1 Samuel 4:6
And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, What meaneth the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews? And they understood that the ark of the LORD was come into the camp.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁמְע֤וּ
heard
H8085
וַיִּשְׁמְע֤וּ
heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 20
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
פְלִשְׁתִּים֙
And when the Philistines
H6430
פְלִשְׁתִּים֙
And when the Philistines
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
2 of 20
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַתְּרוּעָ֧ה
of the shout
H8643
הַתְּרוּעָ֧ה
of the shout
Strong's:
H8643
Word #:
5 of 20
clamor, i.e., acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangor of trumpets, as an alarum
מֶ֠ה
H4100
מֶ֠ה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
7 of 20
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
הַתְּרוּעָ֧ה
of the shout
H8643
הַתְּרוּעָ֧ה
of the shout
Strong's:
H8643
Word #:
9 of 20
clamor, i.e., acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangor of trumpets, as an alarum
הַגְּדוֹלָ֛ה
of this great
H1419
הַגְּדוֹלָ֛ה
of this great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
10 of 20
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
הַֽמַּחֲנֶֽה׃
in the camp
H4264
הַֽמַּחֲנֶֽה׃
in the camp
Strong's:
H4264
Word #:
12 of 20
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
הָֽעִבְרִ֑ים
of the Hebrews
H5680
הָֽעִבְרִ֑ים
of the Hebrews
Strong's:
H5680
Word #:
13 of 20
an eberite (i.e., hebrew) or descendant of eber
וַיֵּ֣דְע֔וּ
And they understood
H3045
וַיֵּ֣דְע֔וּ
And they understood
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
14 of 20
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּ֚י
H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
15 of 20
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
17 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
Philistine religion centered on Dagon and other deities, but they had heard of Israel's God. The reputation of the Exodus and conquest had spread throughout Canaan. Their reference to 'Gods' (elohim, plural) may reflect polytheistic assumptions or the Hebrew word's plural form.
Questions for Reflection
- What do the Philistines' fear and eventual victory teach about spiritual reality versus reputation?
- How can enemies of God's people sometimes perceive spiritual dynamics more clearly than God's people themselves?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Philistines hear the shout and understand its significance: 'God is come into the camp.' Even pagans recognize that Israel's God is associated with the Ark. Their assessment, though coming from idolaters, is partially correct - except that God has not come to fight for Israel but to judge them. The Philistines' fear shows they know something of Yahweh's reputation. Their subsequent rally demonstrates that even pagan resolve can overcome religious showmanship. True spiritual power cannot be manufactured by bringing the right objects to battle.