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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 31:7 When the Israelites along the valley and those on the other side of the Jordan saw that the army of Israel had fled and that Saul and his sons had died, they abandoned their cities and ran away. So the Philistines came and occupied their cities.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/31-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/09_1Sa_31_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 31:7 - The Philistines Possess the Towns" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When the Israelites along the valley and those on the other side of the Jordan saw that the army of Israel had fled and that Saul and his sons had died, they abandoned their cities and ran away. So the Philistines came and occupied their cities." /><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'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/31-7.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/31-7.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/31.htm">Chapter 31</a> > Verse 7</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad7.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/31-6.htm" title="1 Samuel 31:6">◄</a> 1 Samuel 31:7 <a href="/1_samuel/31-8.htm" title="1 Samuel 31:8">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_samuel/31.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/31.htm">New International Version</a> When the Israelites along the valley and those across the Jordan saw that the Israelite army had fled and that Saul and his sons had died, they abandoned their towns and fled. And the Philistines came and occupied them. <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/31.htm">New Living Translation</a> When the Israelites on the other side of the Jezreel Valley and beyond the Jordan saw that the Israelite army had fled and that Saul and his sons were dead, they abandoned their towns and fled. So the Philistines moved in and occupied their towns. <a href="/esv/1_samuel/31.htm">English Standard Version</a> And when the men of Israel who were on the other side of the valley and those beyond the Jordan saw that the men of Israel had fled and that Saul and his sons were dead, they abandoned their cities and fled. And the Philistines came and lived in them. <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/31.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> When the Israelites along the valley and those on the other side of the Jordan saw that the army of Israel had fled and that Saul and his sons had died, they abandoned their cities and ran away. So the Philistines came and occupied their cities. <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/31.htm">King James Bible</a> And when the men of Israel that were on the other side of the valley, and they that were on the other side Jordan, saw that the men of Israel fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, they forsook the cities, and fled; and the Philistines came and dwelt in them. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/31.htm">New King James Version</a> And when the men of Israel who were on the other side of the valley, and those who were on the other side of the Jordan, saw that the men of Israel had fled and that Saul and his sons were dead, they forsook the cities and fled; and the Philistines came and dwelt in them. <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now when the people of Israel who were on the other side of the valley, with those who were beyond the Jordan, saw that the men of Israel had fled and that Saul and his sons were dead, they abandoned the cities and fled; then the Philistines came and settled in them. <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/31.htm">NASB 1995</a> When the men of Israel who were on the other side of the valley, with those who were beyond the Jordan, saw that the men of Israel had fled and that Saul and his sons were dead, they abandoned the cities and fled; then the Philistines came and lived in them. <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And when the men of Israel who were on the other side of the valley, with those who were beyond the Jordan, saw that the men of Israel had fled and that Saul and his sons were dead, they abandoned the cities and fled; then the Philistines came and lived in them. <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then the men of Israel who were on the other side of the valley, with those who were beyond the Jordan, saw that the men of Israel had fled and that Saul and his sons were dead. So they forsook the cities and fled; and the Philistines came and lived in them. <a href="/amp/1_samuel/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a> When the men of Israel who were on the other side of the valley [of Jezreel], and those who were beyond the Jordan, saw that the other men of Israel had fled and that Saul and his sons were dead, they abandoned the cities and fled; then the Philistines came and lived in them. <a href="/csb/1_samuel/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When the men of Israel on the other side of the valley and on the other side of the Jordan saw that Israel’s men had fled and that Saul and his sons were dead, they abandoned the cities and fled. So the Philistines came and settled in them. <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/31.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When the men of Israel on the other side of the valley and on the other side of the Jordan saw that Israel&#8217s men had run away and that Saul and his sons were dead, they abandoned the cities and fled. So the Philistines came and settled in them. <a href="/asv/1_samuel/31.htm">American Standard Version</a> And when the men of Israel that were on the other side of the valley, and they that were beyond the Jordan, saw that the men of Israel fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, they forsook the cities, and fled; and the Philistines came and dwelt in them. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/31.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The Israelites on the other side of Jezreel Valley and the other side of the Jordan learned that Saul and his sons were dead. They saw that the Israelite army had run away. So they ran away too, and the Philistines moved into the towns the Israelites had left behind. <a href="/erv/1_samuel/31.htm">English Revised Version</a> And when the men of Israel that were on the other side of the valley, and they that were beyond Jordan, saw that the men of Israel fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, they forsook the cities, and fled; and the Philistines came and dwelt in them. