1 Samuel 31:7
And when the men of Israel that were on the other side of the valley, and they that were on the other side Jordan, saw that the men of Israel fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, they forsook the cities, and fled; and the Philistines came and dwelt in them.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּרְא֣וּ
saw
H7200
וַיִּרְא֣וּ
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 25
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אַנְשֵֽׁי
H376
אַנְשֵֽׁי
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 25
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
3 of 25
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 25
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בְּעֵ֣בֶר
and they that were on the other side
H5676
בְּעֵ֣בֶר
and they that were on the other side
Strong's:
H5676
Word #:
5 of 25
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר׀
H834
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר׀
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 25
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בְּעֵ֣בֶר
and they that were on the other side
H5676
בְּעֵ֣בֶר
and they that were on the other side
Strong's:
H5676
Word #:
8 of 25
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
10 of 25
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
וַיָּנֻ֔סוּ
and fled
H5127
וַיָּנֻ֔סוּ
and fled
Strong's:
H5127
Word #:
11 of 25
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
אַנְשֵׁ֣י
H376
אַנְשֵׁ֣י
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
12 of 25
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
13 of 25
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וְכִי
H3588
וְכִי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
14 of 25
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מֵ֖תוּ
were dead
H4191
מֵ֖תוּ
were dead
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
15 of 25
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
שָׁא֣וּל
and that Saul
H7586
שָׁא֣וּל
and that Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
16 of 25
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
וּבָנָ֑יו
and his sons
H1121
וּבָנָ֑יו
and his sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
17 of 25
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וַיַּֽעַזְב֤וּ
they forsook
H5800
וַיַּֽעַזְב֤וּ
they forsook
Strong's:
H5800
Word #:
18 of 25
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
19 of 25
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הֶֽעָרִים֙
the cities
H5892
הֶֽעָרִים֙
the cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
20 of 25
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
וַיָּנֻ֔סוּ
and fled
H5127
וַיָּנֻ֔סוּ
and fled
Strong's:
H5127
Word #:
21 of 25
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
and the Philistines
H6430
פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
and the Philistines
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
23 of 25
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
Historical Context
The territorial losses included strategic positions in the Jezreel Valley and transjordan. This Philistine expansion would challenge David throughout his early reign and require military campaigns to reverse.
Questions for Reflection
- How do leaders' failures affect those they were meant to protect?
- What does civilian flight reveal about the relationship between military and domestic security?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The aftermath extends beyond the battle as Israelites in surrounding territories flee, abandoning their cities to Philistine occupation. The Hebrew 'wayyya'azvu' (forsook) and 'wayyanusu' (fled) describe panic abandonment. The Philistines 'came and dwelt in them,' establishing long-term occupation. The battle's impact spreads far beyond Gilboa, affecting civilians who had not fought. Leadership failure produces consequences reaching those who simply lived under that leadership.