1 Samuel 15:4
1 Samuel 15:4 in Multiple Translations
So Saul summoned the troops and numbered them at Telaim—200,000 foot soldiers and 10,000 men of Judah.
And Saul gathered the people together, and numbered them in Telaim, two hundred thousand footmen, and ten thousand men of Judah.
And Saul summoned the people, and numbered them in Telaim, two hundred thousand footmen, and ten thousand men of Judah.
And Saul sent for the people and had them numbered in Telaim, two hundred thousand footmen and ten thousand men of Judah.
Saul called up his army at Telem. There were 200,000 Israelite infantry and 10,000 men from Judah.
And Saul assembled ye people, and nombred them in Telaim, two hundreth thousande footemen, and ten thousand men of Iudah.
And Saul summoneth the people, and inspecteth them in Telaim, two hundred thousand footmen, and ten thousand [are] men of Judah.
Saul summoned the people, and counted them in Telaim, two hundred thousand footmen and ten thousand men of Judah.
And Saul assembled the people, and numbered them in Telaim, two hundred thousand footmen, and ten thousand men of Judah.
So Saul commanded the people, and numbered them as lambs: two hundred thousand footmen, and ten thousand of the men of Juda.
So Saul summoned the army, and they gathered at Telaim town. There were 200,000 soldiers. 10,000 of them were from Judah, and the others were from the other Israeli tribes.
So Saul sent messengers to every place, to tell the soldiers to meet together at a place called Telayim. Lots of soldiers came together at that place. There were 200,000 soldiers from Israel and 10,000 from Judah.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 15:4
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 15:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְשַׁמַּ֤ע
שָׁאוּל֙
אֶת
הָ/עָ֔ם
וַֽ/יִּפְקְדֵ/ם֙
בַּ/טְּלָאִ֔ים
מָאתַ֥יִם
אֶ֖לֶף
רַגְלִ֑י
וַ/עֲשֶׂ֥רֶת
אֲלָפִ֖ים
אֶת
אִ֥ישׁ
יְהוּדָֽה
וַ/יְשַׁמַּ֤ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁאוּל֙
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
וַֽ/יִּפְקְדֵ/ם֙
pâqad
H6485
to reckon
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
בַּ/טְּלָאִ֔ים
Ṭᵉlâʼîym
H2923
Telaim
Prep | N-proper
מָאתַ֥יִם
mêʼâh
H3967
hundred
Adj
אֶ֖לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
רַגְלִ֑י
raglîy
H7273
on foot
Adj
וַ/עֲשֶׂ֥רֶת
ʻeser
H6235
ten
Conj | Adj
אֲלָפִ֖ים
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
יְהוּדָֽה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 15:4
וַ/יְשַׁמַּ֤ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
שָׁאוּל֙
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
וַֽ/יִּפְקְדֵ/ם֙
pâqad
H6485
"to reckon"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
This word means to visit or oversee, and can imply a range of actions, from friendly to hostile. It is used in various contexts, including appointing, avenging, or delivering something into someone's care. The KJV translates it in many ways, including appoint, avenge, or commit.
Definition: : list/count 1) to attend to, muster, number, reckon, visit, punish, appoint, look after, care for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pay attention to, observe 1a2) to attend to 1a3) to seek, look about for 1a4) to seek in vain, need, miss, lack 1a5) to visit 1a6) to visit upon, punish 1a7) to pass in review, muster, number 1a8) to appoint, assign, lay upon as a charge, deposit 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sought, be needed, be missed, be lacking 1b2) to be visited 1b3) to be visited upon 1b4) to be appointed 1b5) to be watched over 1c) (Piel) to muster, call up 1d) (Pual) to be passed in review, be caused to miss, be called, be called to account 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set over, make overseer, appoint an overseer 1e2) to commit, entrust, commit for care, deposit 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be visited 1f2) to be deposited 1f3) to be made overseer, be entrusted 1g) (Hithpael) numbered 1h) (Hothpael) numbered
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: appoint, [idiom] at all, avenge, bestow, (appoint to have the, give a) charge, commit, count, deliver to keep, be empty, enjoin, go see, hurt, do judgment, lack, lay up, look, make, [idiom] by any means, miss, number, officer, (make) overseer, have (the) oversight, punish, reckon, (call to) remember(-brance), set (over), sum, [idiom] surely, visit, want. See also: Genesis 21:1; Numbers 26:47; Psalms 8:5.
