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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 4:7 the Philistines were afraid. "The gods have entered their camp!" they said. "Woe to us, for nothing like this has happened before.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/4-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/09_1Sa_04_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 4:7 - The Philistines Capture the Ark" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="the Philistines were afraid. The gods have entered their camp! they said. 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Nothing like this has happened before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />they panicked. “The gods have come into their camp!” they cried. “This is a disaster! We have never had to face anything like this before!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />the Philistines were afraid, for they said, “A god has come into the camp.” And they said, “Woe to us! For nothing like this has happened before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />the Philistines were afraid. “The gods have entered their camp!” they said. “Woe to us, for nothing like this has happened before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the Philistines were afraid, for they said, God is come into the camp. And they said, Woe unto us! for there hath not been such a thing heretofore.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So the Philistines were afraid, for they said, “God has come into the camp!” And they said, “Woe to us! For such a thing has never happened before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the Philistines were afraid, for they said, “God has come into the camp!” And they said, “Woe to us! For nothing like this has happened before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The Philistines were afraid, for they said, &#8220God has come into the camp.&#8221 And they said, &#8220Woe to us! For nothing like this has happened before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And the Philistines were afraid, for they said, “God has come into the camp.” And they said, “Woe to us! For nothing like this has happened before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And the Philistines were afraid, for they said, “God has come into the camp.” And they said, “Woe to us! For nothing like this has happened before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The Philistines were afraid, for they said, “God has come into the camp.” And they said, “Woe [disaster is coming] to us! For nothing like this has happened before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />they panicked. “A god has entered their camp! ” they said. “Woe to us! Nothing like this has happened before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />they panicked. &#8220The gods have entered their camp!&#8221 they said. &#8220Woe to us, nothing like this has happened before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the Philistines were afraid, for they said, God is come into the camp. And they said, Woe unto us! for there hath not been such a thing heretofore.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />they were scared to death and said: The gods have come into their camp. Now we're in real trouble! Nothing like this has ever happened to us before. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the Philistines were afraid, for they said, God is come into the camp. And they said, Woe unto us! for there hath not been such a thing heretofore.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then they were frightened and said, "A god has come into [their] camp." They also said, "Oh no! Nothing like this has ever happened before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />they were afraid, and said, "A god has come into their camp! We're lost! Nothing like this has ever happened to us before! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />and the Philistines were terrified. "God has come into the camp," they said. "How terrible for us, because nothing like this has ever happened before! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />the Philistines were afraid. ?The gods have entered their camp!? they said. ?Woe to us, for nothing like this has happened before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The Philistines were scared because they thought that gods had come to the camp. They said, "Too bad for us! We've never seen anything like this!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The Philistines were afraid, for they said, "Gods have come into the camp." They said, "Woe to us. For there has not been such a thing before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the Philistines were afraid, for they said, God hath come into the camp. And they said, Woe to us! for there hath not been such a thing heretofore.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The Philistines were afraid, for they said, “God has come into the camp.” They said, “Woe to us! For there has not been such a thing before. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the Philistines are afraid, for they said, “God has come into the camp”; and they say, “Woe to us, for there has been nothing like this before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the Philistines are afraid, for they said, 'God hath come in unto the camp;' and they say, 'Woe to us, for there hath not been like this heretofore.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the Philisteim will be afraid, for they said, God came into the camp. And they will say, Wo to us! for at was not as this yesterday, the third day.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the Philistines were afraid, saying: God is come into the camp. And sighing, they said: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And the Philistines were afraid, saying, “God has entered into the camp.” And they groaned, saying:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />the Philistines were frightened, crying out, “Gods have come to their camp. Woe to us! This has never happened before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />the Philistines were afraid; for they said, “Gods have come into the camp.” They also said, “Woe to us! For nothing like this has happened before.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the Philistines were afraid, for they said, God is come into the camp. And they said, Woe to us! For there has not been such a thing before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the Philistines were afraid because they said: “God has come to the encampment!” And they said: “Woe to us, for nothing like this has ever happened before!