King James Version
What Does 1 Samuel 14:22 Mean?
“Likewise all the men of Israel which had hid themselves in mount Ephraim, when they heard that the Philistines fled, even they also followed hard after them in the battle.”
1 Samuel 14:22 · KJV
Context
20
And Saul and all the people that were with him assembled themselves, and they came to the battle: and, behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was a very great discomfiture. assembled: Heb. were cried together
21
Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp from the country round about, even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan.
22
Likewise all the men of Israel which had hid themselves in mount Ephraim, when they heard that the Philistines fled, even they also followed hard after them in the battle.
23
So the LORD saved Israel that day: and the battle passed over unto Bethaven.
24
And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryLikewise all the men of Israel which had hid themselves in mount Ephraim, when they heard that the Philistines fled, even they also followed hard after them in the battle.
Those who had 'hid themselves in mount Ephraim' - the frightened Israelites of 13:6 who fled to caves and pits - now 'heard that the Philistines fled' and 'followed hard after them in the battle.' The Hebrew davaq ('followed hard' or 'clung') describes aggressive pursuit. Fear transforms to courage when God's power becomes evident. The same people who hid now pursue. Divine victory emboldens those who lacked faith for the initial fight.
Those who had 'hid themselves in mount Ephraim' - the frightened Israelites of 13:6 who fled to caves and pits - now 'heard that the Philistines fled' and 'followed hard after them in the battle.' The Hebrew davaq ('followed hard' or 'clung') describes aggressive pursuit. Fear transforms to courage when God's power becomes evident. The same people who hid now pursue. Divine victory emboldens those who lacked faith for the initial fight.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Mount Ephraim's caves and forests provided hiding places for refugees during Philistine dominance. The emergence of these hidden Israelites swelled the pursuing force significantly. Their participation in pursuit, if not in initial combat, contributed to the totality of the Philistine defeat.
Reflection Questions
- How does witnessing God's power transform fearful people into bold participants?
- What responsibility do those who hid during the battle have in pursuit of the fleeing enemy?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 15 wordsוְכֹל֩1 of 15
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אִ֨ישׁ2 of 15
“Likewise all the men”
H376a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל3 of 15
“of Israel”
H3478he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֶפְרַ֙יִם֙6 of 15
“Ephraim”
H669ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
שָֽׁמְע֔וּ7 of 15
“when they heard”
H8085to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
כִּי8 of 15
H3588(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נָ֖סוּ9 of 15
“fled”
H5127to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
וַֽיַּדְבְּק֥וּ11 of 15
“even they also followed hard”
H1692properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit
גַם12 of 15
H1571properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
אַֽחֲרֵיהֶ֖ם14 of 15
“after”
H310properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
בַּמִּלְחָמָֽה׃15 of 15
“them in the battle”
H4421a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
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 14:22 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 14:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge