1 Samuel 28:4 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 28:1-6

Here is, I. The design of the Philistines against Israel. They resolved to fight them, 1 Sam. 28:1. If the Israelites had not forsaken God, there would have been no Philistines remaining to molest them; if Saul had not forsaken him, they would by this time have been put out of all danger by them. The Philistines took an opportunity to make this attempt when they had David among them, whom they feared more than Saul and all his forces. II. The expectation Achish had of assistance from David in... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 28:4

And the Philistines gathered themselves together ,.... From different parts, and formed a considerable army: and came and pitched in Shunem ; a city, in the borders of the tribe of Issachar, of which See Gill on Joshua 19:18 , and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa ; a range of mountains, near Jezreel, and which Jerom F2 De loc. Heb fol. 92. D. calls the mountains of the Philistines, six miles from Scythopolis, where there is a large village called... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 28:1-5

The operation of moral causes. The facts are— 1 . On war arising between the Philistines and Israel, Achish reminds David of his obligation to assist him in battle. 2 . David, although answering ambiguously, is trusted by Achish, who promises him promotion. 3 . On the opposing forces being assembled, Saul's heart faints for fear of his enemy. The narrative shows that both David and Saul were at the same time in embarrassed circumstances, and each as the consequence of his sin.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 28:4

The Philistines … pitched in Shunem. Having collected their forces, the Philistines entered Palestine as we have seen, by the valley of Jezreel, also called Esdraelon, and, marching eastward, encamped at Shunem. This was a village in the tribe of Issachar ( Joshua 19:18 ), rendered famous as the abode of the woman who made a little chamber for Elisha ( 2 Kings 4:8 ); and from thence also came Abishag ( 1 Kings 1:8 ). Conder describes it as being at present only a mud hamlet, with... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 28:4

Gilboa - Now called Jebel Fukuak. But the ancient name is preserved in the village of Jelbon, situated on the south side of the mountain. It was separated from Shunem (see the marginal reference) by the deep valley of Jezreel. The Philistines either advanced along the seacoast, and then entered the valley of Jezreel from the west, or they came by the present road right through Samaria, starting from Aphek 1 Samuel 29:1. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 28:1-25

Another Philistine-Israelite war (28:1-29:11)When the Philistines set out to attack Israel, Achish made David and his troops his personal bodyguard (28:1-2). Back in Israel, Saul was terrified. He asked God what he should do, but God refused to show him (3-6). So he went to a woman who consulted the spirits of the dead, hoping that through her he could get directions from Samuel (7-14).Samuel spoke to Saul from the world of the dead, but he gave him neither comfort nor help. He merely confirmed... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 28:4

4. the Philistines . . . pitched in Shunem—Having collected their forces for a last grand effort, they marched up from the seacoast and encamped in the "valley of Jezreel." The spot on which their encampment was fixed was Shunem (Joshua 19:18), now Sulem, a village which still exists on the slope of a range called "Little Hermon." On the opposite side, on the rise of Mount Gilboa, hard by "the spring of Jezreel," was Saul's army—the Israelites, according to their wont, keeping to the heights,... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 28:3-7

The threat of Philistine attack 28:3-7Samuel’s death and the mention of Saul’s commendable removal of mediums and spiritists prepare for what follows (cf. Leviticus 20:6; Deuteronomy 18:10-11). Mediums are people who communicate with the dead, and spiritists are those who communicate with evil spirits. The terms always go together in the Old Testament, indicating the close relationship that exists between these activities. The Mosaic Law prescribed death for mediums and spiritists because God... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 28:3-25

Saul’s attempt to secure divine guidance from a medium 28:3-25The story involving Saul’s meeting with the "witch" of Endor is one of the best known in 1 Samuel. It contains some unique events that have troubled Bible students for many years. Again the spotlight of revelation turns back to Saul from David. We see here Saul’s insensibility due to his departure from God."This visit to the medium of Endor is cited by the Chronicler as proof positive that Saul deserved the judgment that fell on him... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 28:1-25

Saul and the Witch of Endor1 Samuel 28:3-25 come from another document and interrupt the connexion, as will be seen if the account is read without them. In order of time their proper position is after 1 Samuel 30. In 1 Samuel 29:1 the Philistines are still in Aphek; in 1 Samuel 29:11 they advance to Jezreel, where we find them in 1 Samuel 28:4. In 1 Samuel 28:3-25 we have come to the eve of the battle, the account of which follows in 1 Samuel 31. 2. Keeper of mine head] i.e. captain of my... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 28:1-6

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 28:4

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 28:1-5

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 28:4

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 28:4

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 28:1-25

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 28:4

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 28:3-7

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 28:3-25

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 28:1-25

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