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the Philistines were afraid, for they said: 'God is come into the camp.' And they said: 'Woe unto us! for there was not such a thing yesterday and the day before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the Philistines feared, and said, These are the Gods that are come to them into the camp.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/4-7.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=1029" 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/4.htm">The Philistines Capture the Ark</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">6</span>On hearing the noise of the shout, the Philistines asked, “What is this loud shouting in the camp of the Hebrews?” And when they realized that the ark of the LORD had entered the camp, <span class="reftext">7</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6430.htm" title="6430: hap·pə·liš·tîm (Art:: N-proper-mp) -- Inhab. of Philistia. Patrial from Plesheth; a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth.">the Philistines</a> <a href="/hebrew/3372.htm" title="3372: way·yir·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten. A primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. To frighten.">were afraid.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">“The gods</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: bā (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">have entered</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4264.htm" title="4264: ham·ma·ḥă·neh (Art:: N-cs) -- An encampment, camp. From chanah; an encampment; hence, an army, whether literal or figurative.">their camp!”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mə·rū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">they said.</a> <a href="/hebrew/188.htm" title="188: ’ō·w (Interjection) -- Woe! Probably from 'avah; lamentation; also interjectionally Oh!">“Woe</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- ">to us,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">nothing</a> <a href="/hebrew/2063.htm" title="2063: kā·zōṯ (Prep-k:: Pro-fs) -- Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that. Irregular feminine of zeh; this.">like this</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yə·ṯāh (V-Qal-Perf-3fs) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">has happened</a> <a href="/hebrew/865.htm" title="865: ’eṯ·mō·wl (Adv) -- Heretofore, definitely yesterday. Or tithmowl; or methmuwl; probably from 'eth or 'eth and muwl; heretofore; definitely yesterday.">before.</a> <a href="/hebrew/8032.htm" title="8032: šil·šōm (Adv) -- Three days ago, day before, yesterday. Or shilshom; from the same as Shelesh; trebly, i.e. day before yesterday."></a> </span><span class="reftext">8</span>Woe to us! Who will deliver us from the hand of these mighty gods? These are the gods who struck the Egyptians with all kinds of plagues in the wilderness.…<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="/exodus/15-14.htm">Exodus 15:14-16</a></span><br />The nations will hear and tremble; anguish will grip the dwellers of Philistia. / Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed; trembling will seize the leaders of Moab; those who dwell in Canaan will melt away, / and terror and dread will fall on them. By the power of Your arm they will be as still as a stone until Your people pass by, O LORD, until the people You have bought pass by.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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/2-14.htm">Judges 2:14-15</a></span><br />Then the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He delivered them into the hands of those who plundered them. He sold them into the hands of their enemies all around, whom they were no longer able to resist. / Wherever Israel marched out, the hand of the LORD was against them to bring calamity, just as He had sworn to them. So they were greatly distressed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/5-10.htm">1 Samuel 5:10-12</a></span><br />So they sent the ark of God to Ekron, but as it arrived, the Ekronites cried out, “They have brought us the ark of the God of Israel in order to kill us and our people!” / Then the Ekronites called together all the rulers of the Philistines and said, “Send away the ark of the God of Israel. It must return to its place, so that it will not kill us and our people!” For a deadly confusion had pervaded the city; the hand of God was very heavy upon it. / Those who did not die were afflicted with tumors, and the outcry of the city went up to heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/7-7.htm">1 Samuel 7:7-8</a></span><br />When the Philistines heard that the Israelites had gathered at Mizpah, their rulers marched up toward Israel. And when the Israelites learned of this, they feared the Philistines / and said to Samuel, “Do not stop crying out to the LORD our God for us, that He may save us from the hand of the Philistines.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/14-15.htm">1 Samuel 14:15</a></span><br />Then panic struck the Philistines in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. Even those in the outposts and raiding parties trembled. Indeed, the earth quaked, and panic spread from God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/5-24.htm">2 Samuel 5:24</a></span><br />As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because this will mean that the LORD has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/7-6.htm">2 Kings 7:6-7</a></span><br />For the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a great army, so that they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel must have hired the kings of the Hittites and Egyptians to attack us.” / Thus the Arameans had arisen and fled at twilight, abandoning their tents and horses and donkeys. The camp was intact, and they had run for their lives.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/48-4.htm">Psalm 48:4-6</a></span><br />For behold, the kings assembled; they all advanced together. / They saw and were astounded; they fled in terror. / Trembling seized them there, anguish like a woman in labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/13-6.htm">Isaiah 13:6-8</a></span><br />Wail, for the Day of the LORD is near; it will come as destruction from the Almighty. / Therefore all hands will fall limp, and every man’s heart will melt. / Terror, pain, and anguish will seize them; they will writhe like a woman in labor. They will look at one another, their faces flushed with fear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/50-43.htm">Jeremiah 50:43</a></span><br />The king of Babylon has heard the report, and his hands hang limp. Anguish has gripped him, pain like that of a woman in labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/8-29.htm">Matthew 8:29</a></span><br />“What do You want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have You come here to torture us before the appointed time?