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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 28:4 The Philistines came together and camped at Shunem, while Saul gathered all Israel and camped at Gilboa.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/28-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/09_1Sa_28_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 28:4 - Philistines Gather Against Israel" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The Philistines came together and camped at Shunem, while Saul gathered all Israel and camped at Gilboa." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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And Saul gathered all Israel, and they encamped at Gilboa.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/28.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The Philistines gathered together and camped at Shunem, while Saul gathered all Israel and camped at Gilboa.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/28.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/28.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then the Philistines gathered together, and came and encamped at Shunem. So Saul gathered all Israel together, and they encamped at Gilboa.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/28.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the Philistines assembled and came and camped in Shunem; and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they camped in Gilboa.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/28.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So the Philistines gathered together and came and camped in Shunem; and Saul gathered all Israel together and they camped in Gilboa.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/28.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So the Philistines gathered together and came and camped in Shunem; and Saul gathered all Israel together and they camped in Gilboa.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/28.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So the Philistines gathered together and came and camped in Shunem; and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they camped in Gilboa.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/28.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The Philistines assembled and came and camped at Shunem; and Saul gathered all the Israelites and they camped at Gilboa.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/28.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The Philistines gathered and camped at Shunem. So Saul gathered all Israel, and they camped at Gilboa.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/28.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The Philistines came together and camped at Shunem. So Saul gathered all Israel, and they camped at Gilboa. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/28.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and encamped in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they encamped in Gilboa.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/28.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The Philistines went to Shunem and set up camp. Saul called the army of Israel together, and they set up their camp in Gilboa. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/28.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/28.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The Philistines assembled and camped in Shunem. Saul also assembled the whole Israelite army, and they camped at Gilboa.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/28.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The Philistine troops assembled and camped near the town of Shunem; Saul gathered the Israelites and camped at Mount Gilboa. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/28.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The Philistines assembled, moved out, and camped at Shunem, while Saul assembled all Israel and camped at Gilboa. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/28.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The Philistines assembled; they came and camped at Shunem. Saul mustered all Israel and camped at Gilboa.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/28.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and camped in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they camped in Gilboa.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/28.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the Philistines assembled, and came and encamped in Shunem: and Saul collected all Israel, and they encamped in Gilboa.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/28.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The Philistines gathered together and camped at Shunem, while Saul gathered all Israel and camped at Gilboa.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/28.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and encamped in Shunem; and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they encamped in Gilboa. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/28.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the Philistines are gathered, and come in, and encamp in Shunem, and Saul gathers all Israel, and they encamp in Gilboa,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/28.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the Philistines are gathered, and come in, and encamp in Shunem, and Saul gathereth all Israel, and they encamp in Gilboa,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/28.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the rovers will gather together, and will come and encamp in Shunem: and Saul will gather together all Israel, and they will encamp in Gilboa.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/28.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the Philistines were gathered together, and came and camped in Sunam: and Saul also gathered together all Israel, and came to Gelboe. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/28.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And the Philistines gathered together, and they arrived and made camp at Shunem. Then Saul also gathered all of Israel, and he arrived at Gilboa.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/28.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The Philistines rallied and, coming to Shunem, they encamped. Saul, too, mustered all Israel; they camped on Gilboa.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/28.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The Philistines assembled, and came and encamped at Shunem. Saul gathered all Israel, and they encamped at Gilboa.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/28.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and encamped in Shechem; and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they encamped in Gilgal.<CL>But the princes of the Philistines were angry with him; and they said to him, Drive this fellow out of the camp, that he may return to his place which you have assigned him; and let him not go with us to the battle, lest he be an adversary to us there; for how could this man reconcile himself to his lord, except with our heads?