And the men of Israel went out of Mizpeh
To which they were encouraged by hearing or perceiving that the
army of the Philistines was discomfited by the thunder, and
lightning, and earthquake:
and pursued the Philistines;
who, when they came out, were fleeing from the opening earth, and
frightened with thunder and lightning, and many were killed, and
all put in disorder; so that they stayed not to engage in battle
with Israel, and who had nothing to do but to pursue their enemy:
and smote them:
with what weapons of war they could get at Mizpeh, and with what
some might have with them for private use, and in common wear;
but more especially with the weapons of the Philistines, which
they in their confusion and fright had thrown away:
until they came under Bethcar;
a place so called; "car" signifies a lamb; here might be formerly
a temple dedicated to the lamb, unless it had its name in memory
of the lamb Samuel now offered, which was followed with such
success. Josephus F15 calls this place Corraea; and in
the Targum it is Bethsaron, which signifies a fruitful field or
champaign country.
F15 Antiqu. l. 6. c. 2. sect. 2.