בַּ/טְּלָאִ֔ים
Ṭᵉlâʼîym
H2923
"Telaim"
Prep | N-proper
Telaim is a place in ancient Judah where King Saul gathered his army before battling the Amalekites, as told in 1 Samuel 15:4-7. The name Telaim means lambs, possibly due to the area being known for sheep grazing. This event led to Saul's rejection as king.
Definition: § Telaim = "lambs" a place in Judah where Saul mustered his forces before attacking Amalek
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Telaim. See also: 1 Samuel 15:4.
מָאתַ֥יִם
mêʼâh
H3967
"hundred"
Adj
Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.
אֶ֖לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
רַגְלִ֑י
raglîy
H7273
"on foot"
Adj
This word means on foot or a foot soldier, like when David fought Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:51. It describes someone who travels or fights without a horse or vehicle.
Definition: 1) on foot 1a) man on foot, footman, foot soldier
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: (on) foot(-man). See also: Exodus 12:37; 2 Samuel 10:6; Jeremiah 12:5.
וַ/עֲשֶׂ֥רֶת
ʻeser
H6235
"ten"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word means the number ten, often used in combination with other numbers to describe larger quantities, such as in the story of the ten commandments in Exodus 20. It is commonly translated as 'ten' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) ten 1a) ten 1b) with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: a.sar (עֲשַׂר "ten" H6236)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ten, (fif-, seven-) teen. See also: Genesis 5:14; 1 Kings 6:3; Isaiah 5:10.
אֲלָפִ֖ים
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
יְהוּדָֽה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
"Judah"
N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 15:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 15:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 15:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 15:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:4
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:4
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 15:4
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 15:4
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:4
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 15:4
Context — Saul’s Disobedience
2This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘I witnessed what the Amalekites did to the Israelites when they opposed them on their way up from Egypt.
3Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’”
4So Saul summoned the troops and numbered them at Telaim—200,000 foot soldiers and 10,000 men of Judah.
5Saul came to the city of Amalek and lay in wait in the valley. 6And he warned the Kenites, “Since you showed kindness to all the Israelites when they came up out of Egypt, go on and get away from the Amalekites. Otherwise I will sweep you away with them.” So the Kenites moved away from the Amalekites.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 15:24 | Ziph, Telem, Bealoth, |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 11:8 | And when Saul numbered them at Bezek, there were 300,000 Israelites and 30,000 men of Judah. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 13:15 | Then 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. |
1 Samuel 15:4 Summary
This verse tells us that Saul gathered a huge army to fight against the Amalekites, as God had commanded. It shows that Saul was getting ready to obey God's instructions, but we will see in the next verses that he didn't fully follow God's commands. This teaches us the importance of trusting and obeying God completely, even when it's hard, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Proverbs 3:5-6. We can apply this to our own lives by seeking to follow God's will and plans for us, and trusting in His power and promises to help us overcome any challenges we face.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Saul gather such a large army?
Saul gathered a large army of 200,000 foot soldiers and 10,000 men of Judah to attack the Amalekites, as commanded by God in 1 Samuel 15:3, to fulfill God's judgment on them for their past actions against the Israelites, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:2.
What is the significance of the location Telaim?
The location Telaim is where Saul summoned and numbered his troops, but the Bible does not provide further details about this place, suggesting it might have been a gathering point or a military outpost, similar to how Moses gathered the Israelites in Numbers 1:1 for a census.
How does this verse relate to God's command in 1 Samuel 15:3?
