Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version So all Israel heard the news: “Saul has attacked the Philistine outpost, and now Israel has become obnoxious to the Philistines.” And the people were summoned to join Saul at Gilgal. New Living Translation All Israel heard the news that Saul had destroyed the Philistine garrison at Geba and that the Philistines now hated the Israelites more than ever. So the entire Israelite army was summoned to join Saul at Gilgal. English Standard Version And all Israel heard it said that Saul had defeated the garrison of the Philistines, and also that Israel had become a stench to the Philistines. And the people were called out to join Saul at Gilgal. Berean Standard Bible And all Israel heard the news: “Saul has attacked an outpost of the Philistines, and now Israel has become a stench to the Philistines!” Then the people were summoned to join Saul at Gilgal. Berean Literal Bible And all Israel heard it said, “Saul has attacked a garrison of the Philistines, and also Israel has become a stench to the Philistines.” And the people were called together to Saul at Gilgal. King James Bible And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal. New King James Version Now all Israel heard it said that Saul had attacked a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel had also become an abomination to the Philistines. And the people were called together to Saul at Gilgal. New American Standard Bible And all Israel heard the news that Saul had attacked the garrison of the Philistines, and also that Israel had become repulsive to the Philistines. Then the people were summoned to Saul at Gilgal. NASB 1995 All Israel heard the news that Saul had smitten the garrison of the Philistines, and also that Israel had become odious to the Philistines. The people were then summoned to Saul at Gilgal. NASB 1977 And all Israel heard the news that Saul had smitten the garrison of the Philistines, and also that Israel had become odious to the Philistines. The people were then summoned to Saul at Gilgal. Legacy Standard Bible Then all Israel heard the news that Saul had struck the garrison of the Philistines, and also that Israel had become odious to the Philistines. The people were then summoned to Saul at Gilgal. Amplified Bible All Israel heard that Saul had defeated the Philistine garrison, and also that Israel had become despicable to the Philistines. And the people were summoned to join Saul at Gilgal. Berean Annotated Bible And all Israel (he wrestles with God) heard the news: “Saul (desired) has attacked an outpost of the Philistines (immigrants), and now Israel has become a stench to the Philistines! Then the people were summoned to join Saul at Gilgal (a wheel). Christian Standard Bible And all Israel heard the news, “Saul has attacked the Philistine garrison, and Israel is now repulsive to the Philistines.” Then the troops were summoned to join Saul at Gilgal. Holman Christian Standard Bible And all Israel heard the news, “Saul has attacked the Philistine garrison, and Israel is now repulsive to the Philistines.” Then the troops were summoned to join Saul at Gilgal. American Standard Version And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten the garrison of the Philistines, and also that Israel was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the people were gathered together after Saul to Gilgal. Contemporary English Version The messengers then said to the people of Israel, "Saul has destroyed the Philistine army camp at Geba. Now the Philistines really hate Israel, so every town and village must send men to join Saul's army at Gilgal." English Revised Version And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten the garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the people were gathered together after Saul to Gilgal. GOD'S WORD® Translation (So all Israel listened.) "I, Saul, have defeated the Philistine troops, and now Israel has become offensive to the Philistines!" All the troops rallied behind Saul at Gilgal. Good News Translation All the Israelites were told that Saul had killed the Philistine commander and that the Philistines hated them. So the people answered the call to join Saul at Gilgal. International Standard Version All Israel heard the report, "Saul has attacked the Philistine garrison and Israel has also become repulsive to the Philistines." Then the people were summoned to Saul at Gilgal. NET Bible All Israel heard this message, "Saul has attacked the Philistine outpost, and now Israel is repulsive to the Philistines!" So the people were summoned to join Saul at Gilgal. New Heart English Bible All Israel heard that Saul had struck the garrison of the Philistines, and also that Israel had become repulsive to the Philistines. So the people were called out to join Saul at Gilgal. Webster's Bible Translation And all Israel heard it said that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines: and the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd all Israel heard the news: “Saul has attacked an outpost of the Philistines, and now Israel has become a stench to the Philistines!” Then the people were summoned to join Saul at Gilgal. World English Bible All Israel heard that Saul had struck the garrison of the Philistines, and also that Israel was considered an abomination to the Philistines. The people were gathered together after Saul to Gilgal. