King James Version
What Does 1 Samuel 14:16 Mean?
“And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down one another.”
1 Samuel 14:16 · KJV
Context
14
And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armourbearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were an half acre of land, which a yoke of oxen might plow. an: or, half a furrow of an acre of land
15
And there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people: the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth quaked: so it was a very great trembling. a very: Heb. a trembling of God
16
And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down one another.
17
Then said Saul unto the people that were with him, Number now, and see who is gone from us. And when they had numbered, behold, Jonathan and his armourbearer were not there.
18
And Saul said unto Ahiah, Bring hither the ark of God. For the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down one another.
Saul's watchmen observe the Philistine army 'melting away' (namog) - dissolving, dissipating like morning mist. The 'multitude' that had seemed overwhelming in chapter 13 now disperses and disintegrates. From Gibeah of Benjamin, Saul's forces watch divine deliverance unfold without their participation. The Hebrew halom ('beating down' or 'striking') suggests the Philistines were attacking each other in their panic. God turns enemy strength into self-destruction.
Saul's watchmen observe the Philistine army 'melting away' (namog) - dissolving, dissipating like morning mist. The 'multitude' that had seemed overwhelming in chapter 13 now disperses and disintegrates. From Gibeah of Benjamin, Saul's forces watch divine deliverance unfold without their participation. The Hebrew halom ('beating down' or 'striking') suggests the Philistines were attacking each other in their panic. God turns enemy strength into self-destruction.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Confused armies attacking their own allies was documented in ancient Near Eastern warfare. Gideon's victory over Midian (Judges 7:22) and Jehoshaphat's over Moab and Ammon (2 Chronicles 20:22-23) show similar patterns. Darkness, unfamiliar terrain, and supernatural panic contributed to such friendly fire incidents.
Reflection Questions
- How does God sometimes defeat His enemies through their own confusion?
- What does Saul's observation from a distance suggest about his spiritual state?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 10 wordsוַיִּרְא֤וּ1 of 10
“looked”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
הַצֹּפִים֙2 of 10
“And the watchmen”
H6822properly, to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await
בִּנְיָמִ֑ן5 of 10
“of Benjamin”
H1144binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
נָמ֖וֹג8 of 10
“melted away”
H4127to melt, i.e., literally (to soften, flow down, disappear), or figuratively (to fear, faint)
וַֽהֲלֹֽם׃10 of 10
“on beating down”
H1986to strike down; by implication, to hammer, stamp, conquer, disband
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
1 Samuel 14:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to 1 Samuel 14:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge