New International VersionAll the days of Saul there was bitter war with the Philistines, and whenever Saul saw a mighty or brave man, he took him into his service.
New Living TranslationThe Israelites fought constantly with the Philistines throughout Saul’s lifetime. So whenever Saul observed a young man who was brave and strong, he drafted him into his army.
English Standard VersionThere was hard fighting against the Philistines all the days of Saul. And when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he attached him to himself.
Berean Standard BibleAnd the war with the Philistines was fierce for all the days of Saul. So whenever he noticed any strong or brave man, Saul would enlist him.
King James BibleAnd there was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul: and when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he took him unto him.
New King James VersionNow there was fierce war with the Philistines all the days of Saul. And when Saul saw any strong man or any valiant man, he took him for himself.
New American Standard BibleNow the war against the Philistines was severe all the days of Saul; and when Saul saw any warrior or any valiant man, he attached him to his staff.
NASB 1995Now the war against the Philistines was severe all the days of Saul; and when Saul saw any mighty man or any valiant man, he attached him to his staff.
NASB 1977Now the war against the Philistines was severe all the days of Saul; and when Saul saw any mighty man or any valiant man, he attached him to his staff.
Legacy Standard BibleNow the war against the Philistines was severe all the days of Saul; and Saul would see any mighty man or any man of valor and would gather him to his staff.
Amplified BibleNow the war against the Philistines was severe (brutal, relentless) all the days of Saul; and whenever Saul saw any mighty or courageous man, he recruited him for his staff.
Christian Standard BibleThe conflict with the Philistines was fierce all of Saul’s days, so whenever Saul noticed any strong or valiant man, he enlisted him.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThe conflict with the Philistines was fierce all of Saul’s days, so whenever Saul noticed any strong or brave man, he enlisted him.
American Standard VersionAnd there was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul: and when Saul saw any mighty man, or any valiant man, he took him unto him.
Contemporary English VersionSaul was at war with the Philistines for as long as he lived. Whenever he found a good warrior or a brave man, Saul made him join his army.
English Revised VersionAnd there was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul: and when Saul saw any mighty man, or any valiant man, he took him unto him.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThere was intense warfare with the Philistines as long as Saul lived. Whenever any warrior or any skilled fighting man came to Saul's attention, Saul would enlist him in the army.
Good News TranslationAs long as he lived, Saul had to fight fiercely against the Philistines. So whenever he found a man who was strong or brave, he would enlist him in his army.
International Standard VersionThere was intense fighting against the Philistines during Saul's entire reign, and whenever Saul discovered a strong or valiant warrior, he would enlist him for service.
NET BibleThere was fierce war with the Philistines all the days of Saul. So whenever Saul saw anyone who was a warrior or a brave individual, he would conscript him.
New Heart English BibleThere was severe war against the Philistines all the days of Saul: and when Saul saw any mighty man, or any valiant man, he took him to him.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd there was violent war against the Philistines all the days of Saul: and when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he took him to himself. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd the war with the Philistines was fierce for all the days of Saul. So whenever he noticed any strong or brave man, Saul would enlist him.
World English BibleThere was severe war against the Philistines all the days of Saul; and when Saul saw any mighty man or any valiant man, he took him into his service. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the war is severe against the Philistines all the days of Saul; when Saul has seen any mighty man, and any son of valor, then he gathers him to himself.
Young's Literal Translation And the war is severe against the Philistines all the days of Saul; when Saul hath seen any mighty man, and any son of valour, then he doth gather him unto himself.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd strong war will be against the rovers all the days of Saul: and Saul seeing every strong man and every son of strength, and he will gather him to him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd there was a great war against the Philistines all the days of Saul. For whomsoever Saul saw to be a valiant man, and fit for war, he took him to himself.
Catholic Public Domain VersionNow there was a powerful war against the Philistines during all the days of Saul. And so, whomever Saul had seen to be a strong man, and fit for battle, he joined him to himself.
New American BibleThere was heavy fighting with the Philistines during Saul’s lifetime. Whenever Saul saw any strong or brave man, he took him into his service.
New Revised Standard VersionThere was hard fighting against the Philistines all the days of Saul; and when Saul saw any strong or valiant warrior, he took him into his service. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd there was severe war against the Philistines all the days of Saul; and when Saul saw any valiant man or any strong man, he took him to himself.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd there was a severe war with the Philistines all the days of Shaul. And Shaul would see every man who was mighty and every man who had power, and he gathered him to himself OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And there was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul; and when Saul saw any mighty man, or any valiant man, he took him unto him.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd the war was vehement against the Philistines all the days of Saul; and when Saul saw any mighty man, and any valiant man, then he took them to himself.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Saul's Victories… 51Saul’s father Kish and Abner’s father Ner were sons of Abiel. 52And the warwiththe Philistineswasfiercefor allthe daysof Saul.So whenever henoticedanystrongor braveman,Saul would enlist him.