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd all Israel have heard, saying, “Saul has struck the garrison of the Philistines,” and also, “Israel has been abhorred by the Philistines”; and the people are called after Saul to Gilgal. Berean Literal Bible And all Israel heard it said, “Saul has attacked a garrison of the Philistines, and also Israel has become a stench to the Philistines.” And the people were called together to Saul at Gilgal. Young's Literal Translation And all Israel have heard, saying, 'Saul hath smitten the garrison of the Philistines,' and also, 'Israel hath been abhorred by the Philistines;' and the people are called after Saul to Gilgal. Smith's Literal Translation And all Israel heard, saying, Saul struck a garrison of rovers, and Israel became loathsome with the rovers; and the people will be convoked together after Saul to Gilgal. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd all Israel heard this report: Saul hath smitten the garrison of the Philistines: and Israel took courage against the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Galgal. Catholic Public Domain Version And all of Israel heard this report, that Saul had struck the garrison of the Philistines. And Israel raised himself up against the Philistines. Then the people cried out to Saul at Gilgal. New American Bible Then all Israel heard the report, “Saul has struck the garrison of the Philistines! Israel has become odious to the Philistines!” Then the army was called up to Saul in Gilgal. New Revised Standard Version When all Israel heard that Saul had defeated the garrison of the Philistines, and also that Israel had become odious to the Philistines, the people were called out to join Saul at Gilgal. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThat Saul has smitten the garrison of the Philistines and that Israel has prevailed over the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Shaul has struck the garrison of the Philistines and Israel has prevailed over the Philistines!”, and the people were gathered after Shaul to Galgala OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten the garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel also had made himself odious with the Philistines. And the people were gathered together after Saul to Gilgal. Brenton Septuagint Translation And all Israel heard say, Saul has smitten Nasib the Philistine; now Israel had been put to shame before the Philistines; and the children of Israel went up after Saul in Galgala. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context War with the Philistines…3Then Jonathan attacked the Philistine outpost at Geba, and the Philistines heard about it. So Saul blew the ram’s horn throughout the land, saying, “Let the Hebrews hear!” 4And all Israel heard the news: “Saul has attacked an outpost of the Philistines, and now Israel has become a stench to the Philistines!” Then the people were summoned to join Saul at Gilgal. 5Now the Philistines assembled to fight against Israel with three thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen, and troops as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They went up and camped at Michmash, east of Beth-aven.… Cross References And all Israel heard the news: 1 Samuel 14:22 When all the Israelites who had been hiding in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were fleeing, they also joined the battle in close pursuit. 1 Samuel 11:4-5 When the messengers came to Gibeah of Saul and relayed these words in the hearing of the people, they all wept aloud. / Just then Saul was returning from the field, behind his oxen. “What troubles the people?” asked Saul. “Why are they weeping?” And they relayed to him the words of the men from Jabesh. “Saul has attacked an outpost of the Philistines, 1 Samuel 14:1-2 One day Jonathan son of Saul said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.” But Jonathan did not tell his father. / Meanwhile, Saul was staying under the pomegranate tree in Migron on the outskirts of Gibeah. And the troops who were with him numbered about six hundred men, 1 Samuel 10:5 After that you will come to Gibeah of God, where the Philistines have an outpost. As you approach the city, you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place, preceded by harps, tambourines, flutes, and lyres, and they will be prophesying. 