Old Testament
1 Samuel 13:4
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
And all Israel heard that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel was now detested by the Philistines. So the people were called to join Saul at Gilgal.
Compare translations
And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal.
What 1 Samuel 13:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, news spreads throughout Israel that King Saul has successfully attacked a Philistine outpost. This victory, however, comes with a cost; the Philistines now view Israel with great disdain. The people of Israel, feeling the weight of this animosity, are summoned to join Saul at Gilgal. This gathering signifies unity in the face of a common enemy. It highlights the importance of standing together during challenging times. Saul's actions have stirred both pride and fear among the Israelites, as they realize the implications of their conflict with the Philistines. The call to Gilgal is not just a military rally; it’s a call to solidarity and courage. The people must now decide how to respond to the growing threat and their king's leadership. This moment sets the stage for the unfolding drama of their struggle against the Philistines and the challenges of leadership in times of crisis. It reminds us that victories can bring both hope and new challenges, requiring unity and resolve.
How to apply 1 Samuel 13:4 to your life
When faced with challenges, it’s essential to come together with others for support. Just as the Israelites gathered to face their fears, we too can find strength in community. Embrace opportunities to unite with others during tough times, fostering resilience and courage. Remember, together we can overcome obstacles that seem insurmountable alone. Stand firm and support one another in your struggles, just as they did at Gilgal.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Samuel Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 1 Samuel 13:4
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 1 Samuel 13:4
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 1 Samuel
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
- Written
- Around 930 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites of the early monarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Samuel 13:4 mean?
1 Samuel 13:4 describes how news of King Saul's victory over a Philistine garrison spread throughout Israel. This victory, however, led to increased animosity from the Philistines towards Israel, prompting the people to gather at Gilgal to support Saul.
What is the significance of Gilgal in 1 Samuel 13:4?
Gilgal serves as a gathering place for the Israelites in 1 Samuel 13:4, symbolizing unity and collective strength in the face of a common enemy. The call to Gilgal reflects the importance of solidarity during times of crisis.
What does 'detested by the Philistines' mean in 1 Samuel 13:4?
The phrase 'detested by the Philistines' indicates that the Philistines now held a strong dislike and contempt for Israel following Saul's attack. This animosity heightened the tension between the two groups and set the stage for further conflict.
What themes are present in 1 Samuel 13:4?
Key themes in 1 Samuel 13:4 include victory, unity, leadership, fear, and solidarity. The verse highlights the complexities of triumph, as Saul's success brings both pride and the challenge of facing a hostile enemy.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.