And raiders went out of the Philistine camp in three divisions.The Philistines were a constant threat to Israel during the time of Saul. Their military tactics often included sending out raiding parties to weaken and destabilize their enemies. The division into three groups suggests a strategic approach, aiming to cover more territory and create widespread disruption. This tactic is reminiscent of other military strategies in the ancient Near East, where dividing forces allowed for simultaneous attacks on multiple fronts. The Philistines' presence in Israelite territory highlights the ongoing struggle for control and dominance in the region, a theme prevalent throughout the books of Samuel.
One headed toward Ophrah in the land of Shual,
Ophrah is a location mentioned in the context of the tribe of Benjamin, though its exact location is uncertain today. The land of Shual is also not definitively identified, but it is believed to be in the vicinity of Benjamin's territory. This area was significant because it was part of the land allotted to the tribe of Benjamin, Saul's own tribe, indicating a direct threat to his home territory. The Philistines' choice to target this area could be seen as a strategic move to undermine Saul's authority and destabilize his rule. The mention of specific locations underscores the historical and geographical realities of the biblical narrative, providing insight into the challenges faced by Israel during this period.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PhilistinesA significant enemy of Israel during the time of Saul, known for their military strength and frequent conflicts with the Israelites.
2.
RaidersThese were groups of Philistine soldiers sent out to plunder and create chaos among the Israelites, demonstrating the Philistines' aggressive strategy.
3.
OphrahA location in the territory of Benjamin, indicating the geographical reach of the Philistine raids.
4.
Land of ShualA region mentioned in the context of the Philistine raids, highlighting the areas affected by their incursions.
5.
SaulThe first king of Israel, whose reign was marked by ongoing conflict with the Philistines, setting the stage for the events in this passage.
Teaching Points
Understanding Enemy TacticsThe Philistines' use of raiders shows the importance of being aware of the enemy's strategies. In our spiritual lives, we must be vigilant against subtle attacks that aim to disrupt our faith.
God's Sovereignty in ConflictDespite the threat posed by the Philistines, God remains in control. Believers can trust in God's sovereignty even when facing overwhelming challenges.
The Importance of LeadershipSaul's response to the Philistine threat highlights the need for godly leadership. Leaders must seek God's guidance to effectively navigate crises.
Community Impact of WarfareThe raids affected entire regions, reminding us that spiritual battles often have communal implications. We should support one another in prayer and encouragement.
Preparation and ReadinessJust as the Israelites faced physical raids, Christians must be spiritually prepared to face trials and temptations, equipped with the armor of God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 13:17?
2.How does 1 Samuel 13:17 illustrate the consequences of disobedience to God?
3.What strategic advantage did the Philistines gain in 1 Samuel 13:17?
4.How can we trust God when facing overwhelming opposition like Israel did?
5.What other biblical instances show God's people facing similar threats?
6.How can we apply 1 Samuel 13:17 to spiritual battles today?
7.What historical evidence supports the events described in 1 Samuel 13:17?
8.How does 1 Samuel 13:17 reflect the broader theme of conflict in the Bible?
9.What is the significance of the Philistine raiders in 1 Samuel 13:17?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 13?
11.Why does 1 Chronicles 10:13 emphasize Saul's death as punishment for consulting a medium, when 1 Samuel 31 attributes his defeat primarily to the Philistine assault?
12.Why does 1 Samuel 13:3-4 give conflicting impressions of who actually attacked the Philistine garrison, Jonathan or Saul?
13.How could David and his men realistically fight from dusk until the following evening without rest (1 Samuel 30:17)?
14.Is the figure of thirty thousand chariots in 1 Samuel 13:5 historically plausible for the Philistines at that time?What Does 1 Samuel 13:17 Mean
And raiders went out• “And raiders went out” pictures a sudden, hostile strike force. The Philistines are not merely occupying; they are actively plundering Israel, just as Midianite raiders “would come up with their livestock and their tents and devour the produce of the land” (Judges 6:3-5).
• God had warned that abandoning Him would invite such oppression (Deuteronomy 28:25). Saul’s earlier disobedience (1 Samuel 13:13-14) has opened the door, and the text records the literal consequence.
• The episode reminds us that spiritual compromise often leads to tangible, earthly losses (compare1 Samuel 4:10, where Israel’s sin resulted in the Ark’s capture).
Of the Philistine camp• The Philistines have massed at Michmash (1 Samuel 13:5). Now, from that fortified base, detachments pour out.
• Scripture frequently shows enemy strongholds spewing trouble into Israelite territory—think of Goliath stepping forward from the Philistine lines daily (1 Samuel 17:8-10).
• God’s people must recognize that spiritual opposition often springs from entrenched enemy positions; therefore, “put on the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11).
In three divisions• Dividing forces three ways maximizes disruption. Gideon used a three-company plan to surprise Midian (Judges 7:16); Saul himself earlier attacked the Ammonites “in three companies” (1 Samuel 11:11). Here the tactic is turned against Israel.
• Satan frequently counterfeits righteous strategies, twisting what once delivered victory into an instrument of fear (compare2 Corinthians 11:14).
• The literal detail of “three divisions” underscores the real, organized threat Israel faces, highlighting their urgent need for divine deliverance.
One headed toward Ophrah• “One headed toward Ophrah” shows the first vector of attack. This Ophrah lies in Benjamin, not to be confused with Gideon’s Ophrah in Manasseh (Judges 6:11).
• The enemy targets vulnerable border towns first—similar to how Amalek struck the stragglers of Israel (Deuteronomy 25:18).
• God often allows such pressure to expose areas of neglect in His people and call them back to dependence on Him (Psalm 119:71).
In the land of Shual• The “land of Shual” (“fox country”) marks an eastern district near Ophrah. The Philistines are pushing deep into Benjaminite territory, slicing between Saul’s forces at Gibeah and Jonathan’s earlier victory at Geba (1 Samuel 13:3).
• By naming the region, Scripture affirms its historical precision; these are real places, real raids. Compare how1 Kings 9:15 lists Solomon’s building projects by city to ground the narrative in geography.
• For believers, the text is a sober reminder that unchecked sin gives the enemy room to roam even in our own “territory” (Hebrews 12:1).
summary1 Samuel 13:17 records literal Philistine raiding parties fanning out from their camp, organized in three groups, the first striking toward Ophrah in the land of Shual. Each phrase underscores Israel’s vulnerability caused by disobedience, the enemy’s calculated advance, and the pressing need for renewed faithfulness to the Lord who alone can secure the land and His people.
(17)
And the spoilers came out.--The compiler of these Books of Samuel does not profess to give a detailed account of this or any of the wars of Saul It would seem that the Philistines, with their great armed demonstration (
1Samuel 13:5), had completely cowed the Israelites, certainly in the southern part of Canaan. Probably the allied forces were now suffered to leave the Philistine host, and we next hear of the old raids re-commencing. The three companies spoken of in this and the next verse were directed to ravage districts in the tribe of Benjamin, for in that locality are situated all the places mentioned. Unchecked, they seem to have carried out their plans. These armed companies swept away all the smithies in the south part of the land. The fortunes of Saul now reached their lowest ebb. "The heights of his own tribe . . . and the passes of his own tribe were occupied by hostile garrisons. We see him leaning on his gigantic spear, whether it be on the summit of the Rock Rimmon . . . or under the tamarisk of Ramah . . . or on the heights of Gibeah. There he stood with his small band, the faithful six hundred, and as he wept aloud over the misfortunes of his country . . . another voice swelled the wild, indignant lament--the voice of Jonathan, his son."--Dean Stanley:
Lectures on the Jewish Church.Verses 17, 18 -
The spoilers. The conduct of the Philistines is that of men over confident in their strength. They ought to have pounced at once upon Saul in the plain of Jordan, where their cavalry would have secured for them the victory, and then, following Samuel's and Saul's route, have seized the other end of the defile, and overpowered Jonathan. But they despised them both, and regarding the country as conquered, proceed to punish it, as probably they had cone on previous occasions, when no one had dared to make resistance. Leaving then the main army to guard the camp at Michmash, they sent out light armed troops to plunder the whole land.
One company turned unto the way... to Ophrah, unto the land of Shual. This company went northward, towards Ophrah, a place five miles east of Bethel. The land of Shual,
i.e. fox land, was probably the same as the land of Shalim in
1 Samuel 9:4.
Another company, etc. This went eastward, towards Beth-heron, for which see
Joshua 10:11. The third went to the south east, towards the wilderness of Judaea. Zeboim, and all the places mentioned, are in the tribe of Benjamin, which had committed the offence of making for itself a king. To the south Saul held the mountain fastnesses towards Jerusalem. DESCRIPTION OF ISRAEL'S EXTREME STATE OF OPPRESSION (vers. 19-23).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
And raidersהַמַּשְׁחִ֛ית(ham·maš·ḥîṯ)Article | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7843:Perhaps to go to ruinwent outוַיֵּצֵ֧א(way·yê·ṣê)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318:To go, bring, out, direct and proximof the Philistineפְלִשְׁתִּ֖ים(p̄ə·liš·tîm)Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 6430:Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistiacampמִמַּחֲנֵ֥ה(mim·ma·ḥă·nêh)Preposition-m | Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 4264:An encampment, an armyin threeשְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה(šə·lō·šāh)Number - masculine singular
Strong's 7969:Three, third, thricedivisions.רָאשִׁ֑ים(rā·šîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 7218:The headOneאֶחָ֥ד(’e·ḥāḏ)Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259:United, one, firstheadedיִפְנֶ֛ה(yip̄·neh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6437:To turn, to face, appear, looktowardאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, toOphrahעָפְרָ֖ה(‘ā·p̄ə·rāh)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6084:Ophrah -- an Israelite, also two places in Israelin the landאֶ֥רֶץ(’e·reṣ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776:Earth, landof Shual,שׁוּעָֽל׃(šū·‘āl)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7777:Shual -- 'fox', a district in Israel
Links
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OT History: 1 Samuel 13:17 The spoilers came out of the camp (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)