1 Samuel 19:8
And there was war again: and David went out, and fought with the Philistines, and slew them with a great slaughter; and they fled from him.
Original Language Analysis
וַתּ֥וֹסֶף
again
H3254
וַתּ֥וֹסֶף
again
Strong's:
H3254
Word #:
1 of 13
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
הַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה
And there was war
H4421
הַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה
And there was war
Strong's:
H4421
Word #:
2 of 13
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
לִֽהְי֑וֹת
H1961
לִֽהְי֑וֹת
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
3 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
וַיֵּצֵ֨א
went out
H3318
וַיֵּצֵ֨א
went out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
4 of 13
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
בַּפְּלִשְׁתִּ֗ים
with the Philistines
H6430
בַּפְּלִשְׁתִּ֗ים
with the Philistines
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
7 of 13
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
וַיַּ֤ךְ
and slew
H5221
וַיַּ֤ךְ
and slew
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
8 of 13
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
מַכָּ֣ה
slaughter
H4347
מַכָּ֣ה
slaughter
Strong's:
H4347
Word #:
10 of 13
a blow (in 2 chronicles 2:10, of the flail); by implication, a wound; figuratively, carnage, also pestilence
גְדוֹלָ֔ה
them with a great
H1419
גְדוֹלָ֔ה
them with a great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
11 of 13
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
Historical Context
Philistine conflicts were recurrent throughout Saul's reign, providing ongoing military challenges. David's consistent success in these engagements built his reputation while depleting Philistine strength. The great slaughter indicated significant strategic victory.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you continue faithful service to those who may wish you harm?
- What does David's ongoing military excellence despite court danger teach about compartmentalizing personal conflict from duty?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And there was war again: and David went out, and fought with the Philistines, and slew them with a great slaughter; and they fled from him.
The cycle continues: renewed Philistine conflict provided occasion for David's military success, which triggered Saul's jealousy. The Hebrew makkah gedolah ('great slaughter') emphasizes decisive victory. 'They fled from him' indicates total rout. David continued faithful service despite past persecution, demonstrating character that served Israel's good regardless of personal danger. Ironically, the very victories that protected Israel from enemies made David a target of Israel's king. Faithful service in hostile environments often means blessing those who would harm us.