Cross References 1 Samuel 8:11-12He said, “This will be the manner of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them to serve his own chariots and horses, and to run in front of his chariots. / He will appoint some for himself as commanders of thousands and of fifties, and others to plow his ground, to reap his harvest, and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots.
1 Samuel 13:19-22And no blacksmith could be found in all the land of Israel, because the Philistines had said, “The Hebrews must not be allowed to make swords or spears.” / Instead, all the Israelites would go down to the Philistines to sharpen their plowshares, mattocks, axes, and sickles. / The charge was a pim for sharpening a plowshare or mattock, a third of a shekel for sharpening a pitchfork or an axe, and a third of a shekel for repointing an oxgoad. ...
2 Samuel 8:15-18Thus David reigned over all Israel and administered justice and righteousness for all his people: / Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; / Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was the scribe; ...
1 Kings 9:22But Solomon did not consign any of the Israelites to slavery, because they were his men of war, his servants, his officers, his captains, and the commanders of his chariots and cavalry.
1 Chronicles 12:1-2Now these were the men who came to David at Ziklag, while he was still banished from the presence of Saul son of Kish (they were among the mighty men who helped him in battle; / they were archers using both the right and left hands to sling stones and shoot arrows; and they were Saul’s kinsmen from Benjamin):
1 Chronicles 27:1This is the list of the Israelites—the heads of families, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and their officers who served the king in every matter concerning the divisions on rotating military duty each month throughout the year. There were 24,000 men in each division:
2 Chronicles 17:12-19Jehoshaphat grew stronger and stronger, and he built fortresses and store cities in Judah / and kept vast supplies in the cities of Judah. He also had warriors in Jerusalem who were mighty men of valor. / These are their numbers according to the houses of their fathers: From Judah, the commanders of thousands: Adnah the commander, and with him 300,000 mighty men of valor; ...
2 Chronicles 26:11-15Uzziah had an army ready for battle that went out to war by assigned divisions, as recorded by Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the officer under the direction of Hananiah, one of the royal officers. / The total number of family leaders of the mighty men of valor was 2,600. / Under their authority was an army of 307,500 trained for war, a powerful force to support the king against his enemies. ...
Isaiah 3:1-3For behold, the Lord GOD of Hosts is about to remove from Jerusalem and Judah both supply and support: the whole supply of food and water, / the mighty man and the warrior, the judge and the prophet, the soothsayer and the elder, / the commander of fifty and the dignitary, the counselor, the cunning magician, and the clever enchanter.
Jeremiah 46:9Advance, O horses! Race furiously, O chariots! Let the warriors come forth—Cush and Put carrying their shields, men of Lydia drawing the bow.
Matthew 8:9For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell one to go, and he goes, and another to come, and he comes. I tell my servant to do something, and he does it.”
Matthew 26:52-53“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword. / Are you not aware that I can call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?
Luke 3:14Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” “Do not take money by force or false accusation,” he said. “Be content with your wages.”
Luke 7:8For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell one to go, and he goes, and another to come, and he comes. I tell my servant to do something, and he does it.”
John 18:3So Judas brought a band of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees. They arrived at the garden carrying lanterns, torches, and weapons.
Treasury of Scripture And there was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul: and when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he took him to him. when Saul 1 Samuel 8:1,11 And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel… Jump to Previous AttachedBraveHardKeptMightyPhilistinesSaulServiceSevereSoreStaffStrongValiantValourViolentWarWheneverJump to Next AttachedBraveHardKeptMightyPhilistinesSaulServiceSevereSoreStaffStrongValiantValourViolentWarWhenever1 Samuel 14 1.Jonathan goes and miraculously smites the Philistine's garrison15.A divine terror makes them beat themselves17.Saul, not staying the priest's answer, sets on them21.The captivated Hebrews, and the hidden Israelites, join against them.24.Saul's unadvised adjuration hinders the victory31.He restrains the people from eating blood35.He builds an altar37.Jonathan, taken by lot, is save by the people47.Saul's victories, strength, and familyAnd the war with the Philistines was fierce for all the days of Saul.The Philistines were a significant adversary of Israel during the time of Saul. They were a seafaring people who settled along the coastal regions of Canaan, known for their advanced military technology, including iron weaponry. The ongoing conflict with the Philistines highlights the constant threat they posed to Israel's security and sovereignty. Saul's reign was marked by continuous military engagements, reflecting the broader struggle for control and dominance in the region. This persistent warfare underscores the challenges Saul faced as Israel's first king, tasked with uniting the tribes and defending the nation against formidable enemies. So whenever he noticed any strong or brave man,
Saul's strategy of recruiting strong and brave men into his army was a practical response to the military pressures of his reign. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, physical strength and bravery were highly valued traits for warriors. Saul's focus on these attributes indicates his desire to build a formidable fighting force capable of confronting the Philistine threat. This practice of enlisting capable men also reflects the tribal nature of Israelite society, where individual prowess in battle was crucial for survival and success. Saul would enlist him.
Saul's enlistment of strong and brave men can be seen as an early form of conscription, necessary for maintaining a standing army. This action demonstrates Saul's role as a military leader and his responsibility to protect the nation. It also foreshadows the later establishment of a more formalized military under David and subsequent kings. Saul's recruitment efforts are reminiscent of the biblical theme of God choosing individuals for specific purposes, as seen in the calling of David, who would later become a key figure in Israel's history and a type of Christ as the shepherd-king. Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. Saul's reign was marked by continuous conflict with the Philistines, a persistent enemy of Israel. 2. PhilistinesA significant and recurring enemy of Israel during the time of Saul. They were a formidable force, often engaging in battles with the Israelites. 3. IsraelThe nation chosen by God, led by Saul during this period. Israel was in a constant state of defense and warfare against the Philistines. 4. Strong or Brave MenIndividuals whom Saul identified for their strength and bravery, enlisting them into his army to strengthen Israel's military capabilities. 5. WarThe ongoing conflict between Israel and the Philistines, which was a defining aspect of Saul's reign as king. Teaching Points The Reality of Spiritual WarfareJust as Saul faced constant battles with the Philistines, Christians today face spiritual battles. We must be vigilant and prepared, enlisting the "strong and brave" aspects of our faith, such as prayer and scripture, to stand firm. Leadership and ResourcefulnessSaul's strategy of enlisting strong and brave men highlights the importance of recognizing and utilizing the strengths of those around us. In our communities and churches, we should identify and empower individuals with God-given talents for the advancement of His kingdom. The Consequences of DisobedienceSaul's reign, marked by continuous warfare, can be seen as a consequence of his disobedience to God. This serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and faithfulness in our walk with God. The Importance of CommunitySaul's need to enlist others underscores the importance of community and collaboration. In our spiritual journey, we are not meant to fight alone but to support and uplift one another. God's Sovereignty in ConflictDespite the ongoing battles, God remained sovereign over Israel. This reassures us that in our struggles, God is in control and will provide the strength and resources needed to overcome. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 14:52?
2.How does 1 Samuel 14:52 illustrate Saul's approach to military leadership?
3.What can we learn from Saul's recruitment strategy in 1 Samuel 14:52?
4.How does Saul's leadership compare to David's in later chapters?
5.How can we apply Saul's vigilance in 1 Samuel 14:52 to spiritual battles?
6.What does "strong and valiant man" teach about qualities God values in leaders?
7.Why did Saul constantly seek strong warriors according to 1 Samuel 14:52?
8.How does 1 Samuel 14:52 reflect on Saul's leadership and priorities?
9.What does 1 Samuel 14:52 reveal about the state of Israel's military?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 14?
11.How could Jonathan and his armor-bearer realistically defeat twenty Philistine warriors in such a small area (1 Samuel 14:12-14)?
12.1 Chronicles 14:8-17 - How do we reconcile any discrepancies between this account of David's battles with the Philistines and the parallel text in 2 Samuel 5?
13.Why would God honor Saul's command to fast when it led the soldiers to sin by eating meat with blood (1 Samuel 14:24, 31-33)?
14.Who was Jonathan in the Bible?What Does 1 Samuel 14:52 Mean And the war with the Philistines was fierce• “And the war with the Philistines was fierce” (1 Samuel 14:52a). The wording underscores an unrelenting military pressure. Israel’s conflict with Philistia predates Saul (Judges 13:1) and continues into David’s reign (2 Samuel 5:17). • The Philistines held technological and territorial advantages (1 Samuel 13:19–22). The verse reminds us that God’s people often face prolonged opposition; yet He equips them for every battle (Psalm 144:1). • Earlier victories, such as Jonathan’s bold assault (1 Samuel 14:6–15), did not eliminate the enemy, illustrating that one triumph does not end a lifetime of spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:12).
for all the days of Saul• “for all the days of Saul” (14:52b) shows that continual conflict defined his forty-year reign (Acts 13:21). • Saul’s kingship began with Philistine resistance (1 Samuel 13) and concluded on a Philistine-dominated battlefield where Saul and his sons fell (1 Samuel 31:1–6). • Persistent battles reveal both God’s patience with a flawed leader and His faithfulness to preserve Israel until David, “a man after His own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14), could ascend.
