What does 1 Samuel 7:10 mean?
"And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel." - 1 Samuel 7:10

1 Samuel 7:10 (KJV) - "And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the Lord thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel."
This verse comes from the Book of 1 Samuel, which is a historical account of the period of the judges in Israel and the transition to the monarchy with Saul as the first king. This particular verse describes a significant event in the history of Israel, highlighting the power of the Lord and the role of Samuel as a prophet and leader of the Israelites.
The verse takes place during a critical time in Israel's history when they were being threatened by their enemies, the Philistines. The Philistines were a constant threat to the Israelites, and they often engaged in battle with them. In this instance, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel, posing a serious danger to the nation.
The verse begins with Samuel offering a burnt offering to the Lord. This act of worship and sacrifice was a way for the Israelites to seek God's favor and protection in the midst of their enemies' threat. It signifies the importance of seeking God's guidance and intervention in times of trouble. Samuel, as a priest and prophet, played a crucial role in interceding for the people and seeking divine intervention on their behalf.
As Samuel was in the midst of offering the burnt offering, the Lord thundered with a great thunder upon the Philistines. This divine intervention displays the power and sovereignty of God over the forces that opposed His people. The thunder is a symbol of God's mighty power and his ability to defeat the enemies of Israel. It also reflects the idea of God's control over the natural elements and His ability to use them for the deliverance of His people.
The phrase "discomfited them" in the verse indicates that the Philistines were thrown into confusion and chaos by the Lord's intervention. They were unable to carry out their plans and were defeated by the Israelites. This further emphasizes the idea of God's active involvement in the battles of His people and His ability to bring about victory against all odds.
The verse concludes with the Philistines being smitten before Israel. This signifies the decisive victory that God granted to the Israelites, demonstrating His faithfulness and protection towards His chosen nation. It also highlights the role of faith and obedience in the Israelites' experience of God's deliverance. Their willingness to seek God's aid through Samuel's intercession and the offering of the burnt offering demonstrates their trust in God's ability to rescue them from their enemies.
Overall, this verse carries several important themes and messages. It speaks to the reality of spiritual warfare and the constant threat of enemies that the people of God face. It also emphasizes the need for faith, prayer, and seeking God's intervention in times of trouble. The verse showcases the power and sovereignty of God, as well as His faithfulness and protection towards His people. It serves as a reminder that God is mighty to save and is actively involved in the affairs of His people.
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 7:10 is a powerful and significant verse in the history of Israel, highlighting the divine intervention of God in the face of a formidable enemy. It serves as a source of encouragement and inspiration for believers, reminding them of God's power, faithfulness, and His willingness to come to the aid of His people in times of need.
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1 Samuel 7:10 Artwork
1 Samuel 7:10 - "And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel."
"And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel." - 1 Samuel 7:10
1 Samuel 10:7 - "And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee."
1 Samuel 10:1 Samuel anoniting Saul
1 Samuel 15:10 - "¶ Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying,"
1 Samuel 10:17 - "¶ And Samuel called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh;"
1 Samuel 3:10 - "And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth."
1 Samuel 3:1-10
1 Samuel 7:15 - "And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life."
2 Samuel 10:7 - "And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men."
1 Samuel 8:10 - "¶ And Samuel told all the words of the LORD unto the people that asked of him a king."
2 Samuel 7:1–29
1 Samuel 14:7
1 Samuel 28:7
1 Samuel 8:7
1 Samuel 16:10 - "Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these."
1 Samuel 7:5 - "And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the LORD."
1 Samuel 10:20 - "And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken."
1 Samuel 1:10 - "And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore."
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1 Samuel 21:10-15
1 Samuel 10:15 - "And Saul's uncle said, Tell me, I pray thee, what Samuel said unto you."
1 Samuel 7:9 - "¶ And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him."
"And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee." - 1 Samuel 10:7
1 Samuel 3:7 - "Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him."
1 Samuel 10:1 - "Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?"
1 Samuel 10:25 - "Then Samuel told the people the manner of the kingdom, and wrote it in a book, and laid it up before the LORD. And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house."
Exodus 7:10
"¶ Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying," - 1 Samuel 15:10
1 Samuel 7:13 - "¶ So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the coast of Israel: and the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel."