Israel Routs the Philistines

15 Then panic(A) struck the whole army—those in the camp and field, and those in the outposts and raiding(B) parties—and the ground shook. It was a panic sent by God.[a]

16 Saul’s lookouts(C) at Gibeah in Benjamin saw the army melting away in all directions. 17 Then Saul said to the men who were with him, “Muster the forces and see who has left us.” When they did, it was Jonathan and his armor-bearer who were not there.

18 Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring(D) the ark(E) of God.” (At that time it was with the Israelites.)[b] 19 While Saul was talking to the priest, the tumult in the Philistine camp increased more and more. So Saul said to the priest,(F) “Withdraw your hand.”

20 Then Saul and all his men assembled and went to the battle. They found the Philistines in total confusion, striking(G) each other with their swords. 21 Those Hebrews who had previously been with the Philistines and had gone up with them to their camp went(H) over to the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. 22 When all the Israelites who had hidden(I) in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were on the run, they joined the battle in hot pursuit. 23 So on that day the Lord saved(J) Israel, and the battle moved on beyond Beth Aven.(K)

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Samuel 14:15 Or a terrible panic
  2. 1 Samuel 14:18 Hebrew; Septuagint “Bring the ephod.” (At that time he wore the ephod before the Israelites.)

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