This verse shows Saul's initial obedience to God's command to attack the Amalekites, as he gathers a large army for the task, but his actions in the following verses will reveal a partial disobedience, highlighting the importance of fully following God's instructions, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 28:1.
What can we learn from Saul's military strategy?
Saul's decision to gather a large army and lay in wait in the valley, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:5, demonstrates a mix of military strategy and obedience to God's command, teaching us that our actions should be guided by both wisdom and faith, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to gather my 'troops' and prepare for spiritual battle, and how can I ensure I am following God's commands?
- How do I balance obedience to God's commands with my own understanding and strategies, and what can I learn from Saul's example?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of fully following God's instructions, as seen in this verse and in Deuteronomy 28:1, to my own life and decisions?
- What are some 'Amalekites' in my life that I need to trust God to help me overcome, and how can I trust in His power and promises, as seen in Exodus 17:8-16?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 15:4
And Saul gathered the people together,.... Or "made them to hear" (r), by the sound of a trumpet; or by sending heralds into all parts of the land to proclaim the above order of the Lord, and summon
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 15:4
And Saul gathered the people together, and numbered them in Telaim, two hundred thousand footmen, and ten thousand men of Judah. Saul gathered the people together.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:4
Who are particularly noted here, as also , either as select persons of extraordinary strength and courage; or to commend that tribe, which, though the kingdom had been promised to their own tribe, yet were forward in serving and obeying a king of another, and that a far meaner tribe.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:4
1 Samuel 15:4 And Saul gathered the people together, and numbered them in Telaim, two hundred thousand footmen, and ten thousand men of Judah.Ver. 4. And numbered them in Telaim.] Called also Telem, a town of Judah. Not in Gilgala, as Josephus hath it, after the Septuagint. Two hundred thousand footmen.] Not forty thousand only of Israel, and thirty thousand of Judah; as Josephus, but not truly.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:4
(4) In Telaim.—Identical with Telem (Joshua 15:24), a place on the south border of Judah, near the region where the Amalekites chiefly dwelt.—Kimchi Telaim, however, signifies “lambs;” probably “Beth,” house of, is to be understood. Thus it was no town, but the “place or house of lambs”—some open spot, where, at the proper season, the lambs were collected from the pastures in the wilderness.—Dean Payne Smith.Ten thousand men of Judah.—Again the numbers of this great tribe are out of proportion to the numbers furnished by the rest of the tribes. (See Note on 1 Samuel 11:8.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:4
Verse 4. Two hundred thousand - and ten thousand] The Septuagint, in the London Polyglot, have FOUR HUNDRED thousand companies of Israel, and THIRTY thousand companies of Judah. The Codex Alexandrinus has TEN thousand of each. The Complutensian Polyglot has TWO HUNDRED thousand companies of Israel, and TEN thousand of Judah. And Josephus has FOUR HUNDRED thousand of Israel, and THIRTY thousand of Judah. All the other versions are the same with the Hebrew text; and there is no difference in the MSS.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 15:4
4. in Telaim] Nowhere else mentioned, unless it is the same as Telem (Joshua 15:24), the position of which in the southern border of Judah suits the circumstances. The name means “lambs,” and was probably derived from the pastures in the neighbourhood. ten thousand men of Judah] This implies that the 200,000 foot-soldiers were from the other tribes. See note on 1 Samuel 11:8.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 15:4
Telaim - Probably the same as “Telem” Joshua 15:24, one of the uttermost cities of Judah, toward the coast of Edom. The name means “lambs,” and was probably so called from the numerous flocks.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:4
4. Telaim — Probably the same as Telem, mentioned, Joshua 15:24, among the cities in the extreme south of Judah. Its site has not been identified. The Targum and Vulgate translate the word, and read lambs.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 15:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(1 Samuel) Blessings to a Bold Faith by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having bold trust in God and being willing to work hard for His purposes. He uses the story of Jonathan and his armor beare |