1 Samuel 28:5
And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֥רְא
saw
H7200
וַיַּ֥רְא
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 9
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
שָׁא֖וּל
And when Saul
H7586
שָׁא֖וּל
And when Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
2 of 9
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מַֽחֲנֵ֣ה
the host
H4264
מַֽחֲנֵ֣ה
the host
Strong's:
H4264
Word #:
4 of 9
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
פְלִשְׁתִּ֑ים
of the Philistines
H6430
פְלִשְׁתִּ֑ים
of the Philistines
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
5 of 9
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
וַיִּרָ֕א
he was afraid
H3372
וַיִּרָ֕א
he was afraid
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
6 of 9
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
וַיֶּֽחֱרַ֥ד
trembled
H2729
וַיֶּֽחֱרַ֥ד
trembled
Strong's:
H2729
Word #:
7 of 9
to shudder with terror; hence, to fear; also to hasten (with anxiety)
Cross References
Isaiah 7:2And it was told the house of David, saying, Syria is confederate with Ephraim. And his heart was moved, and the heart of his people, as the trees of the wood are moved with the wind.Psalms 73:19How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.Job 18:11Terrors shall make him afraid on every side, and shall drive him to his feet.Job 15:21A dreadful sound is in his ears: in prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him.Proverbs 10:24The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.Daniel 5:6Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.
Historical Context
Saul's earlier military career included significant victories over the Philistines and other enemies. His terror here reflects not just military concern but the accumulated weight of spiritual decline over decades. The warrior king had become a broken man.
Questions for Reflection
- How does spiritual emptiness amplify the fears that circumstances create?
- What happens when we face challenges without the assurance of God's presence and guidance?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Saul's fear response marks his complete spiritual collapse. The Hebrew 'wayyir'a... wayyecherad libbo me'od' (he feared and his heart trembled greatly) uses intensified language to convey overwhelming terror. The mighty warrior who once stood head and shoulders above Israel now trembles before the Philistine host. This fear stems not merely from military assessment but from the void left by God's departed presence. Without divine guidance, Saul faces his enemies alone.