2 Samuel 5:17-18 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they all went in search of him; but David learned of this and went down to the stronghold. / Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. and now Israel has become a stench to the Philistines!” Exodus 5:21 “May the LORD look upon you and judge you,” the foremen said, “for you have made us a stench before Pharaoh and his officials; you have placed in their hand a sword to kill us!” 2 Samuel 10:6 When the Ammonites realized that they had become a stench to David, they hired twenty thousand Aramean foot soldiers from Beth-rehob and Zoba, as well as a thousand men from the king of Maacah and twelve thousand men from Tob. 1 Samuel 27:12 So Achish trusted David, thinking, “Since he has made himself an utter stench to his people Israel, he will be my servant forever.” Then the people were summoned to join Saul at Gilgal. 1 Samuel 11:14-15 Then Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and renew the kingship there.” / So all the people went to Gilgal and confirmed Saul as king in the presence of the LORD. There they sacrificed peace offerings before the LORD, and Saul and all the Israelites rejoiced greatly. Joshua 4:19-20 On the tenth day of the first month the people went up from the Jordan and camped at Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho. / And there at Gilgal Joshua set up the twelve stones they had taken from the Jordan. Joshua 5:9-10 Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” So that place has been called Gilgal to this day. / On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, while the Israelites were camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, they kept the Passover. 1 Samuel 11:15 So all the people went to Gilgal and confirmed Saul as king in the presence of the LORD. There they sacrificed peace offerings before the LORD, and Saul and all the Israelites rejoiced greatly. 1 Samuel 14:47-48 After Saul had assumed the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side—the Moabites, the Ammonites, the Edomites, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines. Wherever he turned, he routed them. / He fought valiantly and defeated the Amalekites, delivering Israel from the hands of its plunderers. 1 Samuel 15:28 So Samuel said to him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to your neighbor who is better than you. 1 Samuel 31:1-6 Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa. / The Philistines hotly pursued Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua. / When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him critically. … 2 Samuel 8:1-14 Some time later, David defeated the Philistines, subdued them, and took Metheg-ammah from the hand of the Philistines. / David also defeated the Moabites, made them lie down on the ground, and measured them off with a cord. He measured off with two lengths those to be put to death, and with one length those to be spared. So the Moabites became subject to David and brought him tribute. / David also defeated Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, who had marched out to restore his dominion along the Euphrates River. … Treasury of Scripture And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal. was had in abomination [heb] did stink Genesis 34:30 And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house. Genesis 46:34 That ye shall say, Thy servants' trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we, and also our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians. Exodus 5:21 And they said unto them, The LORD look upon you, and judge; because ye have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us. to Gilgal 1 Samuel 10:8 And thou shalt go down before me to Gilgal; and, behold, I will come down unto thee, to offer burnt offerings, and to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings: seven days shalt thou tarry, till I come to thee, and shew thee what thou shalt do. 1 Samuel 11:14,15 Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there… Joshua 5:9 And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you. Wherefore the name of the place is called Gilgal unto this day. Jump to Previous Abomination Attack Attacked Bitterly Defeated Hated Heard Israel Join News Odious Outpost Philistine Philistines Saul Smitten Stench Struck Summoned TogetherJump to Next Abomination Attack Attacked Bitterly Defeated Hated Heard Israel Join News Odious Outpost Philistine Philistines Saul Smitten Stench Struck Summoned Together1 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 all Israel heard the news: This phrase indicates the widespread dissemination of information throughout Israel, highlighting the communication methods of the time, likely through messengers. The unity of Israel in hearing the news reflects the communal nature of the society and the importance of national events. This also sets the stage for the collective response of the people, emphasizing the significance of the event. “Saul has attacked an outpost of the Philistines: and now Israel has become a stench to the Philistines!” Then the people were summoned to join Saul at Gilgal. Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. Saul's leadership is central to this passage as he initiates the conflict with the Philistines. 2. Philistines A significant enemy of Israel during this period. They were a powerful and technologically advanced people, often in conflict with the Israelites. 3. Israel The nation chosen by God, consisting of the twelve tribes. In this context, they are under the leadership of King Saul and are facing the threat of the Philistines. 4. Gilgal A significant location in Israel's history, often associated with important events and gatherings. It is where the people are summoned to join Saul. 5. Garrison A military post or fortification. Saul's attack on the Philistine garrison is a provocative act that escalates tensions between Israel and the Philistines. Teaching Points The Consequences of ImpatienceSaul's decision to attack the Philistine garrison without waiting for Samuel's guidance demonstrates the dangers of acting impulsively. In our lives, waiting on God's timing is crucial, even when circumstances seem urgent. The Importance of Obedience Saul's actions foreshadow his later disobedience to God's commands. This passage reminds us of the importance of obedience to God's word and the consequences of straying from His instructions. Leadership and Responsibility As a leader, Saul's decisions have significant implications for the entire nation of Israel. This highlights the responsibility leaders have to seek God's guidance and act in accordance with His will. The Role of Fear and Faith The Israelites' fear of becoming "a stench to the Philistines" reflects a lack of faith in God's protection. Trusting in God's sovereignty is essential, even when facing formidable challenges. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 13:4?2. How does 1 Samuel 13:4 illustrate consequences of disobedience to God's commands? 3. What does Israel's reaction in 1 Samuel 13:4 reveal about their faith? 4. How can we avoid "becoming a stench" to those around us today? 5. Connect 1 Samuel 13:4 with another biblical example of disobedience's consequences. 6. How can we ensure our actions align with God's will in challenging situations? 7. Why did Saul's unlawful sacrifice lead to God's rejection in 1 Samuel 13:4? 8. How does 1 Samuel 13:4 reflect on the importance of obedience over ritual? 9. What historical evidence supports the events described in 1 Samuel 13:4? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 13? 11. What was the relationship between Israel and the Philistines? 12. What is the biblical meaning of 'Ichabod'? 13. Why does 1 Samuel 13:3–4 give conflicting impressions of who actually attacked the Philistine garrison, Jonathan or Saul? 14. How could Jonathan and his armor-bearer realistically defeat twenty Philistine warriors in such a small area (1 Samuel 14:12-14)? What Does 1 Samuel 13:4 Mean And all Israel heard the news• Word travels quickly when God’s covenant people are involved; their identity is tied to His actions (Exodus 15:14-16, Joshua 2:9-11). • Hearing unites the nation around one report, just as previous trumpet blasts summoned Israel to act (Judges 6:34, 1 Samuel 11:4-7). • The moment underlines accountability: when the whole community knows, each tribe must decide whether to stand with their king (Deuteronomy 20:8). “Saul has attacked an outpost of the Philistines” • The nearby verse (1 Samuel 13:3) clarifies that Jonathan struck the garrison, yet the deed is attributed to Saul because: – In covenant warfare the leader bears ultimate responsibility (1 Samuel 9:16). – Victory or provocation under a king’s banner reflects directly on him (2 Samuel 21:1). • This act shatters the uneasy status quo; God’s people refuse permanent subjugation (Judges 3:1-4, 1 Samuel 4:9). • The Philistine stronghold symbolized oppression; attacking it declares trust in the Lord’s promise of the land (Joshua 13:1-6). “and now Israel has become a stench to the Philistines!” • The phrase echoes Jacob’s fear in Genesis 34:30 and Israel’s complaint in Exodus 5:21—hostility intensifies when God’s people disrupt evil comfort zones. • Hatred toward Israel often swells after decisive obedience (John 15:18-20; though later, the principle still holds). • Spiritual reality: faithfulness may provoke opposition, yet the Lord uses enmity to display His power (Romans 9:17). Then the people were summoned to join Saul at Gilgal • Gilgal was the first campsite after the Jordan, a place of covenant renewal (Joshua 4:19-24; 5:9). • God had earlier told Saul, through Samuel, to wait at Gilgal for specific instructions and sacrifice (1 Samuel 10:8), emphasizing obedience over impulse. • Gathering here reminds Israel that every battle begins with worship and dependence, not mere strategy (1 Samuel 7:5-10). • Practical implications: – National unity is forged at sacred moments (1 Chronicles 12:38-40). – Leadership demands patience; Saul will shortly be tested on that very point (1 Samuel 13:8-14). summary 1 Samuel 13:4 shows how one bold strike against oppression reverberates through an entire nation, arouses enemy hostility, and forces God’s people to rally under their appointed leader at a place of covenant remembrance. The verse teaches that obedience may invite conflict, yet God calls His people to unity, worship, and trust as He advances His purposes. (4) And all Israel heard.