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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/28.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/28.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid; terror filled his heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/28.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When Saul saw the vast Philistine army, he became frantic with fear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/28.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />When Saul saw the army of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/28.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid and trembled violently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/28.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/28.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />When Saul saw the army of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/28.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Saul saw the camp of the Philistines, he was afraid and his heart trembled greatly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/28.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />When Saul saw the camp of the Philistines, he was afraid and his heart trembled greatly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/28.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />When Saul saw the camp of the Philistines, he was afraid and his heart trembled greatly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/28.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Saul saw the camp of the Philistines and was afraid and his heart trembled greatly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/28.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid and badly shaken.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/28.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Saul saw the Philistine camp, he was afraid and his heart pounded.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/28.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Saul saw the Philistine camp, he was afraid and trembled violently. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/28.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/28.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Saul took one look at the Philistine army and started shaking with fear. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/28.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/28.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When Saul looked at the Philistine army, he was very afraid-terrified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/28.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was terrified, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/28.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When Saul saw the Philistine camp, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/28.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid and trembled violently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/28.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When Saul saw the camp of the Philistines, he was absolutely terrified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/28.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />When Saul saw the army of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/28.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/28.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When Saul saw the army of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly. <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 Saul sees the camp of the Philistines, and fears, and his heart trembles greatly,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/28.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and Saul seeth the camp of the Philistines, and feareth, and his heart trembleth greatly,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/28.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Saul will see the camp of the rovers, and he will fear and his heart will tremble greatly.<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 Saul saw the army of the Plilistines, and was afraid, and his heart was very much dismayed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/28.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Saul saw the camp of the Philistines, and he was afraid, and his heart was exceedingly terrified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/28.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When Saul saw the Philistine camp, he grew afraid and lost heart completely.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/28.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When Saul saw the army of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly.<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 when Saul saw the army of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.<CL>Is not this David, of whom the daughters of Israel sang one to another with timbrels, saying, Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/28.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Shaul saw the encampment of the Philistines and was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly<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 when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/28.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Saul saw the camp of the Philistines, and he was alarmed, and his heart was greatly dismayed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/28-5.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=8289" 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">4</span>The Philistines came together and camped at Shunem, while Saul gathered all Israel and camped at Gilboa. <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><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.">When 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/7200.htm" title="7200: way·yar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">saw</a> <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 Philistine</a> <a href="/hebrew/4264.htm" title="4264: ma·ḥă·nêh (N-csc) -- An encampment, camp. From chanah; an encampment; hence, an army, whether literal or figurative.">army,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lib·bōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">he</a> <a href="/hebrew/3372.htm" title="3372: way·yi·rā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten. A primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. To frighten.">was afraid</a> <a href="/hebrew/2729.htm" title="2729: way·ye·ḥĕ·raḏ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To tremble, be terrified. A primitive root; to shudder with terror; hence, to fear; also to hasten.">and trembled</a> <a href="/hebrew/3966.htm" title="3966: mə·’ōḏ (Adv) -- Muchness, force, abundance. From the same as 'uwd; properly, vehemence, i.e. vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc.">violently.</a> </span><span class="reftext">6</span>He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.