Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 4 - Verse 7

In this verse from the book of 1 Samuel, the Philistines express fear and concern upon recognizing the presence of God in the Israelite camp. This reaction indicates their recognition of the power and authority of the God of the Israelites. The Philistines acknowledge that the arrival of God in the camp is a sign of impending trouble or calamity, hence the exclamation "Woe unto us!" Their response suggests a deep-seated fear and understanding of the divine presence, highlighting the belief in the supernatural and the consequences of facing a deity in battle. The verse also emphasizes the uniqueness of this event, with the Philistines noting that such a thing had not occurred previously. This serves to underscore the significance and impact of God's presence on the outcome of the impending conflict between the Philistines and the Israelites. Overall, this verse showcases the reverence, awe, and trepidation experienced by those who come face to face with the divine power of God.

The theological interpretation of this verse revolves around the fear instilled in the Philistines upon realizing that God had come into the camp of the Israelites. This fear reflects a recognition of the power and sovereignty of God, causing the Philistines to lament the dire situation they found themselves in. The phrase "God is come into the camp" signifies the presence of the divine among the Israelites, leading the Philistines to acknowledge the exceptional nature of the circumstances. The exclamation "Woe unto us!" expresses their deep sense of distress and foreboding about the consequences of this divine presence. The phrase "for there hath not been such a thing heretofore" emphasizes the unprecedented nature of the event, highlighting the unique and awe-inspiring manifestation of God's power. Through this verse, we can see how even the enemies of God's chosen people are forced to acknowledge and respond to His presence in a way that reflects reverence, fear, and recognition of His supremacy.