1. 1 Samuel 4:1 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Were the Israelites the defenders or the aggressors in the battle against the Philistines?

1 Samuel 4:1 (ESV)

1 And the word of Samuel came to all Israel.Now Israel went out to battle against the Philistines. They encamped at Ebenezer, and the Philistines encamped at Aphek.

Though it is possible that the Philistines sought to expand further into Israelite territory,1 it is more likely that the Israelites, following a request from the men of Judah, gathered together to try and free themselves from the power of the Philistines (see Judges 15:11).