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/28.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the Philistines were assembled and they came, they camped in Shekim, and Shaul gathered all Israel and they camped in Galgala<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/28.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem; and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/28.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the Philistines assemble themselves, and come and encamp in Sonam: and Saul gathers all the men of Israel, and they encamp in Gelbue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/28-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=8281" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/28.htm">Philistines Gather Against Israel</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>Now by this time Samuel had died, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in Ramah, his own city. And Saul had removed the mediums and spiritists from the land. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6430.htm" title="6430: p̄ə·liš·tîm (N-proper-mp) -- Inhab. of Philistia. Patrial from Plesheth; a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth.">The Philistines</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇō·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6908.htm" title="6908: way·yiq·qā·ḇə·ṣū (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To gather, collect. A primitive root; to grasp, i.e. Collect.">came together</a> <a href="/hebrew/2583.htm" title="2583: way·ya·ḥă·nū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to incline; by implication, to decline; specifically, to pitch a tent; gen. To encamp.">and camped</a> <a href="/hebrew/7766.htm" title="7766: ḇə·šū·nêm (Prep-b:: N-proper-fs) -- A city in Issachar. Probably from the same as Shuwniy; quietly; Shunem, a place in Pal.">at Shunem,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">while Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6908.htm" title="6908: way·yiq·bōṣ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To gather, collect. A primitive root; to grasp, i.e. Collect.">gathered</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/2583.htm" title="2583: way·ya·ḥă·nū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to incline; by implication, to decline; specifically, to pitch a tent; gen. To encamp.">and camped</a> <a href="/hebrew/1533.htm" title="1533: bag·gil·bō·a‘ (Prep-b, Art:: N-proper-fs) -- A mountain in N. Isr. From gal and ba'ah; fountain of ebullition; Gilboa, a mountain of Palestine.">at Gilboa.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid and trembled violently.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/31-1.htm">1 Samuel 31:1-2</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/13-5.htm">1 Samuel 13:5</a></span><br />Now 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/29-1.htm">1 Samuel 29:1</a></span><br />Now the Philistines brought all their forces together at Aphek, while Israel camped by the spring in Jezreel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/14-47.htm">1 Samuel 14:47</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-1.htm">1 Samuel 17:1</a></span><br />Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war at Socoh in Judah, and they camped between Socoh and Azekah in Ephes-dammim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/5-17.htm">2 Samuel 5:17-18</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/18-17.htm">2 Kings 18:17</a></span><br />Nevertheless, the king of Assyria sent the Tartan, the Rabsaris, and the Rabshakeh, along with a great army, from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. They advanced up to Jerusalem and stationed themselves by the aqueduct of the upper pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/3-13.htm">Judges 3:13</a></span><br />After enlisting the Ammonites and Amalekites to join forces with him, Eglon attacked and defeated Israel, taking possession of the City of Palms.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/6-33.htm">Judges 6:33</a></span><br />Then all the Midianites, Amalekites, and other people of the east gathered together, crossed over the Jordan, and camped in the Valley of Jezreel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/10-7.htm">Judges 10:7</a></span><br />So the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He sold them into the hands of the Philistines and Ammonites,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/13-1.htm">Judges 13:1</a></span><br />Again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD, so He delivered them into the hand of the Philistines for forty years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/12-2.htm">2 Chronicles 12:2-4</a></span><br />In the fifth year of Rehoboam’s reign, because they had been unfaithful to the LORD, Shishak king of Egypt attacked Jerusalem / with 1,200 chariots, 60,000 horsemen, and countless troops who came with him out of Egypt—Libyans, Sukkites, and Cushites. / He captured the fortified cities of Judah and came as far as Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/10-28.htm">Isaiah 10:28-32</a></span><br />Assyria has entered Aiath and passed through Migron, storing their supplies at Michmash. / They have crossed at the ford: “We will spend the night at Geba.” Ramah trembles; Gibeah of Saul flees. / Cry aloud, O Daughter of Gallim! Listen, O Laishah! O wretched Anathoth! ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/38-9.htm">Ezekiel 38:9</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/4-24.htm">Matthew 4:24-25</a></span><br />News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering acute pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and He healed them. / Large crowds followed Him, having come from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.</p><p class="hdg">Shunem</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/19-18.htm">Joshua 19:18</a></b></br> And their border was toward Jezreel, and Chesulloth, and Shunem,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/4-8.htm">2 Kings 4:8</a></b></br> And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where <i>was</i> a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And <i>so</i> it was, <i>that</i> as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.</p><p class="hdg">Gilboa</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/31-1.htm">1 Samuel 31:1</a></b></br> Now the Philistines fought against Israel: and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/1-6.htm">2 Samuel 1:6,21</a></b></br> And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/21-12.htm">2 Samuel 21:12</a></b></br> And David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from the men of Jabeshgilead, which had stolen them from the street of Bethshan, where the Philistines had hanged them, when the Philistines had slain Saul in Gilboa:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/25-1.htm">Assembled</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-1.htm">Camp</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-5.htm">Camped</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-1.htm">Collected</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-2.htm">Encamp</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-5.htm">Encamped</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-3.