--Saul is put for "Jonathan," though the bold deed had been performed by the young prince, Saul being the general-in-chief. The expression "smitten" implies that the garrison in question had been utterly routed, probably put to the sword. The intense hatred with which the Philistines hated the Hebrews is often brought forward. From the first conquest by Joshua they regarded them as interlopers and intruders; between the two peoples there was ceaseless warfare, until the Philistines were completely subdued by the greater Hebrew kings. Naturally, such a deed as that of Jonathan's would at once arouse Philistia.And the people were called together.--Gradually round the King of Israel the fighting men of the nation in great numbers were gathered. This seems to have been by no means a "levee en masse" of all the people; they seem to have come together very slowly, and very quickly again to have dispersed. The hour for a decisive blow was not yet come. Something, as we shall soon see, prevented Saul, with all his gallantry and splendid military skill, from winning popular confidence. (On Gilgal, the place where Saul was trying to assemble the people at this juncture, see Note on 1Samuel 13:8 and Excursus E at the end of this Book.) Verse 4. - That Saul had smitten. Though the achievement was actually Jonathan's, yet it belonged to Saul as the commander-in-chief, and probably had been done under his instructions. Israel was had in abomination with the Philistines. They must have viewed with grave displeasure Israel's gathering together to choose a king, and Saul's subsequent defeat of the Ammonites, and retention with him of a large body of men, and so probably they had been for some time making preparations for war. Saul, therefore, knowing that they were collecting their forces, does the same, and the people were called together after Saul. Literally, "were cried after him," i.e. were summoned by proclamation (comp. Judges 7:23, 24; Judges 10:17, where see margin). For Gilgal see 1 Samuel 7:16; 1 Samuel 11:14. This place had been selected because, as the valley opens there into the plain of Jordan it was a fit spot for the assembling of a large host. For its identification see Conder, 'Tent Work,' 2:7-12.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew And allוְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every Israel יִשְׂרָאֵ֞ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc heard שָׁמְע֣וּ (šā·mə·‘ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently the news: לֵאמֹ֗ר (lê·mōr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 559: To utter, say “Saul שָׁאוּל֙ (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites has attacked הִכָּ֤ה (hik·kāh) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5221: To strike an outpost נְצִ֣יב (nə·ṣîḇ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5333: Something stationary, a prefect, a military post, a statue of the Philistines, פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים (pə·liš·tîm) Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia and now וְגַם־ (wə·ḡam-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and Israel יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc has become a stench נִבְאַשׁ (niḇ·’aš) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 887: To smell bad, to be offensive to the Philistines!” בַּפְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים (bap·pə·liš·tîm) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia Then the people הָעָ֛ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock were summoned וַיִּצָּעֲק֥וּ (way·yiṣ·ṣā·‘ă·qū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 6817: To shriek, to proclaim to join Saul שָׁא֖וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites at Gilgal. הַגִּלְגָּֽל׃ (hag·gil·gāl) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1537: Gilgal -- 'circle (of stones)', the name of several places in Palestine Links 1 Samuel 13:4 NIV1 Samuel 13:4 NLT 1 Samuel 13:4 ESV 1 Samuel 13:4 NASB 1 Samuel 13:4 KJV 1 Samuel 13:4 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 13:4 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 13:4 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 13:4 French Bible 1 Samuel 13:4 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 13:4 All Israel heard say that Saul had (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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