King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 13:17 Mean?

1 Samuel 13:17 in the King James Version says “And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned unto the way that leadet... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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:

1 Samuel 13:17 · KJV


Context

15

And Samuel arose, and gat him up from Gilgal unto Gibeah of Benjamin. And Saul numbered the people that were present with him, about six hundred men. present: Heb. found

16

And Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people that were present with them, abode in Gibeah of Benjamin: but the Philistines encamped in Michmash. present: Heb. found Gibeah: Heb. Geba

17

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:

18

And another company turned the way to Bethhoron: and another company turned to the way of the border that looketh to the valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness.

19

Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

The Philistine raiding parties operating 'in three companies' demonstrate complete military initiative. They strike in three directions: toward Ophrah (north), Beth-horon (west), and the wilderness (east) - systematically devastating Israelite territory while Saul remains passive. The Hebrew mashchit ('spoilers' or 'destroyers') emphasizes their intent not merely to raid but to devastate. This military humiliation resulted directly from Saul's spiritual failure at Gilgal - sin's consequences extend far beyond the individual.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The three-pronged raiding strategy was standard ancient military practice for terrorizing occupied territory and preventing coordinated resistance. Ophrah was Gideon's hometown; Beth-horon controlled the main route to the coastal plain; the wilderness route threatened the Jordan valley settlements.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the consequences of leadership failure affect those under that leadership?
  2. What pattern do you see between spiritual unfaithfulness and practical vulnerability?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיֵּצֵ֧א1 of 15

came out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

הַמַּשְׁחִ֛ית2 of 15

And the spoilers

H7843

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

מִמַּֽחֲנֵ֥ה3 of 15

of the camp

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

פְלִשְׁתִּ֖ים4 of 15

of the Philistines

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה5 of 15

in three

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

הָרֹ֨אשׁ6 of 15

companies

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

הָרֹ֨אשׁ7 of 15

companies

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

אֶחָ֥ד8 of 15

one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

יִפְנֶ֛ה9 of 15

turned

H6437

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

אֶל10 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דֶּ֥רֶךְ11 of 15

unto the way

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

עָפְרָ֖ה12 of 15

that leadeth to Ophrah

H6084

ophrah, the name of an israelite and of two places in palestine

אֶל13 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶ֥רֶץ14 of 15

unto the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

שׁוּעָֽל׃15 of 15

of Shual

H7777

shual, the name of an israelite and of a place in palestine


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 13:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 13:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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