1 Samuel 13:17
1 Samuel 13:17 in Multiple Translations
And raiders went out of the Philistine camp in three divisions. One headed toward Ophrah in the land of Shual,
¶ And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned unto the way that leadeth to Ophrah, unto the land of Shual:
And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned unto the way that leadeth to Ophrah, unto the land of Shual;
And three bands of men came out from the Philistines to make an attack; one band went by the road which goes to Ophrah, into the land of Shual:
Three groups of raiders left the Philistine camp to go and attack. One group went towards Ophrah in the land of Shual,
And there came out of the hoste of the Philistims three bandes to destroie, one bande turned vnto the way of Ophrah vnto the lande of Shual,
And the destroyer goeth out from the camp of the Philistines — three detachments; the one detachment turneth unto the way of Ophrah, unto the land of Shual;
The raiders came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned to the way that leads to Ophrah, to the land of Shual;
And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned to the way that leadeth to Ophrah, to the land of Shual:
And there went out of the camp of the Philistines three companies to plunder. One company went towards the way of Ephra to the land of Sual;
Three groups of Philistia men soon left the place where their army was staying, and went and ◄raided the Israeli towns/attacked the Israelis and took their possessions►. One group went north toward Ophrah city in the Shual region.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 13:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 13:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּצֵ֧א
הַ/מַּשְׁחִ֛ית
מִ/מַּחֲנֵ֥ה
פְלִשְׁתִּ֖ים
שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה
רָאשִׁ֑ים
הָ/רֹ֨אשׁ
אֶחָ֥ד
יִפְנֶ֛ה
אֶל
דֶּ֥רֶךְ
עָפְרָ֖ה
אֶל
אֶ֥רֶץ
שׁוּעָֽל
וַ/יֵּצֵ֧א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/מַּשְׁחִ֛ית
shâchath
H7843
to ruin
Art | N-ms
מִ/מַּחֲנֵ֥ה
machăneh
H4264
camp
Prep | N-cs
פְלִשְׁתִּ֖ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Ngmpa
שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Adj
רָאשִׁ֑ים
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-mp
הָ/רֹ֨אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
Art | N-ms
אֶחָ֥ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
יִפְנֶ֛ה
pânâh
H6437
Corner (Gate)
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
דֶּ֥רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs
עָפְרָ֖ה
ʻOphrâh
H6084
Ophrah
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֶ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
שׁוּעָֽל
Shûwʻâl
H7777
Shual
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 13:17
וַ/יֵּצֵ֧א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
הַ/מַּשְׁחִ֛ית
shâchath
H7843
"to ruin"
Art | N-ms
This verb means to ruin or destroy something, and it is used in various forms throughout the Bible to describe corruption and decay.
Definition: 1) to destroy, corrupt, go to ruin, decay 1a) (Niphal) to be marred, be spoiled, be corrupted, be corrupt, be injured, be ruined, be rotted 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to spoil, ruin 1b2) to pervert, corrupt, deal corruptly (morally) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to spoil, ruin, destroy 1c2) to pervert, corrupt (morally) 1c3) destroyer (participle) 1d) (Hophal) spoiled, ruined (participle) Aramaic equivalent: she.chat (שְׁחַת "to corrupt" H7844)
Usage: Occurs in 136 OT verses. KJV: batter, cast off, corrupt(-er, thing), destroy(-er, -uction), lose, mar, perish, spill, spoiler, [idiom] utterly, waste(-r). See also: Genesis 6:11; Psalms 14:1; Psalms 53:2.
מִ/מַּחֲנֵ֥ה
machăneh
H4264
"camp"
Prep | N-cs
This word refers to a camp or army, like the Israelites' encampments in the wilderness. It can also mean a group of people or animals. The KJV translates it as 'army, band, or camp'.
Definition: 1) encampment, camp 1a) camp, place of encampment 1b) camp of armed host, army camp 1c) those who encamp, company, body of people
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents. See also: Genesis 32:3; Joshua 6:18; Psalms 27:3.
פְלִשְׁתִּ֖ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
"Philistines"
Ngmpa
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.
שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
רָאשִׁ֑ים
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-mp
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
הָ/רֹ֨אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
אֶחָ֥ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
יִפְנֶ֛ה
pânâh
H6437
"Corner (Gate)"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to turn or face something, like looking at a corner or a gate. It appears in descriptions of daily life and interactions, like in Genesis and Psalms. It's about changing direction or focus.