So whenever he noticed any strong or brave man• “So whenever he noticed any strong or brave man” (14:52c) highlights Saul’s reliance on visible strength. Like Gideon watching for “valiant warriors” (Judges 6:12), Saul scanned Israel for capable fighters. • Physical courage is valuable (2 Samuel 23:8-39 lists David’s mighty men), yet God repeatedly proves that victory depends on obedience more than muscle (1 Samuel 17:45-47). • Saul’s recruiting eye contrasts with God’s sovereign choice of the unlikely shepherd David (1 Samuel 16:11-13), reminding readers that the Lord looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).
Saul would enlist him• “Saul would enlist him” (14:52d). The king pressed men into royal service, matching Samuel’s earlier warning: “He will take your sons and appoint them to his chariots” (1 Samuel 8:11). • Drafting the strongest improved Israel’s army (1 Samuel 14:48), yet it also fed Saul’s control-oriented leadership, which drifted toward paranoia (1 Samuel 18:7-9) and injustice (1 Samuel 22:17-19). • God later gathers the distressed and indebted to David (1 Samuel 22:2), demonstrating that the Lord can mold an effective force from society’s leftovers, not merely the elite (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).
summary1 Samuel 14:52 teaches that Israel’s struggle with the Philistines remained intense throughout Saul’s reign, forcing him to conscript every able warrior he could find. The verse portrays a kingdom locked in constant warfare, a leader who leans on human strength, and a God who preserves His people despite imperfect methods. While Saul sought valiant men, the greater narrative shows that true victory still rests in divine direction and faithful hearts. (52) All the days of Saul.--Although after the rout of Michmash the Philistines were driven out of their fastnesses in the land of Israel back into their own coast districts, yet all through the reign of Saul they continued to be powerful, and were a constant source of danger and trouble to the people. We know that in the end Saul lost his life in an engagement with this warlike and restless race, who were not finally crushed before the days of his successor, David. To keep them in check necessitated the maintenance of a standing army, which, in the days of David, became one of the great armed forces of the East. The reader of this verse is reminded at once of a similar military fancy of King Frederick William of Prussia, the founder of Prussian military greatness, and the father of the Great Frederick. Verse 52. - The summary ends with two important particulars respecting Saul's kingdom - the first, that the Philistines were powerful and dangerous enemies to Israel all his days; the second, that in order to carry on the war with them he ever kept around him the nucleus of a standing army. In thus forming a "school of heroes" he raised the whole spirit of the people, and took an essential and necessary step for maintaining Israel's freedom. With much of the despot in him, Saul had grand qualities as a soldier, and for many years admirably fulfilled the primary object for which he was chosen. And while he was thus giving the nation internal security, Samuel was teaching it how to use its growing prosperity, and was raising it in the scale of intellectual worth. If in the time of the judges we have Israel in its boyhood, as in the Sinaitic desert we have it in its infancy, under Saul and Samuel it reached its manhood, and became a powerful, vigorous, and well ordered community, able to maintain its freedom, and with means for its internal development in the schools of the prophets, which ended in making it not merely enlightened itself, but the giver of light to the rest of mankind.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew And the warהַמִּלְחָמָה֙(ham·mil·ḥā·māh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4421:A battle, warwithעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthe Philistinesפְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים(pə·liš·tîm)Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 6430:Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistiawasוַתְּהִ֤י(wat·tə·hî)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, befierceחֲזָקָ֣ה(ḥă·zā·qāh)Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 2389:Strong, stout, mightyfor allכֹּ֖ל(kōl)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe daysיְמֵ֣י(yə·mê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3117:A dayof Saul.שָׁא֑וּל(šā·’ūl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586:Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two IsraelitesSo whenever [he]שָׁא֜וּל(šā·’ūl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586:Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelitesnoticedוְרָאָ֨ה(wə·rā·’āh)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200:To seeanyכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everystrongגִּבּוֹר֙(gib·bō·wr)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 1368:Powerful, warrior, tyrantor braveחַ֔יִל(ḥa·yil)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2428:A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strengthman,בֶּן־(ben-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121:A sonhe would enlist him.וַיַּאַסְפֵ֖הוּ(way·ya·’as·p̄ê·hū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 622:To gather for, any purpose, to receive, take away, remove
Links 1 Samuel 14:52 NIV1 Samuel 14:52 NLT1 Samuel 14:52 ESV1 Samuel 14:52 NASB1 Samuel 14:52 KJV
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OT History: 1 Samuel 14:52 There was sore war against the Philistines (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