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/31.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> When the people of Israel on the other side of the valley and across the Jordan River saw that the men of Israel had fled and that Saul and his sons were dead, they abandoned their cities. So the Philistines came to live in these cities. <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/31.htm">Good News Translation</a> When the Israelites on the other side of Jezreel Valley and east of the Jordan River heard that the Israelite army had fled and that Saul and his sons had been killed, they abandoned their towns and fled. Then the Philistines came and occupied the towns. <a href="/isv/1_samuel/31.htm">International Standard Version</a> When the men of Israel who were across the valley and who were across the Jordan saw that the army of Israel had fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, they abandoned the cities and fled, and the Philistines came and occupied them. <a href="/msb/1_samuel/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> When the Israelites along the valley and those on the other side of the Jordan saw that the army of Israel had fled and that Saul and his sons had died, they abandoned their cities and ran away. So the Philistines came and occupied their cities. <a href="/net/1_samuel/31.htm">NET Bible</a> When the men of Israel who were in the valley and across the Jordan saw that the men of Israel had fled and that Saul and his sons were dead, they abandoned the cities and fled. The Philistines came and occupied them. <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> When the men of Israel who were on the other side of the valley, and those who were beyond the Jordan, saw that the men of Israel fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, they abandoned their cities, and fled; and the Philistines came and lived in them. <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And when the men of Israel that were on the other side of the valley, and they that were on the other side of Jordan, saw that the men of Israel fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, they forsook the cities, and fled; and the Philistines came and dwelt in them. <a href="/web/1_samuel/31.htm">World English Bible</a> When the men of Israel who were on the other side of the valley, and those who were beyond the Jordan, saw that the men of Israel fled and that Saul and his sons were dead, they abandoned the cities and fled; and the Philistines came and lived in them. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/31.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And they see—the men of Israel, who [are] beyond the valley, and who [are] beyond the Jordan—that the men of Israel have fled, and that Saul and his sons have died, and they forsake the cities and flee, and Philistines come in, and dwell in them. <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/31.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And they see -- the men of Israel, who are beyond the valley, and who are beyond the Jordan -- that the men of Israel have fled, and that Saul and his sons have died, and they forsake the cities and flee, and Philistines come in, and dwell in them. <a href="/slt/1_samuel/31.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the men of Israel will see, who are on the the other side of the valley, and who are on the other side of Jordan, that the men of Israel fled, and that Saul died and his sons, and they will leave their cities, and flee; and the rovers will come and dwell in them.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/31.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the men of Israel, that were beyond the valley, and beyond the Jordan, seeing that the Israelites were fled, and that Saul was dead, and his sons, forsook their cities, and fled: and the Philistines came, and dwelt there. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then, seeing that the men of the Israelites had fled, and that Saul had died with his sons, the men of Israel who were across the valley or beyond the Jordan abandoned their cities, and they fled. And the Philistines went and lived there. <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/31.htm">New American Bible</a> When the Israelites on the slope of the valley and those along the Jordan saw that the men of Israel had fled and that Saul and his sons were dead, they abandoned their cities and fled. Then the Philistines came and lived in those cities. <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When the men of Israel who were on the other side of the valley and those beyond the Jordan saw that the men of Israel had fled and that Saul and his sons were dead, they forsook their towns and fled; and the Philistines came and occupied them.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/31.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And when the men of Israel who were on the other side of the valley of the Jordan saw that the men of Israel fled and that Saul and his sons were slain, they abandoned the cities and fled; and the Philistines came and dwelt in them. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/31.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the men of Israel who were at the crossing of the valley of Jordan saw that the men of Israel had fled and that Shaul was dead and his sons, and they abandoned the towns and fled, and the Philistines came and they dwelt in them<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/31.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And when the men of Israel that were on the other side of the valley, and they that were beyond the Jordan, saw that the men of Israel fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, they forsook the cities, and fled; and the Philistines came and dwelt in them. <a href="/sep/1_samuel/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the men of Israel who were on the other side of the valley, and those beyond Jordan, saw that the men of Israel fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead; and they leave their cities and flee: and the Philistines come and dwell in them. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/31-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=9048" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/31.htm">The Philistines Possess the Towns</a> 7<a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: ’an·šê- (N-mpc) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">When the Israelites</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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5676.htm" title="5676: bə·‘ê·ḇer (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Region across or beyond, side. From abar; properly, a region across; but used only adverbially on the opposite side.">along</a> <a href="/hebrew/6010.htm" title="6010: hā·‘ê·meq (Art:: N-ms) -- A vale. From amaq; a vale.">the valley</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: wa·’ă·šer (Conj-w:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5676.htm" title="5676: bə·‘ê·ḇer (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Region across or beyond, side. From abar; properly, a region across; but used only adverbially on the opposite side.">and those on the other side</a> <a href="/hebrew/3383.htm" title="3383: hay·yar·dên (Art:: N-proper-fs) -- The principal river of Pal. From yarad; a descender; Jarden, the principal river of Palestine.">of the Jordan</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: way·yir·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: ’an·šê (N-mpc) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">the army</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.">of Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/5127.htm" title="5127: nā·sū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To flee, escape. A primitive root; to flit, i.e. Vanish away.">had fled</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: wə·ḵî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">and that</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.">Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ū·ḇā·nāw (Conj-w:: N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">and his sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: mê·ṯū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">had died,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5800.htm" title="5800: way·ya·‘az·ḇū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To loosen, relinquish, permit. A primitive root; to loosen, i.e. Relinquish, permit, etc.">they abandoned</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/5892.htm" title="5892: he·‘ā·rîm (Art:: N-fp) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">their cities</a> <a href="/hebrew/5127.htm" title="5127: way·yā·nu·sū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To flee, escape. A primitive root; to flit, i.e. Vanish away.">and ran away.</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.">So 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.">came</a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: way·yê·šə·ḇū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">and occupied</a> <a href="/hebrew/bā·hen (Prep:: 3fp) -- ">their cities.</a> 8The next day, when the Philistines came to strip the dead, they found Saul and his three sons fallen on Mount Gilboa.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_chronicles/10-7.htm">1 Chronicles 10:7</a> When all the Israelites in the valley saw that the army had fled and that Saul and his sons had died, they abandoned their cities and ran away. So the Philistines came and occupied their cities. <a href="/2_samuel/1-1.htm">2 Samuel 1:1-2</a> After the death of Saul, David returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites and stayed in Ziklag two days. / On the third day a man with torn clothes and dust on his head arrived from Saul’s camp. When he came to David, he fell to the ground to pay him homage. <a href="/2_samuel/2-8.htm">2 Samuel 2:8-9</a> Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, moved him to Mahanaim, / and made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin—over all Israel. <a href="/2_samuel/4-1.htm">2 Samuel 4:1</a> Now when Ish-bosheth son of Saul heard that Abner had died in Hebron, he lost courage, and all Israel was dismayed. <a href="/2_samuel/21-12.htm">2 Samuel 21:12</a> he went and took the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan from the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the public square of Beth-shan where the Philistines had hung the bodies after they had struck down Saul at Gilboa. <a href="/judges/2-14.htm">Judges 2:14</a> 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. <a href="/judges/6-2.htm">Judges 6:2</a> and the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel. Because of the Midianites, the Israelites prepared shelters for themselves in the mountains, caves, and strongholds. <a href="/judges/10-7.htm">Judges 10:7-8</a> So the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He sold them into the hands of the Philistines and Ammonites, / who that very year harassed and oppressed the Israelites, and they did so for eighteen years to all the Israelites on the other side of the Jordan in Gilead, the land of the Amorites. <a href="/2_kings/13-3.htm">2 Kings 13:3</a> So the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He delivered them continually into the hands of Hazael king of Aram and his son Ben-hadad. <a href="/2_kings/17-6.htm">2 Kings 17:6</a> In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and carried away the Israelites to Assyria, where he settled them in Halah, in Gozan by the Habor River, and in the cities of the Medes. <a href="/2_kings/24-2.htm">2 Kings 24:2</a> And the LORD sent Chaldean, Aramean, Moabite, and Ammonite raiders against Jehoiakim in order to destroy Judah, according to the word that the LORD had spoken through His servants the prophets. <a href="/matthew/4-15.htm">Matthew 4:15-16</a> “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— / the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.” <a href="/luke/21-20.htm">Luke 21:20-24</a> But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that her desolation is near. / Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country stay out of the city. / For these are the days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. ... <a href="/john/11-48.htm">John 11:48</a> If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” <a href="/acts/8-1.htm">Acts 8:1</a> And Saul was there, giving approval to Stephen’s death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And when the men of Israel that were on the other side of the valley, and they that were on the other side Jordan, saw that the men of Israel fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, they forsook the cities, and fled; and the Philistines came and dwelled in them.they forsook the cities<a href="/1_samuel/13-6.htm">1 Samuel 13:6</a> When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait, (for the people were distressed,) then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits.<a href="/leviticus/26-32.htm">Leviticus 26:32,36</a> And I will bring the land into desolation: and your enemies which dwell therein shall be astonished at it… <a href="/deuteronomy/28-33.htm">Deuteronomy 28:33</a> The fruit of thy land, and all thy labours, shall a nation which thou knowest not eat up; and thou shalt be only oppressed and crushed alway:<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/30-29.htm">Cities</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-5.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-11.htm">Dwelt</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-1.htm">Fled</a> <a href="/judges/10-6.htm">Forsook</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-1.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-1.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-7.htm">Jordan</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-2.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-6.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-16.htm">Side</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-9.htm">Valley</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/2-1.htm">Cities</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-8.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-3.htm">Dwelt</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-4.htm">Fled</a> <a href="/1_kings/9-9.htm">Forsook</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-3.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-1.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-29.htm">Jordan</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-8.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-8.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-9.htm">Side</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-18.htm">Valley</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 31</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/31-1.htm">Saul, having lost his army, and his sons slain, </a> 4. <a href="/1_samuel/31-4.htm">he and his armor bearer kill themselves.</a> 7. <a href="/1_samuel/31-7.htm">The Philistines possess the forsaken towns of the Israelites</a> 8. <a href="/1_samuel/31-8.htm">They triumph over the dead bodies</a> 11. <a href="/1_samuel/31-11.htm">They of Jabesh Gilead recovering the dead bodies by night, </a> 12. <a href="/1_samuel/31-12.htm">burn them at Jabesh, </a> 13. <a href="/1_samuel/31-13.htm">and mournfully bury their bodies.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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/31.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/31.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>When the Israelites along the valley and those on the other side of the Jordan saw that the army of Israel had fled This phrase highlights the geographical setting of the battle, indicating the widespread impact of the defeat. The valley likely refers to the Jezreel Valley, a strategic location in northern Israel. The mention of "the other side of the Jordan" suggests the eastern tribes of Israel, such as Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who were settled there. The flight of the army signifies a complete military collapse, which would have been demoralizing for the Israelites and indicative of a significant loss of leadership and morale.and that Saul and his sons had died The death of Saul and his sons, including Jonathan, marks the end of Saul's reign and the beginning of a transition in Israel's monarchy. Saul's death fulfills the prophecy given by Samuel in <a href="/1_samuel/28-19.htm">1 Samuel 28:19</a>, where he foretold that Saul and his sons would die in battle. This event also sets the stage for David's rise to kingship, as Saul's death removes the primary obstacle to David's anointing as king over Israel.they abandoned their cities and ran away The abandonment of cities reflects the fear and panic among the Israelites following the defeat. In ancient times, cities were centers of security and refuge, so leaving them indicates a severe threat to their safety. This reaction underscores the vulnerability of Israel without strong leadership and the immediate threat posed by the Philistines.So the Philistines came and occupied their cities The occupation of Israelite cities by the Philistines demonstrates the shift in power and control in the region. The Philistines, long-time adversaries of Israel, took advantage of the situation to expand their territory and influence. This occupation would have had significant cultural and religious implications, as the Philistines brought their own practices and deities into the conquered areas, challenging the Israelites' covenantal relationship with Yahweh. This event foreshadows the ongoing struggle between the Israelites and the Philistines, which continues into the reign of David, who eventually subdues them.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/men_of_israel.htm">Men of Israel</a> The Israelite soldiers and inhabitants who were on the other side of the valley and across the Jordan. They witnessed the defeat and fled in fear. 2. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a> The first king of Israel, whose death in battle marked a significant turning point for the nation. 3. <a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a> The perennial enemies of Israel who took advantage of the situation to occupy the abandoned cities. 4. <a href="/topical/v/valley.htm">Valley</a> The geographical area separating the Israelites from the Philistines, significant in the context of the battle. 5. <a href="/topical/j/jordan.htm">Jordan</a> The river that served as a boundary, indicating the extent of the Israelite retreat and the Philistine advance.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_leadership_failure.htm">Consequences of Leadership Failure</a> Saul's failure as a leader led to national disaster. Leadership carries significant responsibility, and failure can have widespread consequences. <a href="/topical/f/fear_and_faith.htm">Fear and Faith</a> The Israelites' fear led them to abandon their cities. In times of crisis, faith in God should be our anchor rather than succumbing to fear. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a> Israel's repeated disobedience led to their vulnerability. Obedience to God is crucial for protection and blessing. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_transition.htm">God's Sovereignty in Transition</a> Despite the chaos, God was preparing to establish David as king. Trust in God's sovereignty during times of transition and uncertainty. <a href="/topical/c/community_impact.htm">Community Impact</a> The actions of leaders and individuals can impact entire communities. Consider how your actions affect those around you.