1 Samuel 13 7

1 Samuel 13:7 kjv

And some of the Hebrews went over Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. As for Saul, he was yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling.

1 Samuel 13:7 nkjv

And some of the Hebrews crossed over the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. As for Saul, he was still in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling.

1 Samuel 13:7 niv

Some Hebrews even crossed the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. Saul remained at Gilgal, and all the troops with him were quaking with fear.

1 Samuel 13:7 esv

and some Hebrews crossed the fords of the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. Saul was still at Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling.

1 Samuel 13:7 nlt

Some of them crossed the Jordan River and escaped into the land of Gad and Gilead. Saul's Disobedience and Samuel's Rebuke Meanwhile, Saul stayed at Gilgal, and his men were trembling with fear.

1 Samuel 13 verses

1 Samuel 13 7 Meaning

This verse paints a picture of intense fear and disarray among the Israelite forces during Saul's early reign, as they faced the Philistine threat. It describes how some of the Hebrews deserted, crossing the Jordan River eastward to escape the impending conflict, seeking refuge in the transjordanian regions of Gad and Gilead. Simultaneously, King Saul remained at Gilgal, where the majority of the remaining people, overwhelmed by terror, continued to follow him, yet doing so in a state of profound trembling and fear, not courage.

1 Samuel 13 7 Context

This verse occurs at a critical juncture in Saul's early kingship. Chapter 13 opens with Saul establishing his army and initiating an attack against the Philistines. The Philistines retaliate by assembling a massive force (estimated at "thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen and troops like the sand on the seashore," 13:5), camped at Michmash. This overwhelming military superiority of the Philistines, who also controlled Israel's metallurgy (13:19-22), instilled widespread panic among the Israelites. Verses 13:6 describes how the Israelites hid in caves, thickets, rocks, tombs, and cisterns. Verse 7 specifically illustrates the depth of this fear: some outright deserted to the Transjordan region, while those who remained with Saul were visibly terrified. This desperate situation, with the people scattering and morale plummeting, creates the immediate backdrop for Saul's subsequent rash act of offering the burnt sacrifice himself, in direct disobedience to Samuel's instructions (13:8-12). This act becomes a turning point in Saul's reign, leading to God's rejection of his kingship.

1 Samuel 13 7 Word analysis

• And some of the Hebrews (וְעִבְרִים – v'Ivrim): The term "Hebrews" (עִבְרִים) is often used by non-Israelites (e.g., Philistines in 1 Sam 4:6, 13:19) or when distinguishing Israel as a people group, possibly emphasizing their nomadic origins ("those who crossed over" the river). In this context, it might signify a less formal, perhaps less spiritually devoted segment of the population, highlighting those who readily reverted to a nomadic survival instinct by fleeing, contrasting with the covenantal term "Israel." It signals a national identity under strain and individual survival superseding collective commitment or faith in God's deliverance.

• went over the Jordan (עָבְרוּ אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּן – avru et ha-Yarden): This signifies an act of fleeing, not a triumphant crossing as under Joshua. "Crossing over" here denotes abandonment of the battlefield and seeking a distant sanctuary. It's a geographical and metaphorical act of retreat from conflict and obligation. This movement implies a recognition that safety was perceived beyond the immediate threat, far from the central Israelite territories.

• to the land of Gad and Gilead: These regions are east of the Jordan River. Historically, these areas were settled by Israelite tribes (Reuben, Gad, half-Manasseh), but their geography often made them a place of refuge or a less contested territory by the western Philistines. Their destination underlines their intention to remove themselves entirely from the danger.

• As for Saul, he was still at Gilgal (וְשָׁאוּל עוֹדֶנּוּ בַגִּלְגָּל – v'Sha'ul odenu vaGilgal): Saul's immobility at Gilgal indicates his state of waiting, both for Samuel as commanded (1 Sam 10:8) and perhaps in indecision. Gilgal was a place of immense symbolic significance for Israel: it was their first encampment after crossing the Jordan under Joshua (Josh 4:19-20), where they circumcised themselves, and renewed the covenant. It was also Samuel’s base. Saul's presence here, amidst the unfolding crisis, highlights the disconnect between the place's sacred history and the current spiritual panic.

• and all the people (וְכָל־הָעָם – v'khol ha-am): This phrase emphasizes the widespread nature of the terror. It's not just a few stragglers; the entire remaining populace that followed Saul was gripped by fear. This highlights a collective loss of nerve and faith, extending beyond just the deserting "Hebrews" to those who remained with the king.

• followed him trembling (חָרְדוּ אַחֲרָיו – charadu acharayv): The verb חָרַד (charad) means to tremble, to be terrified, to quake. It conveys a deep, visceral fear, physically manifesting as shaking. This indicates not a loyal, steadfast following, but a terrified, anxious adherence, devoid of courage or confidence in their leader or in God's intervention. Their adherence to Saul was rooted in fear, not faith, further illustrating the spiritual crisis within Israel and foreshadowing Saul's leadership struggle, as a king cannot inspire if his people are in constant terror.

1 Samuel 13 7 Bonus section

• Theocratic failure: The scene highlights an early indicator of Israel's struggle to truly embrace the theocracy, even with a king. Their panic demonstrates a reliance on perceived human strength and circumstances rather than the covenant Lord who had consistently fought for them.
• Contrast with Gideon: The Philistine force, though massive, contrasts with Gideon's minimal force. While Gideon's army was reduced by God to highlight divine victory (Judg 7), Saul's army was diminishing due to fear and lack of faith, indicating a different kind of spiritual leadership and national resolve.
• Gilgal's irony: Gilgal, a place where the people symbolically buried their past and affirmed their covenant with God (Josh 5), now became a symbol of national trepidation and imminent disobedience. This historical backdrop heightens the tragedy of Saul's imminent failure.

1 Samuel 13 7 Commentary

1 Samuel 13:7 concisely reveals the dire psychological and spiritual state of Israel under Philistine oppression and early in Saul's reign. The widespread fear, exemplified by desertion to the Transjordan and the palpable trembling of those remaining, underscores a severe lack of faith in God's ability to deliver. Despite having a king, the people still relied on human strategies of escape rather than divine intervention. This moment perfectly sets the stage for Saul's critical error; faced with such panic and attrition, he succumbed to pressure, preempting Samuel's divinely appointed role. The contrast between Gilgal as a place of covenant renewal and its current atmosphere of fear highlights Israel's departure from its foundational trust in the Lord. This episode is a poignant illustration of how human fear can undermine divine commands and lead to grave consequences for leaders and nations.