1 Samuel 4:7 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Gripped with fear, the Philistines cry that God has come into the camp, lamenting that nothing like this has happened before.
What Does 1 Samuel 4:7 Mean?
Fear sweeps through the Philistine ranks. 'God is come into the camp,' they say, and cry 'Woe unto us!' for they have never faced such a thing. They speak from a worldview of many gods, yet they rightly sense that a real and fearsome power has entered the field against them.
Their dread is striking. The Philistines tremble at the thought of God drawing near, while Israel has grown careless about His presence. The same nearness of God can mean very different things, comfort to the humble, terror to the rebellious, depending on the heart that meets it. To fear the Lord rightly is the beginning of wisdom. These pagan soldiers stumble onto a reverence Israel had let slip, and it should give every reader pause.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 4:7
What does 1 Samuel 4:7 mean?
Gripped with fear, the Philistines cry that God has come into the camp, lamenting that nothing like this has happened before.