Definition: This name means corner, to turn, to turn back Another spelling of pin.nah (פִּנָּה "Corner( Gate)" H6438)
Usage: Occurs in 128 OT verses. KJV: appear, at (even-) tide, behold, cast out, come on, [idiom] corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look, mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to), (re-) turn (aside, away, back, face, self), [idiom] right (early). See also: Genesis 18:22; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 25:16.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
דֶּ֥רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
עָפְרָ֖ה
ʻOphrâh
H6084
"Ophrah"
N-proper
Ophrah is a place in the Bible and also the name of a man from the tribe of Judah, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:14. His name means fawn.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.4.14; son of: Meonothai (H4587) § Ophrah = "fawn" a Judaite, son of Meonothai
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Ophrah. See also: Joshua 18:23; Judges 8:32; 1 Chronicles 4:14.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֶ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
שׁוּעָֽל
Shûwʻâl
H7777
"Shual"
N-proper
Shual was an Israelite who lived during the Divided Monarchy, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 7:36. He was a member of the tribe of Asher and had several brothers and children. Shual was also the name of a place in Palestine.
Definition: § Shual = "jackal" as Asherite, son of Zophah
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Shual. See also: 1 Samuel 13:17; 1 Chronicles 7:36.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 13:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 13:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 13:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 13:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:17
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:17
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 13:17
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 13:17
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:17
Context — Israel without Weapons
15Then Samuel set out from Gilgal and went up to Gibeah in Benjamin. And Saul numbered the troops who were with him, about six hundred men.
16Now Saul and Jonathan his son and the troops with them were staying in Geba of Benjamin, while the Philistines camped at Michmash.
17And raiders went out of the Philistine camp in three divisions. One headed toward Ophrah in the land of Shual,
18another toward Beth-horon, and the third down the border road overlooking the Valley of Zeboim facing the wilderness. 19And no blacksmith could be found in all the land of Israel, because the Philistines had said, “The Hebrews must not be allowed to make swords or spears.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 18:23 | Avvim, Parah, Ophrah, |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 14:15 | Then terror struck the Philistines in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. Even those in the outposts and raiding parties trembled. Indeed, the earth quaked and panic spread from God. |
| 3 | Joshua 19:3 | Hazar-shual, Balah, Ezem, |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 11:11 | The next day Saul organized the troops into three divisions, and during the morning watch they invaded the camp of the Ammonites and slaughtered them, until the hottest part of the day. And the survivors were so scattered that no two of them were left together. |
1 Samuel 13:17 Summary
The Philistines sent out raiders to attack the Israelites in three different directions, as stated in 1 Samuel 13:17. This was a scary time for the Israelites, but it also showed how much the Philistines wanted to control them. The Bible says that the Philistines were trying to keep the Israelites from making weapons, just like it says in 1 Samuel 13:19. We can learn from this that even when things seem scary or overwhelming, God is still in control, just like He was when the Israelites were in similar situations, as seen in Exodus 14:13-14 and 2 Chronicles 20:15-17.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the raiders from the Philistine camp trying to accomplish?
The raiders were likely trying to plunder and intimidate the Israelites, as seen in 1 Samuel 13:17, which says they went out in three divisions to surround the Israelites, much like the Midianites did in Judges 6:3-5.
Why did the Philistines send out raiders in three divisions?
The Philistines sent out raiders in three divisions to attack the Israelites from multiple sides, as stated in 1 Samuel 13:17, which would have made it difficult for the Israelites to defend themselves, similar to the tactic used by the Moabites in 2 Kings 3:21-27.
What was the significance of Ophrah in the land of Shual?
Ophrah in the land of Shual was one of the locations where the Philistine raiders headed, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 13:17, but its significance is not explicitly stated in this verse, however, it may have been an important city or a strategic location for the Israelites, as seen in other battles like the one in 1 Samuel 23:1-12.
How did this event relate to the larger conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines?
This event was part of the ongoing conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines, as seen in 1 Samuel 13:15-19, which was characterized by Philistine aggression and Israelite vulnerability, similar to the conflict described in Judges 3:1-3 and 1 Samuel 4:1-11.
Reflection Questions
- What can we learn from the Philistines' strategy of sending out raiders in three divisions, and how can we apply that to our own spiritual battles?
- How would you have felt if you were an Israelite living in Ophrah or another nearby city, and what would you have done to prepare for a potential attack?
- What role do you think fear and intimidation played in the Philistines' decision to send out raiders, and how can we overcome fear and intimidation in our own lives?
- What does this verse reveal about the character of the Philistines and their relationship with the Israelites, and what can we learn from their example?
- How does this event relate to the broader theme of God's sovereignty and the Israelites' trust in Him, as seen in verses like Psalm 37:3-7 and Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 13:17
And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies,.... Saul not daring to come out to fight them, and there being none throughout the land to oppose them, they sent out
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 13:17
And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned unto the way that leadeth to Ophrah, unto the land of Shual: The spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:17
In three companies; that they might march several ways, and so waste several parts of the country. Ophrah; a city of Benjamin, , south-west from Michmash.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:17
1 Samuel 13:17 And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned unto the way [that leadeth to] Ophrah, unto the land of Shual:Ver. 17. And the spoilers came out of the camp.] This is one of the woes of war, that hell of this world, - as one calleth it, wherein there is no measure or satiety of blood and spoil; witness our late stripping and bleeding times.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:17
(17) And the spoilers came out.—The compiler of these Books of Samuel does not profess to give a detailed account of this or any of the wars of Saul It would seem that the Philistines, with their great armed demonstration (1 Samuel 13:5), had completely cowed the Israelites, certainly in the southern part of Canaan. Probably the allied forces were now suffered to leave the Philistine host, and we next hear of the old raids re-commencing. The three companies spoken of in this and the next verse were directed to ravage districts in the tribe of Benjamin, for in that locality are situated all the places mentioned. Unchecked, they seem to have carried out their plans. These armed companies swept away all the smithies in the south part of the land. The fortunes of Saul now reached their lowest ebb. “The heights of his own tribe . . . and the passes of his own tribe were occupied by hostile garrisons. We see him leaning on his gigantic spear, whether it be on the summit of the Rock Rimmon . . . or under the tamarisk of Ramah . . . or on the heights of Gibeah. There he stood with his small band, the faithful six hundred, and as he wept aloud over the misfortunes of his country . . . another voice swelled the wild, indignant lament—the voice of Jonathan, his son.”—Dean Stanley: Lectures on the Jewish Church.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:17
Verse 17. The spoilers came out] The Philistines, finding that the Israelites durst not hazard a battle, divided their army into three bands, and sent them in three different directions to pillage and destroy the country. Jonathan profited by this circumstance, and attacked the remains of the army at Michmash, as we shall see in the succeeding chapter.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 13:17
17. the spoilers came out] Lit. the destroyer, the part of the army sent out to harry the country. (a) One band of marauders turned northwards to Ophrah, a city of Benjamin (Joshua 18:23), conjecturally placed by Robinson at et Taiyibeh, 4 miles N. E. of Bethel, in the land of Shual (= jackal) possibly the same as Shalim (1 Samuel 9:4). (b) Another band took a westerly direction to Beth-horon (= house of caverns) on the main pass from the hill country of Judaea into the plain of Philistia. (c) A third band went eastwards to “the way of the border,” probably that between Judah and Benjamin, by “the valley of Zeboim” (Nehemiah 11:34) = “the ravine of hyenas,” “towards the wilderness” or uncultivated district between the central district of Benjamin and the Jordan valley. Mr Grove went from Jericho to Michmash up a wild gorge bearing the name Shuk-ed-Dubba, or “ravine of the hyena,” the exact Arabic equivalent of “the valley of Zeboim,” and possibly the same. Dict. of Bible, iii. 1819. Southwards, Saul’s camp in Geba protected the country. The tense of the verbs “turned” expresses repeated action, indicating that these ravages were continued for some time. The Philistines hoped to draw Saul out from his strong position, and force him to an engagement.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 13:17
The spoilers - “The devastator:” the same word is used of the destroying Angel Exodus 12:23. The verse describes the system adopted by the Philistines by which for a time they subjugated the Israelites.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 13:17
17. The spoilers — Marauding parties, whose object was to spy out the land and condition of the enemy, and do him all the injury possible. Ophrah — Located at the modern Taiyibeh, five or six miles north of Michmash.