Be strong and quit yourselves like men, O ye Philistines, that ye be not servants unto the Hebrews, as they have been to you: quit yourselves like men, and fight (1 Samuel 4:9).
In 1 Samuel 4:1-9, the Israelites faced the Philistines in battle and suffered a defeat, losing about four thousand men. Troubled, the elders of Israel decided to bring the Ark of the Covenant from Shiloh, hoping it would save them from their enemies.
As the Ark arrived, there was a great shout, and the Philistines, hearing it, became afraid. They expressed concern about facing the mighty God of the Hebrews, but in response, the Philistine leaders urged their people, “Be strong and quit yourselves like men, O ye Philistines, that ye be not servants unto the Hebrews, as they have been to you: quit yourselves like men, and fight” (1 Samuel 4:9).
The phrase “quit yourselves like men” in this context means to “be a man” or “act like a man.” With this instruction, they encouraged themselves to demonstrate qualities of strength, courage and resilience in the face of challenges or adversity. They went out and fought more fiercely, ultimately defeating the Israelites.
In 1 Kings 2:2, David, in his final days, charged Solomon, saying, “I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man.” It’s quite interesting that David didn’t instruct Solomon to show himself as a king or a prince even though Solomon was crowned king.
Instead, the emphasis was on him demonstrating qualities of leadership and strength. Since David himself was a man of war, he encouraged Solomon to be strong and courageous, resilient in the face of adversity.
In the New Testament, Paul made a similar call when he exhorted God’s people in 1 Corinthians 16:13, saying, “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” The phrase “quit you like men” is a specific expression urging the Corinthian Christians to embody qualities associated with leadership, resilience and strength.
It’s essential to note that the expression isn’t addressing gender but rather emphasizes virtues of courage and resilience in the context of faith and steadfastness.
Confession/Prayer
I’m full of courage, resilience and strength. I’m strengthened to stand firm in faith and produce a legacy of leadership in my family, community, nation and beyond, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
Joshua 1:7 NIV; Joshua 1:9; 1 Corinthians 15:58
1-year bible reading plan
Luke 11:1-13; Judges 1-2
2-year bible reading plan
Romans 8:1-11; Psalm 109