seen in 1 Sam 13:19-22, where they controlled metallurgy).

• came out (יָצָא)

  • Word-level: Hebrew yatza, meaning "to go out," "come forth," "depart." It implies an organized movement, an offensive thrust from their main base.
  • Significance: This active verb shows Philistine initiative. They are not waiting to be attacked; they are pressing their advantage, asserting their control over the territory, and spreading their oppressive influence.

• of the camp of the Philistines (מִמַּחֲנֵה פְלִשְׁתִּים)

  • Word-level: Michaneh means "camp" or "encampment." The Philistine camp was at Michmash (1 Sam 13:5).
  • Significance: This emphasizes the large, organized Philistine military presence. The main force was so secure and overwhelming that it could dispatch substantial raiding parties without compromising its strength, signaling their complete domination over the area.

• in three companies (בִּשְׁלֹשָׁה רָאשִׁים)

  • Word-level: Bi-shloshah rashim. Shloshah means "three." Rosh (plural rashim) literally means "head" or "chief." In military contexts, it refers to "divisions," "companies," "detachments," or "bands" under a head/leader.
  • Significance: This indicates a strategic and deliberate deployment. Three distinct units suggests a plan to cover different directions simultaneously, maximizing the area of effect, preventing concentration of Israelite resistance, and enhancing the psychological impact of their presence. It reflects a tactical maneuver to tighten their stranglehold on Israelite territory.

• one company (הָרֹאשׁ הָאֶחָד)

  • Word-level: Ha-rosh ha-echad, "the one head/company."
  • Significance: Begins the detailing of the specific directions taken by each detachment, showing a systematic and calculated approach to controlling the region.

• turned unto the way that leadeth to Ophrah (יִפְנֶה דֶּרֶךְ עֹפְרָה)

  • Word-level: Yifneh derech Ophrah, "it turned the way of Ophrah." Ophrah was a town in Benjamin, likely northeast of Michmash (approx. 5 miles), mentioned in Josh 18:23.
  • Significance: Targeting specific population centers indicates a focus on disrupting civilian life, seizing resources, and controlling key routes, extending the Philistine influence deeper into Israelite tribal lands.

• unto the land of Shual (אֶל-אֶרֶץ שַׁעַל)

  • Word-level: El Eretz Sha'al. Eretz means "land." Sha'al literally means "jackal" or "fox" (from the root shu'al). The precise location is debated, possibly meaning a region known for these animals or a town of that name, perhaps south of Michmash or in the vicinity of Ophrah.
  • Significance: This highlights the breadth of the Philistine incursion. They are not just targeting major routes or towns but extending their control even into less populated or wilder territories, suggesting a comprehensive campaign to dominate the entire area, including agricultural and pastoral lands vital for sustenance.

1 Samuel 13 17 Bonus section

This Philistine offensive, meticulously described with its widespread impact, serves as a direct, tangible manifestation of the prophetic warning against Saul's disobedience. It demonstrates that divine displeasure is not merely abstract; it has real-world consequences, here resulting in the allowing of an oppressive foreign power to rampage unchecked. The widespread nature of the raids also highlights the breakdown of central Israelite authority and the inability of Saul, at this moment, to effectively protect his people, further cementing the thematic contrast between Saul's failed kingship and the future, divinely-chosen leadership under David. This scene powerfully sets up the dire context from which Jonathan's daring faith and subsequent, unexpected victory will arise in the very next chapter, showcasing that true deliverance comes not through human strength or presumption, but by God's power.

1 Samuel 13 17 Commentary

This verse graphically illustrates the painful consequences of Israel's spiritual weakness and Saul's presumption. The Philistines, the chosen instrument of divine chastening, are presented not as static threats but as dynamic, active oppressors. Their deployment of three raiding companies, stemming from a secure and vast camp at Michmash, was a deliberate and effective strategy. It aimed to spread terror, disrupt Israelite life, and extract resources, thereby consolidating their existing dominance. The targeting of Ophrah and the obscure "land of Shual" shows the far-reaching nature of their harassment, indicating a tightening stranglehold over Israelite Benjamin. This systematic oppression underscores the severe predicament Israel faced due to their spiritual condition, which allowed the Philistines to exert such complete economic and military control, particularly the control over access to iron smithing, rendering Israel almost defenseless, as the subsequent verses further detail.