Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Raiding parties went out from the Philistine camp in three detachments. One turned toward Ophrah in the vicinity of Shual, New Living Translation Three raiding parties soon left the camp of the Philistines. One went north toward Ophrah in the land of Shual, English Standard Version And raiders came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies. One company turned toward Ophrah, to the land of Shual; Berean Standard Bible And raiders went out of the Philistine camp in three divisions. One headed toward Ophrah in the land of Shual, King James Bible And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned unto the way that leadeth to Ophrah, unto the land of Shual: New King James Version Then raiders came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies. One company turned onto the road to Ophrah, to the land of Shual, New American Standard Bible Then raiders came from the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned toward Ophrah, to the land of Shual, NASB 1995 And the raiders came from the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned toward Ophrah, to the land of Shual, NASB 1977 And the raiders came from the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned toward Ophrah, to the land of Shual, Legacy Standard Bible And the raiders came from the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned toward Ophrah, to the land of Shual, Amplified Bible And the raiding party came from the Philistine camp in three companies: one company turned toward Ophrah, to the land of Shual, Christian Standard Bible Raiding parties went out from the Philistine camp in three divisions. One division headed toward the Ophrah road leading to the land of Shual. Holman Christian Standard Bible Raiding parties went out from the Philistine camp in three divisions. One division headed toward the Ophrah road leading to the land of Shual. American Standard Version And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned unto the way that leadeth to Ophrah, unto the land of Shual; Contemporary English Version Each day they sent out patrols to attack and rob villages and then destroy them. One patrol would go north along the road to Ophrah in the region of Shual. English Revised Version And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned unto the way that leadeth to Ophrah, unto the land of Shual: GOD'S WORD® Translation Raiding parties left the Philistine camp in three columns. One column turned onto the road to Ophrah to the region of Shual. Good News Translation The Philistine soldiers went out on raids from their camp in three groups: one group went toward Ophrah in the territory of Shual, International Standard Version Raiders went out of the Philistine camp in three companies. One company turned in the direction of Ophrah, to the land of Shual, NET Bible Raiding bands went out from the camp of the Philistines in three groups. One band turned toward the road leading to Ophrah by the land of Shual; New Heart English Bible The spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned to the way that leads to Ophrah, to the land of Shual; Webster's Bible Translation And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned to the way that leadeth to Ophrah, to the land of Shual: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd raiders went out of the Philistine camp in three divisions. One headed toward Ophrah in the land of Shual, World English Bible The raiders came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned to the way that leads to Ophrah, to the land of Shual; Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the destroyer goes out from the camp of the Philistines—three detachments: one detachment turns to the way of Ophrah, to the land of Shual, Young's Literal Translation And the destroyer goeth out from the camp of the Philistines -- three detachments; the one detachment turneth unto the way of Ophrah, unto the land of Shual; Smith's Literal Translation And he destroying will come forth from the camp of the rovers, three heads: one head will turn to the way of Ophrah, to the land of Shual: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd there went out of the camp of the Philistines three companies to plunder. One company went towards the way of Ephra to the land of Sual; Catholic Public Domain Version And three companies went out from the camp of the Philistines, in order to plunder. One company was traveling toward the way of Ophrah, to the land of Shual. New American Bible Meanwhile, raiders left the camp of the Philistines in three bands. One band took the Ophrah road toward the district of Shual; New Revised Standard Version And raiders came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies; one company turned toward Ophrah, to the land of Shual, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd raiders came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies; one went toward the way of Ophrah to attack the land of Shual; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the destroyers went out from the camp of the Philistines three companies; one company of them went on the road of Aphar to the land of Sheguil OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned unto the way that leadeth to Ophrah, unto the land of Shual; Brenton Septuagint Translation And men came forth to destroy out of the land of the Philistines in three companies; one company turning by the way of Gophera toward the land of Sogal, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Israel Without Weapons16Now Saul and Jonathan his son and the troops with them were staying in Geba of Benjamin, while the Philistines camped at Michmash. 17And raiders went out of the Philistine camp in three divisions. One headed toward Ophrah in the land of Shual, 18another toward Beth-horon, and the third down the border road overlooking the Valley of Zeboim facing the wilderness.… Cross References Judges 6:3-5 Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites, Amalekites, and other people of the east would come up and invade them, / encamping against them as far as Gaza and destroying the produce of the land. They left Israel with no sustenance, neither sheep nor oxen nor donkeys. / For the Midianites came with their livestock and their tents like a great swarm of locusts. They and their camels were innumerable, and they entered the land to ravage it. 2 Kings 24:2 And the LORD sent Chaldean, Aramean, Moabite, and Ammonite raiders against Jehoiakim in order to destroy Judah, according to the word that the LORD had spoken through His servants the prophets. 2 Samuel 5:18 Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. 1 Samuel 14:15 Then panic struck the Philistines in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. Even those in the outposts and raiding parties trembled. Indeed, the earth quaked, and panic spread from God. 1 Samuel 23:27 Then a messenger came to Saul, saying, “Come quickly, for the Philistines have raided the land!” 1 Samuel 30:1 On the third day David and his men arrived in Ziklag, and the Amalekites had raided the Negev, attacked Ziklag, and burned it down. 2 Chronicles 20:1 After this, the Moabites and Ammonites, together with some of the Meunites, came to make war against Jehoshaphat. Isaiah 10:5-6 Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger; the staff in their hands is My wrath. / I will send him against a godless nation; I will dispatch him against a people destined for My rage, to take spoils and seize plunder, and to trample them down like clay in the streets. Jeremiah 35:11 So when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched into the land, we said: ‘Come, let us go into Jerusalem to escape the armies of the Chaldeans and the Arameans.’ So we have remained in Jerusalem.” Ezekiel 38:9 You and all your troops, and many peoples with you will go up, advancing like a thunderstorm; you will be like a cloud covering the land. Acts 9:23-24 After many days had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him, / but Saul learned of their plot. Day and night they watched the city gates in order to kill him. Acts 23:12-13 When daylight came, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. / More than forty of them were involved in this plot. Matthew 24:16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Luke 21:20-21 But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that her desolation is near. / Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country stay out of the city. John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness. Treasury of Scripture And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned to the way that leads to Ophrah, to the land of Shual: in three companies 1 Samuel 11:11 And it was so on the morrow, that Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the midst of the host in the morning watch, and slew the Ammonites until the heat of the day: and it came to pass, that they which remained were scattered, so that two of them were not left together. Ophrah Joshua 18:23 And Avim, and Parah, and Ophrah, Shual Joshua 19:3 And Hazarshual, and Balah, and Azem, Jump to Previous Attack Band Bands Camp Companies Company Destroyer Detachment Detachments Leads Ophrah Parties Philistine Philistines Raiders Raiding Road Shual Shu'al Spoilers Three Turned Turneth Vicinity WayJump to Next Attack Band Bands Camp Companies Company Destroyer Detachment Detachments Leads Ophrah Parties Philistine Philistines Raiders Raiding Road Shual Shu'al Spoilers Three Turned Turneth Vicinity Way1 Samuel 13 1. Saul's select band3. He calls the Hebrews to Gilgal against the Philistines 5. The Philistines' great army 6. The distress of the Israelites 8. Saul, weary of staying for Samuel, sacrifices 11. Samuel reproves him 17. The three raiding parties of the Philistines 19. The policy of the Philistines, to allow no blacksmith in Israel And raiders went out of the Philistine camp in three divisions. The Philistines were a constant threat to Israel during the time of Saul. Their military tactics often included sending out raiding parties to weaken and destabilize their enemies. The division into three groups suggests a strategic approach, aiming to cover more territory and create widespread disruption. This tactic is reminiscent of other military strategies in the ancient Near East, where dividing forces allowed for simultaneous attacks on multiple fronts. The Philistines' presence in Israelite territory highlights the ongoing struggle for control and dominance in the region, a theme prevalent throughout the books of Samuel. One headed toward Ophrah in the land of Shual, Persons / Places / Events 1. PhilistinesA significant enemy of Israel during the time of Saul, known for their military strength and frequent conflicts with the Israelites. 