A Defeat for the Philistines

15 Terror spread through the Philistine camp and the open fields to all the troops. Even the garrison and the raiding parties q were terrified. The earth shook, r and terror spread from God. s t 16 When Saul’s watchmen in Gibeah of Benjamin looked, they saw the panicking troops scattering in every direction. 17 So Saul said to the troops with him, “Call the roll and determine who has left us.” They called the roll and saw that Jonathan and his armor-bearer were gone.

18 Saul told Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God,” for it was with the Israelites u at that time. 19 While Saul spoke to the priest, v the panic in the Philistine camp increased in intensity. So Saul said to the priest, “Stop what you’re doing.” w

20 Saul and all the troops with him assembled and marched to the battle, and there, the Philistines were fighting against each other in great confusion! x 21 There were Hebrews from the area who had gone earlier into the camp to join the Philistines, but even they joined the Israelites y who were with Saul and Jonathan. 22 When all the Israelite men who had been hiding in the hill country of Ephraim z heard that the Philistines were fleeing, they also joined Saul and Jonathan in the battle. 23 So the Lord saved Israel that day. a

Saul’s Rash Oath

The battle extended beyond Beth-aven,