When Saul saw the Philistine army
Saul's fear upon seeing the Philistine army highlights the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Philistines, a dominant theme in 1 Samuel. The Philistines were a formidable enemy, often technologically superior, particularly in their use of iron weapons. This encounter takes place in the region of Shunem, a strategic location in the Jezreel Valley, which was crucial for controlling trade routes. Saul's fear contrasts with earlier victories over the Philistines, such as Jonathan's triumph in 1 Samuel 14, indicating a shift in Saul's confidence and God's favor.

he was afraid
Saul's fear is significant as it reflects his spiritual state. Earlier in his reign, Saul was empowered by the Spirit of God (1 Samuel 11:6), but by this point, he has been rejected by God due to his disobedience (1 Samuel 15:26). His fear is not just of the physical threat but also of his separation from divine guidance. This fear contrasts with David's faith when facing Goliath, another Philistine threat, in 1 Samuel 17, where David's trust in God overcame fear.

and trembled violently
The phrase indicates a deep, paralyzing fear, suggesting Saul's complete loss of confidence and reliance on God. This trembling can be seen as a physical manifestation of his spiritual turmoil and the absence of God's presence in his life. In biblical terms, trembling often accompanies encounters with the divine or moments of great fear (e.g., Exodus 19:16, Daniel 10:7). Saul's reaction foreshadows his desperate actions in seeking the medium at Endor, further illustrating his spiritual decline and the consequences of his disobedience.

1. Saul
The first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. At this point in his reign, Saul is facing a crisis of faith and leadership.

2. Philistine Army
The formidable military force of the Philistines, long-time adversaries of Israel. Their presence signifies a significant threat to Israel's security.

3. Fear and Trembling
Saul's emotional and psychological state upon seeing the Philistine army. This fear indicates a lack of trust in God and foreshadows his subsequent actions.

4. Endor
Although not mentioned in this specific verse, the location is significant in the surrounding account as Saul later seeks a medium there, highlighting his desperation.

5. Samuel
The prophet who anointed Saul and later David. His death leaves Saul without spiritual guidance, contributing to Saul's fear and poor decision-making.The Consequences of Fear
Fear can paralyze and lead to poor decision-making. Saul's fear led him away from God, illustrating the importance of faith over fear.

The Importance of Spiritual Guidance
Without Samuel, Saul lacked godly counsel. This highlights the need for spiritual mentors and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Trust in God's Promises
Saul's fear shows a lack of trust in God's promises. Believers are called to remember and rely on God's faithfulness in times of trouble.

The Dangers of Isolation
Saul's isolation from God and his people led to his downfall. Community and accountability are vital for spiritual health.

Seeking God in Crisis
Instead of turning to God, Saul sought a medium. This teaches the importance of seeking God first in times of crisis.(5) He was afraid.--There is no doubt that Saul was discouraged when he viewed the enemy's ranks from the eminence of Gilboa. They were far more numerous than he had expected. But the real reason of his trembling must be looked for in the consciousness that God had forsaken him. Many of the well-known Israelite warriors had, during the late events, taken service with his dreaded rival, David, and David, he knew, was now the vassal of Achish, a Philistine king. We may imagine Saul, the forsaken of God, as be stood on the white chalk hill of Gilboa, gazing on the long lines of Philistine tents pitched on the opposite hill of Shunem, wondering if his old friend was there, with his mighty following, in the division of Gath.

Verses 5, 6. - When Saul saw, etc. It is plain from this that the Philistines had not forced their way up through the Israelite territory; for this was evidently Saul's first sight of their forces, and his alarm was caused by finding them so much larger than he had expected. He therefore in his anxiety enquired of Jehovah, but received no answer, neither by dreams. He had expected these to be vouchsafed, possibly to himself, but more probably to some class of prophets (see Jeremiah 23:25, where false prophets claim to have dreamed, in imitation no doubt of true prophets); but though dreams were thus recognised as a means for communicating God's will to man, yet, as Erdmann well remarks, "a subordinate position is certainly assigned in the Old Testament to the dream as the medium of the Divine influence on the inner life, which in sleep sinks into a state of passiveness." Nor by Urim. Though Abiathar after the massacre of his family had fled to David with the ephod, it is quite possible that Saul may have had another ephod made, and have set up a fresh sanctuary, perhaps at Gibeon, with Zadok, of the family of Eleazar, as high priest. This would account for Zadok being joined with Ahimelech, the son of Abiathar, as one of two high priests early in David's reign (2 Samuel 8:17). It is remarkable, however, that Saul does not mention the Urim himself in ver. 15, and very probably it is named here not because the ephod was actually used, but as enumerating all the various ways by which men inquired of Jehovah. Nor by prophets. In his dee spair Saul may have turned to some reputed soothsayer present with the host, but his wilful life had alienated both priest and prophet from him. And this is the meaning of the passage in 1 Chronicles 10:14: "Saul enquired not of Jehovah; therefore he slew him." He may have gone through the form of inquiring, and certainly now would have been glad of an answer, but his whole mind was determinately set upon carrying out his own purposes, and he would never permit, after the first year or two of his reign, the royal prerogative to bend to the will of God.

Parallel Commentaries ...


When Saul
שָׁא֖וּל (šā·’ūl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

saw
וַיַּ֥רְא (way·yar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

the Philistine
פְלִשְׁתִּ֑ים (p̄ə·liš·tîm)
Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia

army,
מַחֲנֵ֣ה (ma·ḥă·nêh)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 4264: An encampment, an army

he
לִבּ֖וֹ (lib·bōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre

was afraid
וַיִּרָ֕א (way·yi·rā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten

and trembled
וַיֶּחֱרַ֥ד (way·ye·ḥĕ·raḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2729: To shudder with terror, to fear, to hasten

violently.
מְאֹֽד׃ (mə·’ōḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 3966: Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily


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OT History: 1 Samuel 28:5 When Saul saw the army (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)