2. Raiders These were groups of Philistine soldiers sent out to plunder and create chaos among the Israelites, demonstrating the Philistines' aggressive strategy. 3. Ophrah A location in the territory of Benjamin, indicating the geographical reach of the Philistine raids. 4. Land of Shual A region mentioned in the context of the Philistine raids, highlighting the areas affected by their incursions. 5. Saul The first king of Israel, whose reign was marked by ongoing conflict with the Philistines, setting the stage for the events in this passage. Teaching Points Understanding Enemy TacticsThe Philistines' use of raiders shows the importance of being aware of the enemy's strategies. In our spiritual lives, we must be vigilant against subtle attacks that aim to disrupt our faith. God's Sovereignty in Conflict Despite the threat posed by the Philistines, God remains in control. Believers can trust in God's sovereignty even when facing overwhelming challenges. The Importance of Leadership Saul's response to the Philistine threat highlights the need for godly leadership. Leaders must seek God's guidance to effectively navigate crises. Community Impact of Warfare The raids affected entire regions, reminding us that spiritual battles often have communal implications. We should support one another in prayer and encouragement. Preparation and Readiness Just as the Israelites faced physical raids, Christians must be spiritually prepared to face trials and temptations, equipped with the armor of God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 13:17?2. How does 1 Samuel 13:17 illustrate the consequences of disobedience to God? 3. What strategic advantage did the Philistines gain in 1 Samuel 13:17? 4. How can we trust God when facing overwhelming opposition like Israel did? 5. What other biblical instances show God's people facing similar threats? 6. How can we apply 1 Samuel 13:17 to spiritual battles today? 7. What historical evidence supports the events described in 1 Samuel 13:17? 8. How does 1 Samuel 13:17 reflect the broader theme of conflict in the Bible? 9. What is the significance of the Philistine raiders in 1 Samuel 13:17? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 13? 11. Why does 1 Chronicles 10:13 emphasize Saul's death as punishment for consulting a medium, when 1 Samuel 31 attributes his defeat primarily to the Philistine assault? 12. Why does 1 Samuel 13:3-4 give conflicting impressions of who actually attacked the Philistine garrison, Jonathan or Saul? 13. How could David and his men realistically fight from dusk until the following evening without rest (1 Samuel 30:17)? 14. Is the figure of thirty thousand chariots in 1 Samuel 13:5 historically plausible for the Philistines at that time? What Does 1 Samuel 13:17 Mean And raiders went out• “And raiders went out” pictures a sudden, hostile strike force. The Philistines are not merely occupying; they are actively plundering Israel, just as Midianite raiders “would come up with their livestock and their tents and devour the produce of the land” (Judges 6:3-5). • God had warned that abandoning Him would invite such oppression (Deuteronomy 28:25). Saul’s earlier disobedience (1 Samuel 13:13-14) has opened the door, and the text records the literal consequence. • The episode reminds us that spiritual compromise often leads to tangible, earthly losses (compare 1 Samuel 4:10, where Israel’s sin resulted in the Ark’s capture). Of the Philistine camp • The Philistines have massed at Michmash (1 Samuel 13:5). Now, from that fortified base, detachments pour out. • Scripture frequently shows enemy strongholds spewing trouble into Israelite territory—think of Goliath stepping forward from the Philistine lines daily (1 Samuel 17:8-10). • God’s people must recognize that spiritual opposition often springs from entrenched enemy positions; therefore, “put on the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11). In three divisions • Dividing forces three ways maximizes disruption. Gideon used a three-company plan to surprise Midian (Judges 7:16); Saul himself earlier attacked the Ammonites “in three companies” (1 Samuel 11:11). Here the tactic is turned against Israel. • Satan frequently counterfeits righteous strategies, twisting what once delivered victory into an instrument of fear (compare 2 Corinthians 11:14). • The literal detail of “three divisions” underscores the real, organized threat Israel faces, highlighting their urgent need for divine deliverance. One headed toward Ophrah • “One headed toward Ophrah” shows the first vector of attack. This Ophrah lies in Benjamin, not to be confused with Gideon’s Ophrah in Manasseh (Judges 6:11). • The enemy targets vulnerable border towns first—similar to how Amalek struck the stragglers of Israel (Deuteronomy 25:18). • God often allows such pressure to expose areas of neglect in His people and call them back to dependence on Him (Psalm 119:71). In the land of Shual • The “land of Shual” (“fox country”) marks an eastern district near Ophrah. The Philistines are pushing deep into Benjaminite territory, slicing