1 Samuel 4:8 Study Bible: Woe to us. Who shall deliver us out of the hand of these mighty gods? These are the gods that struck the Egyptians with all kinds of plagues in the wilderness.

◄ 1 Samuel 4:8 ►

Woe to us! Who will deliver us from the hand of these mighty gods? These are the gods who struck the Egyptians with all kinds of plagues in the wilderness.

Study Bible

Woe to us!
This expression of despair reflects the Philistines' fear and recognition of impending doom. In the ancient Near Eastern context, such an exclamation indicates a deep sense of foreboding and helplessness. The Philistines, despite their military prowess, are acknowledging a power greater than their own, which is significant given their usual confidence in battle.

Who will deliver us from the hand of these mighty gods?
The Philistines refer to the God of Israel as "mighty gods," indicating their polytheistic worldview and misunderstanding of the monotheistic nature of Yahweh. This phrase highlights their fear of divine intervention, as they recognize the power of the God of Israel, albeit through a pagan lens. The "hand" symbolizes power and control, suggesting that they feel trapped and overpowered by a force they cannot comprehend or resist.

These are the gods who struck the Egyptians
This reference to the plagues in Egypt shows the lasting impact of the Exodus narrative on surrounding nations. The Philistines are aware of the historical events where God demonstrated His power over Egypt, the superpower of the time. This acknowledgment serves as a testament to the enduring reputation of God's might and the fear it instilled in Israel's enemies.

with all kinds of plagues
The mention of "all kinds of plagues" recalls the ten plagues that God sent upon Egypt, as recorded in the book of Exodus. These plagues were a demonstration of God's supremacy over the Egyptian gods and a pivotal moment in Israel's history. The Philistines' awareness of these events underscores the widespread knowledge of God's past acts of judgment and deliverance.

in the wilderness.
The term "wilderness" refers to the period of Israel's journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, a time marked by God's provision and guidance. This phrase may also reflect the Philistines' understanding of the Israelites' God as one who operates beyond the confines of settled lands, emphasizing His sovereignty over all creation. The wilderness period is a significant part of Israel's identity, symbolizing both trial and divine faithfulness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Philistines
A group of people who were enemies of Israel and often at war with them. In this passage, they express fear upon hearing about the Ark of the Covenant.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are in conflict with the Philistines. They have brought the Ark of the Covenant into battle, hoping for victory.

3. Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's presence with Israel. Its presence in the camp of Israel caused fear among the Philistines.

4. Egyptians
Referred to in the Philistines' exclamation, they were the people who suffered plagues from God during the time of Moses, leading to the Exodus.

5. Plagues in the Wilderness
The Philistines recall the plagues God sent upon Egypt, demonstrating His power and judgment.

Teaching Points

Understanding God's Power
The Philistines recognized the power of God, even if they misunderstood Him as multiple gods. We should acknowledge God's supreme power in our lives.

Fear of the Lord
The fear expressed by the Philistines can remind us of the importance of having a reverent fear of God, recognizing His authority and might.

Misplaced Trust
The Israelites placed their trust in the Ark as a talisman rather than in God Himself. We must ensure our faith is in God, not in symbols or rituals.

God's Sovereignty
Despite the Philistines' fear, God’s plans are sovereign. We should trust in His ultimate control over all situations.

Historical Awareness
The Philistines' knowledge of past events (the plagues) shows the importance of understanding history to comprehend God's work. We should study biblical history to strengthen our faith.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the fear of the Philistines reflect their understanding of God, and what can we learn from their reaction about the importance of knowing God truly?

2. In what ways might we, like the Israelites, mistakenly place our trust in religious symbols or practices rather than in God Himself?

3. How can the historical events of God's deliverance in the past, such as the plagues in Egypt, encourage us in our current struggles?

4. What does this passage teach us about the importance of having a reverent fear of God, and how can we cultivate this in our daily lives?

5. How can we apply the lesson of God's sovereignty in this passage to situations where we feel overwhelmed or fearful?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 7-12
The plagues of Egypt are detailed here, showing God's power and judgment, which the Philistines fear might be directed at them.

Joshua 3-4
The crossing of the Jordan River with the Ark of the Covenant, demonstrating God's presence and power with Israel.

Psalm 78:56-66
A recounting of Israel's history, including their battles and God's interventions, which provides context for the fear of the Philistines.

