And the Philistines yet again spread themselves abroad in the valley.

1 CHRONICLES 14:13KJV
Know the Bible

1 Chronicles 14:13 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 14:13 mean?

1 Chronicles 14:13 describes how the Philistines once again gathered and spread out in the valley, preparing for another confrontation. This verse shows that after a previous defeat, the Philistines regrouped and returned to challenge Israel in the same area.

David is the main figure in this chapter, and the setting is during his reign as king over Israel. The Philistines, long-time enemies of Israel, are not giving up easily and are making another attempt to fight. This verse sets the stage for another encounter between David and the Philistines, highlighting the ongoing conflict and the persistence of Israel’s enemies.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 14:13

  • "Philistines" (פְּלִשְׁתִּים, P'lishtim): This word refers to the well-known group of people who were frequent adversaries of Israel. Their repeated appearance in the narrative emphasizes the ongoing threat they posed.
  • "again" (יָסַף, yasaf): This word means "to add" or "to do again," showing that the Philistines are returning after a previous attempt. It stresses the repeated nature of their attacks.
  • "abroad" (פָּרַשׂ, paras): This word means "to spread out," painting a picture of the Philistine army scattering or deploying themselves across the valley, likely in preparation for battle.
  • "valley" (עֵמֶק, emeq): This word means "valley," indicating the specific type of terrain where the event takes place. Valleys were often chosen as battlefields in ancient times because they provided open space for armies to maneuver.

Why 1 Chronicles 14:13 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Philistines were persistent and strategic, not easily discouraged by defeat, which helps explain why David needed to remain vigilant as king.
  • The repetition of the Philistines’ attack connects to the broader narrative, showing that Israel’s challenges were ongoing and that victories did not mean the end of opposition.
  • Noticing the specific mention of the valley and the Philistines spreading out helps the reader picture the military tactics and the seriousness of the threat David faced.

Where else these words appear

“abroad” Hebrew H6584 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 37:23 And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him;
  • 1 Samuel 27:10 And Achish said, Whither have ye made a road to day? And David said, Against the south of Judah, and against the south of the Jerahmeelites, and against the south of the Kenites.
  • Job 1:17 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

“valley” Hebrew H6010 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 14:3 All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea.
  • Judges 7:1 Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.
  • Job 39:21 He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength: he goeth on to meet the armed men.