1 Samuel 14:22

22 Likewise, when all the men of Israel who had hid themselves in the hill country of E'phraim heard that the Philistines were fleeing, they too followed hard after them in the battle.

1 Samuel 14:22 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 14:22

Likewise all the men of Israel which had hid themselves in
Mount Ephraim
In the caves and rocks, thickets and pits there, see ( 1 Samuel 13:6 ) when

they heard that the Philistines fled;
now being delivered from their fears, and thinking themselves safe, ventured out of their lurking places:

even they also followed hard after them in the battle;
they joined the pursuers who came their way, and stuck to them, and closely pursued the flying army of the Philistines. According to Josephus ^F16, the army of Saul was now increased to 10,000.

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FOOTNOTES:

F16 Antiqu. l. 6. c. 6. sect. 3.

1 Samuel 14:22 In-Context

20 Then Saul and all the people who were with him rallied and went into the battle; and behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was very great confusion.

21 Now the Hebrews who had been with the Philistines before that time and who had gone up with them into the camp, even they also turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.

22 Likewise, when all the men of Israel who had hid themselves in the hill country of E'phraim heard that the Philistines were fleeing, they too followed hard after them in the battle.

23 So the LORD delivered Israel that day; and the battle passed beyond Beth-a'ven.

24 And the men of Israel were distressed that day; for Saul laid an oath on the people, saying, "Cursed be the man who eats food until it is evening and I am avenged on my enemies." So none of the people tasted food.