1 Samuel 13:17 Meaning and Explanation
“And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned unto the way that leadeth to Ophrah, unto the land of Shual:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Raiding parties leave the Philistine camp in three companies, one heading toward Ophrah in the land of Shual.
What Does 1 Samuel 13:17 Mean?
The Philistines send out raiders in three bands to ravage the countryside, the first turning toward Ophrah. Their freedom to plunder at will shows how thoroughly they dominate the land.
The detail underscores Israel's helplessness: the enemy roams unopposed while God's people hide. Yet such a description also magnifies the deliverance to come, for the lower the people are brought, the clearer it will be that any rescue is the LORD's doing and not their own.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 13:17
What does 1 Samuel 13:17 mean?
Raiding parties leave the Philistine camp in three companies, one heading toward Ophrah in the land of Shual.