between Saul’s forces at Gibeah and Jonathan’s earlier victory at Geba (1 Samuel 13:3). • By naming the region, Scripture affirms its historical precision; these are real places, real raids. Compare how 1 Kings 9:15 lists Solomon’s building projects by city to ground the narrative in geography. • For believers, the text is a sober reminder that unchecked sin gives the enemy room to roam even in our own “territory” (Hebrews 12:1). summary 1 Samuel 13:17 records literal Philistine raiding parties fanning out from their camp, organized in three groups, the first striking toward Ophrah in the land of Shual. Each phrase underscores Israel’s vulnerability caused by disobedience, the enemy’s calculated advance, and the pressing need for renewed faithfulness to the Lord who alone can secure the land and His people. (17) And the spoilers came out.--The compiler of these Books of Samuel does not profess to give a detailed account of this or any of the wars of Saul It would seem that the Philistines, with their great armed demonstration (1Samuel 13:5), had completely cowed the Israelites, certainly in the southern part of Canaan. Probably the allied forces were now suffered to leave the Philistine host, and we next hear of the old raids re-commencing. The three companies spoken of in this and the next verse were directed to ravage districts in the tribe of Benjamin, for in that locality are situated all the places mentioned. Unchecked, they seem to have carried out their plans. These armed companies swept away all the smithies in the south part of the land. The fortunes of Saul now reached their lowest ebb. "The heights of his own tribe . . . and the passes of his own tribe were occupied by hostile garrisons. We see him leaning on his gigantic spear, whether it be on the summit of the Rock Rimmon . . . or under the tamarisk of Ramah . . . or on the heights of Gibeah. There he stood with his small band, the faithful six hundred, and as he wept aloud over the misfortunes of his country . . . another voice swelled the wild, indignant lament--the voice of Jonathan, his son."--Dean Stanley: Lectures on the Jewish Church.Verses 17, 18 - The spoilers. The conduct of the Philistines is that of men over confident in their strength. They ought to have pounced at once upon Saul in the plain of Jordan, where their cavalry would have secured for them the victory, and then, following Samuel's and Saul's route, have seized the other end of the defile, and overpowered Jonathan. But they despised them both, and regarding the country as conquered, proceed to punish it, as probably they had cone on previous occasions, when no one had dared to make resistance. Leaving then the main army to guard the camp at Michmash, they sent out light armed troops to plunder the whole land. One company turned unto the way... to Ophrah, unto the land of Shual. This company went northward, towards Ophrah, a place five miles east of Bethel. The land of Shual, i.e. fox land, was probably the same as the land of Shalim in 1 Samuel 9:4. Another company, etc. This went eastward, towards Beth-heron, for which see Joshua 10:11. The third went to the south east, towards the wilderness of Judaea. Zeboim, and all the places mentioned, are in the tribe of Benjamin, which had committed the offence of making for itself a king. To the south Saul held the mountain fastnesses towards Jerusalem. DESCRIPTION OF ISRAEL'S EXTREME STATE OF OPPRESSION (vers. 19-23).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew And raidersהַמַּשְׁחִ֛ית (ham·maš·ḥîṯ) Article | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 7843: Perhaps to go to ruin went out וַיֵּצֵ֧א (way·yê·ṣê) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim of the Philistine פְלִשְׁתִּ֖ים (p̄ə·liš·tîm) Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia camp מִמַּחֲנֵ֥ה (mim·ma·ḥă·nêh) Preposition-m | Noun - common singular construct Strong's 4264: An encampment, an army in three שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה (šə·lō·šāh) Number - masculine singular Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice divisions. רָאשִׁ֑ים (rā·šîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 7218: The head One אֶחָ֥ד (’e·ḥāḏ) Number - masculine singular Strong's 259: United, one, first headed יִפְנֶ֛ה (yip̄·neh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6437: To turn, to face, appear, look toward אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Ophrah עָפְרָ֖ה (‘ā·p̄ə·rāh) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 6084: Ophrah -- an Israelite, also two places in Israel in the land אֶ֥רֶץ (’e·reṣ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 776: Earth, land of Shual, שׁוּעָֽל׃ (šū·‘āl) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 7777: Shual -- 'fox', a district in Israel Links 1 Samuel 13:17 NIV1 Samuel 13:17 NLT 1 Samuel 13:17 ESV 1 Samuel 13:17 NASB 1 Samuel 13:17 KJV 1 Samuel 13:17 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 13:17 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 13:17 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 13:17 French Bible 1 Samuel 13:17 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 13:17 The spoilers came out of the camp (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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