³⁷ They will stumble over one another^(A) as though fleeing from the sword, even though no one is pursuing them. So you will not be able to stand before your enemies.^(B)

¹⁴ In his anger^(A) against Israel the Lord gave them into the hands^(B) of raiders who plundered^(C) them. He sold them^(D) into the hands of their enemies all around, whom they were no longer able to resist.^(E)

¹² That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies;^(A) they turn their backs^(B) and run^(C) because they have been made liable to destruction.^(D) I will not be with you anymore^(E) unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction.

¹³ “Go, consecrate the people. Tell them, ‘Consecrate yourselves^(F) in preparation for tomorrow; for this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: There are devoted things among you, Israel. You cannot stand against your enemies until you remove them.

¹⁰ Even if you were to defeat the entire Babylonian^[a] army that is attacking you and only wounded men were left in their tents, they would come out and burn^(A) this city down.”

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.

²² When the three hundred trumpets sounded,^(A) the Lord caused the men throughout the camp to turn on each other^(B) with their swords.^(C) The army fled to Beth Shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel Meholah^(D) near Tabbath.

⁴² Do not go up, because the Lord is not with you. You will be defeated by your enemies,^(A)