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/5-7.htm">Mark 5:7</a></span><br />And he shouted in a loud voice, “What do You want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You before God not to torture me!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/8-28.htm">Luke 8:28</a></span><br />When the man saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before Him, shouting in a loud voice, “What do You want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You not to torture me!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/19-15.htm">Acts 19:15-16</a></span><br />But one day the evil spirit responded, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” / Then the man with the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. The attack was so violent that they ran out of the house naked and wounded.</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 were afraid, for they said, God is come into the camp. And they said, Woe to us! for there has not been such a thing heretofore.</p><p class="hdg">were afraid</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/14-25.htm">Exodus 14:25</a></b></br> And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/15-14.htm">Exodus 15:14-16</a></b></br> The people shall hear, <i>and</i> be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/32-30.htm">Deuteronomy 32:30</a></b></br> How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?</p><p class="hdg">heretofore.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/3-15.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-6.htm">Camp</a> <a href="/ruth/2-11.htm">Heretofore</a> <a href="/ruth/2-20.htm">Ours</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-6.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-6.htm">Tents</a> <a href="/judges/18-24.htm">Trouble</a> <a href="/genesis/43-18.htm">We're</a> <a href="/numbers/21-29.htm">Wo</a> <a href="/revelation/21-4.htm">Woe</a> <a href="/exodus/5-14.htm">Yesterday</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/4-20.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-11.htm">Camp</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-21.htm">Heretofore</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-8.htm">Ours</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-9.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-10.htm">Tents</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-8.htm">Trouble</a> <a href="/matthew/8-25.htm">We're</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-8.htm">Wo</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-8.htm">Woe</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-27.htm">Yesterday</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/4-1.htm">The Israelites are overcome by the Philistines at Ebenezer</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/4-3.htm">They fetch the ark unto the terror of the Philistines</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/4-10.htm">They are smitten again, the ark taken, and Hophni and Phinehas are slain</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/4-12.htm">Eli at the news, falling backward, breaks his neck</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/4-19.htm">Phinehas's wife, discouraged in her travail with Ichabod, dies</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/4.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/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>the Philistines were afraid.</b><br>The Philistines, a seafaring people from the Aegean region, were often in conflict with the Israelites. Their fear here is significant, as it shows a recognition of the power associated with the Ark of the Covenant, which had just entered the Israelite camp. Historically, the Philistines were known for their military prowess, yet they were aware of the stories of the God of Israel and His mighty acts, such as the plagues in Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea. This fear indicates a deep-seated respect and dread for the divine power they believed was now against them.<p><b>“The gods have entered their camp!” they said.</b><br>The Philistines, being polytheistic, interpreted the presence of the Ark as the arrival of multiple deities. This reflects their misunderstanding of the monotheistic faith of Israel. The Ark symbolized the presence of Yahweh, the one true God, among His people. This phrase highlights the cultural and religious differences between the Philistines and Israelites. It also underscores the Philistines' perception of divine intervention in battles, a common belief in the ancient Near East.<p><b>“Woe to us, for nothing like this has happened before.</b><br>The expression of woe signifies a deep sense of impending doom. The Philistines' acknowledgment that "nothing like this has happened before" suggests their awareness of the unprecedented nature of the situation. Historically, the Ark had not been brought into battle in this manner, and its presence was a new and terrifying development for the Philistines. This phrase can also be seen as a foreshadowing of the eventual defeat and capture of the Ark, which was a significant event in Israel's history. The fear of the Philistines contrasts with the Israelites' misplaced confidence in the Ark as a talisman, rather than in God Himself.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a></b><br>A significant group of people in the Old Testament, often in conflict with the Israelites. They were known for their military prowess and were a constant threat to Israel during the time of the Judges and early monarchy.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. At this time, they were in conflict with the Philistines and had brought the Ark of the Covenant into their camp, hoping it would ensure victory.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/ark_of_the_covenant.htm">Ark of the Covenant</a></b><br>A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's presence with His people. The Israelites believed that bringing the Ark into battle would guarantee divine intervention.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/b/battle_of_aphek.htm">Battle of Aphek</a></b><br>The context of this verse is a battle between the Israelites and the Philistines near Aphek. The Israelites were defeated, and the Ark was captured, leading to a significant crisis for Israel.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/f/fear_of_the_philistines.htm">Fear of the Philistines</a></b><br>The Philistines' fear upon hearing the Ark had entered the Israelite camp highlights their recognition of its significance, even if they misunderstood it as merely a powerful god among many.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_presence_of_god.htm">The Presence of God</a></b><br>The Ark symbolized God's presence, but the Israelites' reliance on it as a talisman rather than seeking a genuine relationship with God led to their downfall. We must seek God's presence through a sincere relationship, not merely as a means to an end.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/fear_of_the_lord.htm">Fear of the Lord</a></b><br>The Philistines' fear, though based on misunderstanding, reminds us of the importance of a healthy reverence for God. True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, acknowledging His power and sovereignty.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/misplaced_trust.htm">Misplaced Trust</a></b><br>The Israelites placed their trust in the Ark rather than in God Himself. We must be careful not to place our trust in religious symbols or rituals but in God alone.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Despite the Israelites' defeat, God's sovereignty is evident. He cannot be manipulated or controlled by human actions. We must submit to His will and recognize His ultimate authority.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_disobedience.htm">Consequences of Disobedience</a></b><br>The Israelites' defeat serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and presumption. We must align our actions with God's commands and seek His guidance in all things.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_the_key_events_in_1_samuel.htm">What are the key events in 1 Samuel?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/contradictions_in_1_samuel_4_on_eli's_sons.htm">Are there any contradictions between 1 Samuel 4 and other biblical accounts regarding the fate of Eli's sons or the Ark's movements?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_evidence_supports_philistine_panic.htm">What natural or historical evidence supports the sudden 'panic' that supposedly afflicted the Philistine army (1 Samuel 14:15)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_are_golden_tumors_rats_valid_offerings.htm">In 1 Samuel 6:4, why are golden tumors and rats treated as valid offerings for atonement?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) <span class= "bld">God is come into the camp.</span>--The joy manifested by the Israelites at the arrival of the Ark from the sanctuary made the Philistines suspect that their enemies' God was now present with the defeated army.<p>The city of Aphek, near to which the camp of Israel was pitched, was close to the western entrance of the Pass of Beth-horon. The two defeats of Israel are termed in this Commentary the Battles of Aphek. The name of Eben-ezer, by which the scene was known in after days, was only given to the locality some twenty years later, on the occasion of the victory of Samuel near the same spot.<p>Philistines and Israelites, then, were equally superstitious in their belief both supposing that Deity was in some way connected with the lifeless gold and wood of the symbol Ark and Cherubim. But the Philistines had some excuse for their fears. Tradition was, no doubt, current among the old inhabitants of Canaan how this sacred Ark had been carried before the conquering armies of Israel in many a battle and siege in those bygone days, when the strange shepherd hordes under Joshua had. first invaded and taken possession of their beautiful land. The next verse explains more clearly some of the reasons for their fear.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/4-7.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">הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(hap·pə·liš·tîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | 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">were afraid.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּֽרְאוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yir·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<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">“The gods</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">have entered</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(bā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their camp!”</span><br /><span class="heb">הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(ham·ma·ḥă·neh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - common singular<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">they said.</span><br /><span class="heb">אָמְר֔וּ</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·mə·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Woe</span><br /><span class="heb">א֣וֹי</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·w)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_188.htm">Strong's 188: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lamentation, Oh!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to us,</span><br /><span class="heb">לָ֔נוּ</span> <span class="translit">(lā·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">nothing</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like this</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּזֹ֖את</span> <span class="translit">(kā·zōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Pronoun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2063.htm">Strong's 2063: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that, </span><br /><br /><span class="word">has happened</span><br /><span class="heb">הָיְתָ֛ה</span> <span class="translit">(hā·yə·ṯāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">before.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶתְמ֥וֹל</span> <span class="translit">(’eṯ·mō·wl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_865.htm">Strong's 865: </a> </span><span class="str2">Heretofore, definitely yesterday</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/4-7.htm">1 Samuel 4:7 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/4-7.htm">1 Samuel 4:7 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/4-7.htm">1 Samuel 4:7 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/4-7.htm">1 Samuel 4:7 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/4-7.htm">1 Samuel 4:7 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/4-7.htm">1 Samuel 4:7 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/4-7.htm">1 Samuel 4:7 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/4-7.htm">1 Samuel 4:7 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/4-7.htm">1 Samuel 4:7 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/4-7.htm">1 Samuel 4:7 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/4-7.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 4:7 The Philistines were afraid for they said (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/4-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 4:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 4:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/4-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 4:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 4:8" /></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>