King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 28:4 Mean?

1 Samuel 28:4 in the King James Version says “And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together,...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.”

1 Samuel 28:4 · KJV

Context

2

And David said to Achish, Surely thou shalt know what thy servant can do. And Achish said to David, Therefore will I make thee keeper of mine head for ever.

3

Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.

4

And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.

5

And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.

6

And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.

Read 1 Samuel 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The geographic staging of the armies presents the military reality facing Saul. The Philistines at Shunem and Israel at Gilboa face each other across the Jezreel Valley, far from Saul's traditional southern strongholds. The Hebrew 'chanu' (pitched, encamped) for both armies indicates a standoff before battle. Mount Gilboa's terrain would prove fatal for Israel's forces, particularly for chariot-less infantry facing Philistine military technology on open ground.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Shunem and Gilboa frame the Jezreel Valley, one of Israel's most strategic and fertile regions. The Philistine advance this far north indicates significant military pressure. Israel's eventual defeat here would open the northern territories to Philistine occupation.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you faced situations where the terrain itself seemed against you?
  2. How do overwhelming circumstances affect your spiritual condition?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיִּקְבֹּ֤ץ1 of 12

“gathered”

H6908

to grasp, i.e., collect

פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים2 of 12

“And the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ3 of 12

“and came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ4 of 12

“and pitched”

H2583

properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s

בְשׁוּנֵ֑ם5 of 12

“in Shunem”

H7766

shunem, a place in pal

וַיִּקְבֹּ֤ץ6 of 12

“gathered”

H6908

to grasp, i.e., collect

שָׁאוּל֙7 of 12

“and Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

אֶת8 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל9 of 12
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל10 of 12

“all Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ11 of 12

“and pitched”

H2583

properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s

בַּגִּלְבֹּֽעַ׃12 of 12

“in Gilboa”

H1533

gilboa, a mountain of 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 28:4 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 28:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 31:1Joshua 19:182 Kings 4:82 Samuel 1:212 Samuel 21:122 Samuel 1:6

Places in This Verse

Mount GilboaMountain · Modern: Mount Gilboa · 32.43°N, 35.41°E8 verses across 3 books
ShunemSettlement · Modern: Sulam · 32.61°N, 35.33°E9 verses across 4 books
View all places in 1 Samuel 28 →

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