1 Samuel 14:22

22 And all the men of Israel who had taken cover in the hill-country of Ephraim, hearing that the Philistines had been put to flight, went after them, attacking them.

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 And Saul and all the people with him came together and went forward to the fight: and every man's sword was turned against the man at his side, and there was a very great noise.

21 Then the Hebrews who had been with the Philistines for some time, and had gone up with them to their tents, turning round were joined to those who were with Saul and Jonathan.

22 And all the men of Israel who had taken cover in the hill-country of Ephraim, hearing that the Philistines had been put to flight, went after them, attacking them.

23 So the Lord made Israel safe that day: and the fight went over to Beth-aven.

24 And all the people were with Saul, about twenty thousand men, and the fight was general through all the hill-country of Ephraim; but Saul made a great error that day, by putting the people under an oath, saying, Let that man be cursed who takes food before evening comes and I have given punishment to those who are against me. So the people had not a taste of food.