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-12.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-1.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-5.htm">Pitched</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-31.htm">Position</a> <a href="/judges/20-30.htm">Positions</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-3.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/joshua/19-18.htm">Shunem</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-1.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-1.htm">Together</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/2-25.htm">Assembled</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-5.htm">Camp</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-1.htm">Camped</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-1.htm">Collected</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-28.htm">Encamp</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-1.htm">Encamped</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-19.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-1.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-5.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-1.htm">Pitched</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-13.htm">Position</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-12.htm">Positions</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-5.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-8.htm">Shunem</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-4.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-23.htm">Together</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 28</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/28-1.htm">Achish puts confidence in David</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/28-3.htm">Saul having destroyed the witches</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/28-4.htm">and now in his fear forsaken of God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/28-7.htm">has recourse to a witch</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/28-8.htm">who, encouraged by Saul, raises up Samuel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/28-15.htm">Saul hearing his ruin, faints</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/28-21.htm">The woman and his servants refresh him with meat</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/28.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/28.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The Philistines gathered together and camped at Shunem</b><br>The Philistines were a significant adversary of Israel throughout the Old Testament. They were a confederation of city-states located along the coastal region of Canaan. Their gathering at Shunem, a town in the territory of Issachar, indicates a strategic move to control the Jezreel Valley, a crucial trade and military route. This location allowed them to threaten the heartland of Israel. The Philistines' military organization and use of iron weaponry often gave them an advantage over Israel, which relied on bronze. This gathering foreshadows the impending conflict and highlights the ongoing struggle between Israel and the Philistines, a theme prevalent in the books of Samuel.<p><b>while Saul gathered all Israel and camped at Gilboa</b><br>King Saul, the first king of Israel, was facing a dire situation. His gathering of "all Israel" suggests a national crisis, requiring the mobilization of the entire nation to confront the Philistine threat. Gilboa, a mountain range in northern Israel, provided a defensive position but also symbolized Saul's declining reign. The choice of Gilboa as a campsite is significant; it is near the site where Saul would eventually meet his demise, marking the end of his kingship and the rise of David. This moment in the narrative underscores Saul's desperation and the spiritual decline that had begun with his disobedience to God. The gathering at Gilboa sets the stage for the tragic events that follow, illustrating the consequences of Saul's failure to fully trust and obey God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a></b><br>A significant enemy of Israel during the time of Saul and David. They were a powerful and organized group known for their military prowess.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/shunem.htm">Shunem</a></b><br>A town in the territory of Issachar, located in the Jezreel Valley. It served as the encampment site for the Philistine army.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, anointed by Samuel. At this point in the account, Saul is facing a crisis of leadership and faith.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation chosen by God, consisting of the twelve tribes. They are gathered under Saul's leadership to face the Philistine threat.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/g/gilboa.htm">Gilboa</a></b><br>A mountain range in northern Israel where Saul and his army camped. It is significant as the site of Saul's eventual downfall.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_fear_and_disobedience.htm">The Consequences of Fear and Disobedience</a></b><br>Saul's fear of the Philistines and his disobedience to God lead to his downfall. Fear can paralyze us and lead us away from God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_seeking_god's_guidance.htm">The Importance of Seeking God’s Guidance</a></b><br>Unlike Saul, who sought guidance from a medium, we are called to seek God's wisdom through prayer and His Word.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_spiritual_warfare.htm">The Reality of Spiritual Warfare</a></b><br>The physical battle between Israel and the Philistines reflects the spiritual battles we face. We must be equipped with the armor of God (Ephesians 6).<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_responsibility.htm">Leadership and Responsibility</a></b><br>Saul's failure as a leader highlights the importance of godly leadership and the responsibility leaders have to seek and follow God's direction.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trusting_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trusting in God’s Sovereignty</a></b><br>Despite the dire circumstances, God’s plan is sovereign. We can trust that He is in control, even when situations seem bleak.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_28.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 28</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_of_philistines_capturing_ark.htm">Is there any archaeological evidence to support the Philistines' capture of the Ark in 1 Samuel 4?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_the_shulammite_in_the_bible.htm">Who was the Shulammite woman in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_1_chr_10_13_blame_saul's_death.htm">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?