1 samuel 14:47 - Now when Saul had taken the kingdom over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines. Wherever he turned himself, he defeated them.

Generated Verse: 1 samuel 14:47

What does "1 samuel 14:47" mean?


This verse (1 Samuel 14:47) provides a summary of Saul's military successes after he had consolidated his power as king. It highlights the following:

Saul's Consolidation of Power: The phrase "Now when Saul had taken the kingdom over Israel" indicates that Saul had overcome the initial challenges and secured his position as the recognized ruler.
Widespread Conflict: Saul faced numerous enemies on multiple fronts. Israel was surrounded by hostile nations that sought to exploit any weakness or challenge their territorial claims.
List of Enemies: The verse lists specific enemies that Saul fought against:
Moab, Ammon, Edom: These were neighboring nations east and southeast of Israel, often involved in border disputes and raids.
The children of Zobah: Zobah was an Aramean kingdom located to the north or northeast of Israel. Conflict with Zobah suggests that Saul was extending his influence beyond the immediate borders of Israel.
The Philistines: The Philistines were a long-standing and formidable enemy to the west, controlling key coastal territories and often raiding into Israel's heartland.
Saul's Military Successes: The final sentence, "Wherever he turned himself, he defeated them," emphasizes Saul's military prowess and effectiveness. It suggests that Saul was a capable military leader who successfully defended Israel from its enemies and expanded its influence.

In essence, the verse paints a picture of Saul as a strong military leader who successfully defended Israel against numerous enemies on all sides, establishing a period of security and expansion for the kingdom.

Significance:

Establishes Saul's Initial Competence: It demonstrates that Saul was initially a successful king, fulfilling his primary duty of protecting his people. This success would have been important in legitimizing his rule.
Foreshadowing: While it highlights Saul's initial victories, it also indirectly sets the stage for his later failures. The fact that Saul was capable of great success makes his eventual downfall, due to disobedience and pride, all the more tragic.
Historical Context: The verse provides insight into the geopolitical landscape of the region during Saul's reign, highlighting the constant threats and challenges faced by the nascent kingdom of Israel.