…<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="/joshua/2-9.htm">Joshua 2:9-11</a></span><br />and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of you. / For we have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites across the Jordan, whom you devoted to destruction. / When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in the heavens above and on the earth below.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/7-13.htm">Judges 7:13-14</a></span><br />And as Gideon arrived, a man was telling his friend about a dream. “Behold, I had a dream,” he said, “and I saw a loaf of barley bread come tumbling into the Midianite camp. It struck the tent so hard that the tent overturned and collapsed.” / His friend replied: “This is nothing less than the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite. God has delivered Midian and the whole camp into his hand.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-11.htm">1 Samuel 17:11</a></span><br />On hearing the words of the Philistine, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and greatly afraid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-12.htm">1 Samuel 18:12</a></span><br />So Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had departed from Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/31-3.htm">1 Samuel 31:3-4</a></span><br />When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him critically. / Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised men will come and run me through and torture me!” But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/22-5.htm">2 Samuel 22:5-7</a></span><br />For the waves of death engulfed me; the torrents of chaos overwhelmed me. / The cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me. / In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried out to my God. And from His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for help reached His ears.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/6-15.htm">2 Kings 6:15-17</a></span><br />When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early in the morning, behold, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. So he asked Elisha, “Oh, my master, what are we to do?” / “Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” / Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/20-3.htm">2 Chronicles 20:3</a></span><br />Jehoshaphat was alarmed and set his face to seek the LORD. And he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/27-1.htm">Psalm 27:1-3</a></span><br />Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread? / When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell. / Though an army encamps around me, my heart will not fear; though a war breaks out against me, I will keep my trust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/56-3.htm">Psalm 56:3-4</a></span><br />When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. / In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/7-2.htm">Isaiah 7:2</a></span><br />When it was reported to the house of David that Aram was in league with Ephraim, the hearts of Ahaz and his people trembled like trees in the forest shaken by the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/8-12.htm">Isaiah 8:12-13</a></span><br />“Do not call conspiracy everything these people regard as conspiracy. Do not fear what they fear; do not live in dread. / The LORD of Hosts is the One you shall regard as holy. Only He should be feared; only He should be dreaded.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Isaiah 41:10</a></span><br />Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/14-26.htm">Matthew 14:26-27</a></span><br />When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and cried out in fear. / But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/28-4.htm">Matthew 28:4</a></span><br />The guards trembled in fear of him and became like dead men.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.</p><p class="hdg">he was afraid</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/15-21.htm">Job 15:21</a></b></br> A dreadful sound <i>is</i> in his ears: in prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/18-11.htm">Job 18:11</a></b></br> Terrors shall make him afraid on every side, and shall drive him to his feet.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/48-5.htm">Psalm 48:5,6</a></b></br> They saw <i>it, and</i> so they marvelled; they were troubled, <i>and</i> hasted away… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/23-17.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-1.htm">Army</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-4.htm">Camp</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-1.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-1.htm">Host</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-1.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-7.htm">Philistine</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-4.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-4.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-15.htm">Terror</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-1.htm">Trembled</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-1.htm">Trembleth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-31.htm">Troubled</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/28-13.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-19.htm">Army</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-19.htm">Camp</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-10.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-19.htm">Host</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-6.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-2.htm">Philistine</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-15.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-6.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/14-14.htm">Terror</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-8.htm">Trembled</a> <a href="/job/37-1.htm">Trembleth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-21.htm">Troubled</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>When Saul saw the Philistine army</b><br>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 <a href="/1_samuel/14.htm">1 Samuel 14</a>, indicating a shift in Saul's confidence and God's favor.<p><b>he was afraid</b><br>Saul's fear is significant as it reflects his spiritual state. Earlier in his reign, Saul was empowered by the Spirit of God (<a href="/1_samuel/11-6.htm">1 Samuel 11:6</a>), but by this point, he has been rejected by God due to his disobedience (<a href="/1_samuel/15-26.htm">1 Samuel 15:26</a>). 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 <a href="/1_samuel/17.htm">1 Samuel 17</a>, where David's trust in God overcame fear.<p><b>and trembled violently</b><br>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., <a href="/exodus/19-16.htm">Exodus 19:16</a>, <a href="/daniel/10-7.htm">Daniel 10:7</a>). Saul's reaction foreshadows his desperate actions in seeking the medium at Endor, further illustrating his spiritual decline and the consequences of his disobedience.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>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.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/philistine_army.htm">Philistine Army</a></b><br>The formidable military force of the Philistines, long-time adversaries of Israel. Their presence signifies a significant threat to Israel's security.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/f/fear_and_trembling.htm">Fear and Trembling</a></b><br>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.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/e/endor.htm">Endor</a></b><br>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.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/samuel.htm">Samuel</a></b><br>The prophet who anointed Saul and later David. His death leaves Saul without spiritual guidance, contributing to Saul's fear and poor decision-making.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_fear.htm">The Consequences of Fear</a></b><br>Fear can paralyze and lead to poor decision-making. Saul's fear led him away from God, illustrating the importance of faith over fear.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_guidance.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Guidance</a></b><br>Without Samuel, Saul lacked godly counsel. This highlights the need for spiritual mentors and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_promises.htm">Trust in God's Promises</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_isolation.htm">The Dangers of Isolation</a></b><br>Saul's isolation from God and his people led to his downfall. Community and accountability are vital for spiritual health.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_god_in_crisis.htm">Seeking God in Crisis</a></b><br>Instead of turning to God, Saul sought a medium. This teaches the importance of seeking God first in times of crisis.<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/why_did_saul_sacrifice_early.htm">Why did Saul sacrifice without waiting for Samuel?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_of_ark's_impact_on_philistines.htm">1 Samuel 5 - Where is the historical or archaeological evidence that the Ark's presence caused such devastation in Philistine cities?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_of_mediums_in_ancient_israel.htm">Is there any archaeological or historical evidence confirming the existence of mediums in ancient Israel to support the story of 1 Samuel 28:7-9?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_no_philistine_records_of_dagon_event.htm">1 Samuel 5 - Why don't contemporary Philistine records mention any catastrophe involving Dagon's temple or widespread plagues?</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>(5) <span class= "bld">He was afraid.</span>--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.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/28.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 5, 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">When Saul saw,</span> 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 <span class="cmt_word">enquired of Jehovah,</span> but received no answer, <span class="cmt_word">neither by dreams.</span> He had expected these to be vouchsafed, possibly to himself, but more probably to some class of prophets (see <a href="/jeremiah/23-25.htm">Jeremiah 23:25</a>, 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 <span class="accented">dream</span> as the medium of the Divine influence on the inner life, which in sleep sinks into a state of passiveness." <span class="cmt_word">Nor by Urim.</span> 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 (<a href="/2_samuel/8-17.htm">2 Samuel 8:17</a>). 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. <span class="cmt_word">Nor by prophets.</span> 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 <a href="/1_chronicles/10-14.htm">1 Chronicles 10:14</a>: "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. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/28-5.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">When Saul</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁא֖וּל</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">saw</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּ֥רְא</span> <span class="translit">(way·yar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Philistine</span><br /><span class="heb">פְלִשְׁתִּ֑ים</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">army,</span><br /><span class="heb">מַחֲנֵ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(ma·ḥă·nêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4264.htm">Strong's 4264: </a> </span><span class="str2">An encampment, an army</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he</span><br /><span class="heb">לִבּ֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(lib·bōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> </span><span class="str2">The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was afraid</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּרָ֕א</span> <span class="translit">(way·yi·rā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and trembled</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֶּחֱרַ֥ד</span> <span class="translit">(way·ye·ḥĕ·raḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2729.htm">Strong's 2729: </a> </span><span class="str2">To shudder with terror, to fear, to hasten</span><br /><br /><span class="word">violently.</span><br /><span class="heb">מְאֹֽד׃</span> <span class="translit">(mə·’ōḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3966.htm">Strong's 3966: </a> </span><span class="str2">Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/28-5.htm">1 Samuel 28:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/28-5.htm">1 Samuel 28:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/28-5.htm">1 Samuel 28:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/28-5.htm">1 Samuel 28:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/28-5.htm">1 Samuel 28:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/28-5.htm">1 Samuel 28:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/28-5.htm">1 Samuel 28:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/28-5.htm">1 Samuel 28:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/28-5.htm">1 Samuel 28:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/28-5.htm">1 Samuel 28:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/28-5.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 28:5 When Saul saw the army (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/28-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 28:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 28:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/28-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 28:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 28:6" /></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>