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_1_sam_31_and_1_chr_10_align.htm">How does 1 Samuel 31's account of Saul's death align with 1 Chronicles 10:13-14, which portrays his demise as divine judgment?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/28.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">And pitched in Shunem.</span>--As has been already described in the Note on <a href="/1_samuel/27-1.htm" title="And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand.">1Samuel 27:1</a>, the Philistine army had penetrated into the heart of Palestine, and, marching across the Valley of Jezreel, took up a strong position on the south-western slope of "Little Hermon," near to the village, or town, of Shunem, a little to the north of Jezreel. Shunem is known in Biblical history as the home of Abishag (<a href="/1_kings/1-3.htm" title="So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the coasts of Israel, and found Abishag a Shunammite, and brought her to the king.">1Kings 1:3</a>), and the dwelling-place of the woman who entertained Elisha, and whose dead son he raised to life (2 Kings 4).<p>It has been identified by modern travellers. Conder speaks of it as being at present only a mud hamlet, with cactus hedges and a spring; but the view, he says, extends as far as Mount Carmel, fifteen miles away. It is now called Sutem.<p><span class= "bld">And Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.</span>--Saul's position was only a few miles distant from the camp of his enemies, on the slope of the hills opposite Shunem, but parted by the deep Valley of Jezreel. From the high ground by his camp Saul could plainly see the whole of the Philistine army. Mount Gilboa is the name given to a range of lofty hills, rising 1,500 feet above the sea, and consisting of white chalk.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/28.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The Philistines... pitched in Shunem.</span> Having collected their forces, the Philistines entered Palestine as we have seen, by the valley of Jezreel, also called Esdraelon, and, marching eastward, encamped at Shunem. This was a village in the tribe of Issachar (<a href="/joshua/19-18.htm">Joshua 19:18</a>), rendered famous as the abode of the woman who made a little chamber for Elisha (<a href="/2_kings/4-8.htm">2 Kings 4:8</a>); and from thence also came Abishag (<a href="/1_kings/1-8.htm">1 Kings 1:8</a>). Conder describes it as being at present only a mud hamlet, with cactus hedges and a spring, but the view extends, he says, as far as to Mount Carmel, fifteen miles away ('Tent-Work,' 1:123). It is now called Sulem, a name given to it also by Eusebius, and lies upon the slopes of the little Hermon, opposite Mount Gilboa, from which it is separated by the valley of Jezreel. This broad plain "is bounded on the east by the range of Gilboa, rising 1500 feet above the sea, and consisting of white chalk; while on the west a long spur runs out at about the same average elevation with Gilboa, and wends northwest to the ridge of Carmel (Conder, 'Handbook,' p. 209). As the valley is about 250 feet above the sea level, Saul, from an elevation of 1200 feet, would easily see the camp of the Philistines pitched upon the slopes of the opposite range at a distance of about four miles. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/28-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">The Philistines</span><br /><span class="heb">פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(p̄ə·liš·tîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6430.htm">Strong's 6430: </a> </span><span class="str2">Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia</span><br /><br /><span class="word">came together</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּקָּבְצ֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiq·qā·ḇə·ṣū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6908.htm">Strong's 6908: </a> </span><span class="str2">To gather, collect</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and camped</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּחֲנ֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·ya·ḥă·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2583.htm">Strong's 2583: </a> </span><span class="str2">To incline, to decline, to pitch a, tent, gen, to encamp</span><br /><br /><span class="word">at Shunem,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְשׁוּנֵ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·šū·nêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7766.htm">Strong's 7766: </a> </span><span class="str2">Shunem -- a city in Issachar</span><br /><br /><span class="word">while Saul</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁאוּל֙</span> <span class="translit">(šā·’ūl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> </span><span class="str2">Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">gathered</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּקְבֹּ֤ץ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiq·bōṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6908.htm">Strong's 6908: </a> </span><span class="str2">To gather, collect</span><br /><br /><span class="word">all</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Israel</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and camped</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·ya·ḥă·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2583.htm">Strong's 2583: </a> </span><span class="str2">To incline, to decline, to pitch a, tent, gen, to encamp</span><br /><br /><span class="word">at Gilboa.</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּגִּלְבֹּֽעַ׃</span> <span class="translit">(bag·gil·bō·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1533.htm">Strong's 1533: </a> </span><span class="str2">Gilboa -- a mountain in Northern Israel</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/28-4.htm">1 Samuel 28:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/28-4.htm">1 Samuel 28:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/28-4.htm">1 Samuel 28:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/28-4.htm">1 Samuel 28:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/28-4.htm">1 Samuel 28:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/28-4.htm">1 Samuel 28:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/28-4.htm">1 Samuel 28:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/28-4.htm">1 Samuel 28:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/28-4.htm">1 Samuel 28:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/28-4.htm">1 Samuel 28:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/28-4.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 28:4 The Philistines gathered themselves together and came (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/28-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 28:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 28:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/28-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 28:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 28:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>