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/31.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) On the other side of the valley.--The words "on the other side of the valley" denote the country opposite to the battle-field in the valley of Jezreel, on which the writer supposes himself to be standing, the land occupied especially by the tribes of Issachar, Zabulon, and Napthali. The expression "on the other side of Jordan," is the usual phrase for the country east of the River Jordan. It is highly probable that the alarm caused by the great defeat of their king caused many of the dwellers in the smaller cities and villages to the east of Jordan hastily to abandon their houses rather than be exposed to the insolence and demands of the invading army. Still the Philistine army in this direction could not have penetrated very far, as shortly after Gilboa we hear of Abner rallying the friends of the house of Saul round the Prince Ishbosheth, whom he proclaimed king at Mahanaim, a town some twenty miles east of the river. The country to the south of the plain of Jezreel does not appear to have been overrun by the victorious army. The presence of David in that part no doubt insured its immunity from invasion.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/31.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 7. - The men of Israel. The term is here applied to non-combatants, while in ver. 1 it meant those following Saul in arms. On the other side of the valley. I.e. of Jezreel, and so all the Israelites inhabiting the tribes of Issachar, Zabulon, and Naphthali, and the region generally to the north. In <a href="/1_chronicles/10-7.htm">1 Chronicles 10:7</a> this flight is confined to the inhabitants of the valley, one of the most fertile districts of Palestine; but probably the statement made here, that a very large extent of country was the prize of victory, is the more correct. On the other side Jordan. This phrase constantly means the eastern side of the Jordan, nor need we doubt but that the people living near it abandoned their homes and fled; for the river would form but a slight protection for them in this northerly part of its course. Still the conquests on the eastern bank of the Jordan must have been confined to a small district near the lake of Tiberias, as Abner was able to place Ishbosheth as king at Mahanaim, a town about twenty miles to the east of the river, and not far from Jabez-Gilead. South of Jezreel the Philistines made no conquests, and thus Ephraim, Benjamin, and Judah remained free, and of course Gilead, and the most part of the region beyond Jordan (see <a href="/2_samuel/2-8.htm">2 Samuel 2:8-11</a>). MALTREATMENT OF THE BODIES OF SAUL AND HIS SONS (vers. 8-10). <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/31-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>When the Israelites אַנְשֵֽׁי־ (’an·šê-) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person along בְּעֵ֨בֶר (bə·‘ê·ḇer) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5676.htm">Strong's 5676: </a> A region across, on the opposite side the valley הָעֵ֜מֶק (hā·‘ê·meq) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6010.htm">Strong's 6010: </a> A vale and those on the other side בְּעֵ֣בֶר (bə·‘ê·ḇer) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5676.htm">Strong's 5676: </a> A region across, on the opposite side of the Jordan הַיַּרְדֵּ֗ן (hay·yar·dên) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3383.htm">Strong's 3383: </a> Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine saw וַיִּרְא֣וּ (way·yir·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see that כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction the army אַנְשֵׁ֣י (’an·šê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person of Israel יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc had fled נָ֙סוּ֙ (nā·sū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5127.htm">Strong's 5127: </a> To flit, vanish away and that וְכִי־ (wə·ḵî-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction Saul שָׁא֣וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites and his sons וּבָנָ֑יו (ū·ḇā·nāw) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son had died, מֵ֖תוּ (mê·ṯū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> To die, to kill they abandoned וַיַּעַזְב֤וּ (way·ya·‘az·ḇū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5800.htm">Strong's 5800: </a> To loosen, relinquish, permit their cities הֶֽעָרִים֙ (he·‘ā·rîm) Article | Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> Excitement and ran away. וַיָּנֻ֔סוּ (way·yā·nu·sū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5127.htm">Strong's 5127: </a> To flit, vanish away So the Philistines פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים (p̄ə·liš·tîm) Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6430.htm">Strong's 6430: </a> Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia came וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ (way·yā·ḇō·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go and occupied וַיֵּֽשְׁב֖וּ (way·yê·šə·ḇū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry them. בָּהֶֽן׃ (bā·hen) Preposition | third person feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_0.htm">Strong's 0: </a> 0 <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/31-7.htm">1 Samuel 31:7 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/31-7.htm">1 Samuel 31:7 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/31-7.htm">1 Samuel 31:7 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/31-7.htm">1 Samuel 31:7 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/31-7.htm">1 Samuel 31:7 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/31-7.htm">1 Samuel 31:7 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/31-7.htm">1 Samuel 31:7 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/31-7.htm">1 Samuel 31:7 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/31-7.htm">1 Samuel 31:7 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/31-7.htm">1 Samuel 31:7 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-7.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 31:7 When the men of Israel who were (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/31-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 31:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 31:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/31-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 31:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 31:8" /></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>