Old Testament
1 Samuel 31:7
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this moment of despair, the Israelites faced a devastating loss.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
- Written
- Around 930 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites of the early monarchy
When the men of Israel on the other side of the valley and across the Jordan saw that the men of Israel had fled and that Saul and his sons were dead, they abandoned their cities and fled. The Philistines then came and lived in them.
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment of despair, the Israelites faced a devastating loss. When they saw that King Saul and his sons had died, fear gripped their hearts. The sight of their fallen leader led them to abandon their cities and flee for safety. This act of panic revealed their vulnerability and the impact of leadership on a community. The Philistines, seeing the Israelites' retreat, took advantage of the situation and moved into the deserted cities. This shift in power marked a significant change in the region, as the Philistines established control over the land that once belonged to Israel. The fear of the Philistines and the loss of their king left the Israelites in a state of uncertainty and chaos. This passage highlights the importance of strong leadership and the consequences of fear in times of crisis. It serves as a reminder that our actions in moments of fear can have lasting effects on our communities and our lives, shaping the future in ways we may not foresee. The Israelites' flight illustrates how quickly circumstances can change.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 1 Samuel 31:7 to your life
In times of crisis, it's easy to let fear dictate our actions. We should strive to remain grounded and make decisions that reflect our values, even when faced with uncertainty. Strong leadership can guide us through difficult times, helping us to stay united and resilient. Remember, our choices can impact not just ourselves but also those around us. Stay courageous and thoughtful in challenging moments, and seek support from your community.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Samuel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Samuel 31:7 mean?
1 Samuel 31:7 describes the aftermath of King Saul's death, highlighting the fear and panic among the Israelites. Seeing their leader and his sons dead, they abandoned their cities and fled, allowing the Philistines to take control of the land.
What is the significance of the Israelites fleeing in 1 Samuel 31:7?
The Israelites' flight in 1 Samuel 31:7 signifies a moment of despair and vulnerability. Their abandonment of cities reflects the impact of leadership on a community and the consequences of fear during a crisis.
What does the phrase 'forsook the cities' in 1 Samuel 31:7 mean?
The phrase 'forsook the cities' in 1 Samuel 31:7 means that the Israelites left their homes and communities behind in fear after Saul's death. This act of abandonment allowed the Philistines to occupy the deserted cities.
How does 1 Samuel 31:7 relate to leadership?
1 Samuel 31:7 highlights the crucial role of leadership, showing how the death of Saul led to fear and abandonment among the Israelites. It emphasizes that strong leadership is vital in guiding communities through crises.

The Book of 1 Samuel
1 Samuel 1: The Birth of Samuel
The book opens during the time of the judges, introducing a man named Elkanah with two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. While Peninnah has children, Hannah is barren and is cruelly taunted by her rival. During their annual pilgrimage to the sanctuary at Shiloh, the deeply distressed Hannah prays silently to the Lord, weeping and vowing that if God will give her a son, she will dedicate him to the Lord's service for his entire life as a Nazirite. Eli, the high priest, sees her lips moving and initially mistakes her for a drunken woman, but after she explains her sorrowful prayer, he blesses her, saying, "Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition."
Unlock the full 1 Samuel summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of 1 Samuel — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 31 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of 1 Samuel summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.