The raiding companies sent by the Philistines were meant to raid (take gold, silver, and other valuables from the local population) as well as impose their power and authority over the Israelites. Such actions would have demoralized the people of Israel and served to highlight the helplessness of the king (Saul).1 The raiding companies would have also prevented new troops from joining Saul.
17 Il sortit du camp des Philistins trois corps pour ravager: l'un prit le chemin d'Ophra, vers le pays de Schual;