Sermons

Judgment Inflicted on Israel

B. Dale

1 Samuel 4:1-11

People

Benjamin, Egyptians, Eli, Hophni, Ichabod, Israelites, Phinehas, Samuel

Places

Aphek, Ebenezer, Shiloh

Topics

Blows, Deliver, Desert, Egyptians, Gods, Hands, Honourable, Kinds, Manner, Mighty, Ours, Plague, Plagues, Power, Salvation, Smiting, Smote, Sort, Sorts, Struck, Trouble, Waste, Wilderness, Wo, Woe

Dictionary of Bible Themes

1 Samuel 4:1-11

5290 defeat
7306 ark of the covenant

1 Samuel 4:3-8

8142 religion

1 Samuel 4:6-8

9250 woe

Library

Faithlessness and Defeat
'And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out against the Philistines to battle, and pitched beside Eben-ezer: and the Philistines pitched in Aphek. 2. And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel: and when they joined battle, Israel was smitten before the Philistines: and they slew of the army in the field about four thousand men. 3. And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Wherefore hath the Lord smitten us today before the Philistines? …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

April the Fourteenth Religion as Mere Magic
"And when the ark of the covenant of the Lord came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout." --1 SAMUEL iv. 1-11. They were making more of the ark than of the Lord. Their religion was degenerating into superstition. I become superstitious whenever the means of worship are permitted to eclipse the Object of worship. I then possess a magic instrument, and I forget the holy Lord. It can be so with prayer. I may use prayer as a magic minister to protect me from invasive ills. I do not …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

Is God in the Camp?
"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"--1 Samuel 4:7. Israel was out of gear with God. The people had forgotten the Most High, and had gone aside to the worship of Baal. They had neglected the things of God; therefore they were give up to their enemies. When Jehovah had brought them out of Egypt, he instructed them how they were to live in the land to which he would bring them, and warned …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892

The Form and Spirit of Religion
Now, three points this morning inferred from our narrative. The first point is this--that the outward form of religion is to be carefully and reverently observed. But my second and most important head is this--you will notice that the very men who have the least of the spirit of religion are the most superstitiously observant of the form of it; just as you find the people here, who did not care for God, had a very superstitious regard for that chest called the ark of the covenant. And then, my third …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

That the Ruler Should Be, through Humility, a Companion of Good Livers, But, through the Zeal of Righteousness, Rigid against the vices of Evildoers.
The ruler should be, through humility, a companion of good livers, and, through the zeal of righteousness, rigid against the vices of evil-doers; so that in nothing he prefer himself to the good, and yet, when the fault of the bad requires it, he be at once conscious of the power of his priority; to the end that, while among his subordinates who live well he waives his rank and accounts them as his equals, he may not fear to execute the laws of rectitude towards the perverse. For, as I remember to …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

The Tests of Love to God
LET us test ourselves impartially whether we are in the number of those that love God. For the deciding of this, as our love will be best seen by the fruits of it, I shall lay down fourteen signs, or fruits, of love to God, and it concerns us to search carefully whether any of these fruits grow in our garden. 1. The first fruit of love is the musing of the mind upon God. He who is in love, his thoughts are ever upon the object. He who loves God is ravished and transported with the contemplation of …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial

"And Watch unto Prayer. "
1 Pet. iv. 7.--"And watch unto prayer." "Watch." A Christian should watch. A Christian is a watchman by office. This duty of watchfulness is frequently commanded and commended in scripture, Matt. xxiv. 42, Mark xiii. 33, 1 Cor. xvi. 13, Eph. vi. 18, 1 Pet. v. 8, Col. iv. 2; Luke xii. 37. David did wait as they that did watch for the morning light. The ministers of the gospel are styled watchmen in scripture and every Christian should be to himself as a minister is to his flock, he should watch over …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Gifts Received for the Rebellious
Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: Thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them. W hen Joseph exchanged a prison for the chief honour and government of Egypt, the advantage of his exaltation was felt by those who little deserved it (Genesis 45:4, 5) . His brethren hated him, and had conspired to kill him. And though he was preserved from death, they were permitted to sell him for a bond-servant. He owed his servitude, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links

1 Samuel 4:8 NIV
1 Samuel 4:8 NLT
1 Samuel 4:8 ESV
1 Samuel 4:8 NASB
1 Samuel 4:8 KJV

1 Samuel 4:8 Commentaries

Bible Hub