1 Samuel 4:7
And the Philistines were afraid, for they said, God is come into the camp. And they said, Woe unto us! for there hath not been such a thing heretofore.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּֽרְאוּ֙
were afraid
H3372
וַיִּֽרְאוּ֙
were afraid
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
1 of 17
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
And the Philistines
H6430
הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
And the Philistines
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
2 of 17
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
6 of 17
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה
into the camp
H4264
הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה
into the camp
Strong's:
H4264
Word #:
8 of 17
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
13 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הָֽיְתָ֛ה
H1961
הָֽיְתָ֛ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
14 of 17
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
Historical Context
The Philistines' experience of Israel to this point had included some defeats, but the Ark had not previously been brought to battle against them. Their fear reflects awareness that this represents escalation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Philistine fear of God contrast with Israel's presumptuous confidence?
- When might enemies of God's people be more spiritually perceptive than God's people?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Philistine fear intensifies: 'Woe unto us! for there hath not been such a thing heretofore.' Their alarm reflects awareness that this battle differs from ordinary conflicts. The statement 'God is come into the camp' uses singular for 'God,' acknowledging Yahweh's singular power. Yet their fear, though appropriate, will not prevent victory because Israel's God is fighting against, not for, His own people. The Philistines face the true God but prevail because that God has purposed judgment on corrupted Israel.