1 Samuel 17:11
When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁמַ֤ע
heard
H8085
וַיִּשְׁמַ֤ע
heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 11
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
and all Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
and all Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
4 of 11
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
דִּבְרֵ֥י
those words
H1697
דִּבְרֵ֥י
those words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
6 of 11
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖י
of the Philistine
H6430
הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖י
of the Philistine
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
7 of 11
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
וַיֵּחַ֥תּוּ
they were dismayed
H2865
וַיֵּחַ֥תּוּ
they were dismayed
Strong's:
H2865
Word #:
9 of 11
properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear
Cross References
Deuteronomy 31:8And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.Joshua 1:9Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Historical Context
Saul's military record included victories over Ammonites, Philistines, and Amalekites (1 Samuel 11, 14, 15). Yet this previous courage had depended on sporadic Spirit-empowerment now withdrawn. The professional army's paralysis demonstrated that military training cannot substitute for faith.
Questions for Reflection
- How does fear spread from leaders to followers in spiritual communities?
- What circumstances reveal the limits of natural courage without faith?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.
The phrase 'dismayed and greatly afraid' (wayyechatu wayyir'u) combines panic with profound fear. Saul and all Israel's terror revealed their spiritual condition: they saw Goliath but not the God of Israel. The man chosen for his height now proved as helpless as his subjects against a taller opponent. Faith's failure began in the king and infected the entire army.