1 Samuel 14 21

1 Samuel 14:21 kjv

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.

1 Samuel 14:21 nkjv

Moreover the Hebrews who were with the Philistines before that time, who went up with them into the camp from the surrounding country, they also joined the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.

1 Samuel 14:21 niv

Those Hebrews who had previously been with the Philistines and had gone up with them to their camp went over to the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.

1 Samuel 14:21 esv

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.

1 Samuel 14:21 nlt

Even the Hebrews who had previously gone over to the Philistine army revolted and joined in with Saul, Jonathan, and the rest of the Israelites.

1 Samuel 14 verses

1 Samuel 14 21 Meaning

This verse describes a pivotal moment in the battle between Israel and the Philistines, immediately following a miraculous confusion among the Philistine forces. It details how certain Hebrews, who had previously been compelled to serve with or associate themselves with the Philistines, swiftly changed their allegiance. Recognizing the tide of the battle had turned in favor of Israel, they defected from the Philistine camp and joined the Israelite forces under Saul, adding to the growing strength and morale of their own people. This signifies a profound shift in loyalty, catalyzed by divine intervention, and illustrates the disintegration of Philistine power as even their subjugated elements turn against them.

1 Samuel 14 21 Context

1 Samuel chapter 14 describes Jonathan's daring initiative, independent of Saul, to attack the Philistine outpost. Jonathan and his armor-bearer, with God's help, kill twenty Philistines, triggering a widespread panic among the Philistine army (14:1-15). This panic is intensified by a "trembling" from God (14:15), causing chaos where the Philistines begin to turn their swords against one another. Seeing the disorder, Saul's lookouts inform him. This divine confusion among the Philistines is the immediate backdrop for verse 21. Prior to this, Israel was severely oppressed by the Philistines, to the extent that they were disarmed and forced to rely on Philistine blacksmiths (1 Sam 13:19-22). Many Israelites were scattered, hiding in caves and thickets, or had fled across the Jordan, and some, out of necessity or fear, had seemingly defected or been pressed into service with the Philistines, as indicated by this verse. Verse 21 illustrates the dramatic impact of God's intervention, showing not only internal Philistine collapse but also external defection by those subjugated Hebrews, contributing to Israel's resurgence.

1 Samuel 14 21 Word analysis

• Moreover: (וְהָעִבְרִים, Veha‘ivrim) - The Hebrew particle "ו" (ve) indicates addition or continuation, but in this context, it sets a dramatic shift or revelation. It signals that beyond the Philistines fighting among themselves, another significant development occurred.
• the Hebrews: (הָעִבְרִים, ha‘Ivrim) - This term is significant. While usually synonymous with "Israelites" or "descendants of Abraham," its usage by others or when contrasting with foreign nations (as here, with Philistines) sometimes carries a broader connotation of those who traverse or pass through. Here, it likely refers to Israelites who, due to dire circumstances (Philistine oppression, famine, or conscription), were with the Philistine army. They were not "Philistines," but their loyalties were compromised or forced. This highlights the sad state of affairs under Philistine dominance, where some of God's people were forced into servitude for the oppressor. It suggests not just passive onlookers but actively present individuals.
• who had been with the Philistines: (הָיוּ עִם־פְּלִשְׁתִּים, hayu ‘im-Pelištīm) - The verb hayu ("had been") implies a prior, sustained presence or association. This was not a temporary visit but an established reality, potentially due to economic dependence, fear, or forced conscription (e.g., as mercenaries or servants). Their presence with the Philistines reflects the depth of Israel's subjugation. It also implies they were not simply hidden away but actively visible "with" them, perhaps providing labor or limited auxiliary support due to the lack of iron tools (1 Sam 13:19-22).
• before that time: (לִפְנֵי כֵן, lifnei chen) - Literally "before so." This phrase emphasizes the pre-existing state of their allegiance. Their "being with" the Philistines was not a momentary event during the panic, but a former, settled arrangement that now changed. It underscores the profound and decisive shift in loyalties.
• and had gone up with them: (וְהָעוֹלִים אִתָּם, veha‘olim itam) - Refers to the upward movement from their initial position, possibly indicating their participation in a military advance or deployment. This confirms they were not merely local inhabitants but those who actively ascended with the Philistines, implying some level of integration or service in the Philistine camp, further highlighting their compromised position.
• into the camp: (בַּמַּחֲנֶה, bammaḥaneh) - Specifies their direct presence within the Philistine military encampment, meaning they were deeply integrated into the enemy's operations, even if against their will. Their turning therefore has greater strategic and symbolic impact.
• even they also turned: (וַיָּסֹבּוּ גַם־הֵמָּה, vayyaṣobbu gam-hemmah) - Vayyaṣobbu (from sāḇaḇ) means "to turn around, to go about, to revolt." This verb precisely captures the complete change in direction and allegiance. The emphasis "גם־הֵמָּה" (gam-hemmah - "even they also") highlights the unexpected nature and significant extent of this defection. It signifies not just desertion but a complete reorientation of loyalty, reinforcing the dramatic impact of the Philistine rout.
• to be with the Israelites: (לִהְיוֹת עִם־יִשְׂרָאֵל, lihyot ‘im-Yisrael) - Direct reversal of their prior state. They abandoned their forced or reluctant association with the Philistines to fully align themselves with their own people, driven by the changing fortunes of war and likely the re-awakening of their national and religious identity amidst a sudden turn in divine favor for Israel.
• who were with Saul: (אֲשֶׁר עִם־שָׁאוּל, asher ‘im-Sha’ul) - Explicitly identifies the recipient of their newly sworn allegiance – the Israelite army led by King Saul. This integrates them directly into the core national resistance against the Philistines, underscoring the rallying effect of the turning battle.

1 Samuel 14 21 Bonus section

This incident can be seen as an immediate physical manifestation of a spiritual truth: that God, in His providence, can turn even the reluctant or compromised into allies for His purposes. The "Hebrews" mentioned here are not necessarily presented as heroes, but rather as pragmatists who seized the opportunity to switch sides when divine favor became clear. This swift turning from the oppressor to their kinsmen serves as a microcosm of God's greater redemptive work, where individuals who were once held captive by spiritual adversaries can be freed and brought into the household of faith. It shows God’s power extends to breaking strongholds and re-directing allegiances, drawing back those who had strayed or been lost to foreign powers.

1 Samuel 14 21 Commentary

This verse powerfully illustrates a critical shift in the battle of Michmash. It highlights the dire state of Israel under Philistine oppression, where some Hebrews had become unwilling auxiliaries or subjects within the Philistine camp. The chaotic divine intervention that caused the Philistines to fight among themselves served as a clear sign, not only for the main Israelite army but also for these marginalized "Hebrews," prompting their swift and decisive change of allegiance. Their turning was not merely a military defection but a re-alignment with their own people, emphasizing that even those who appeared to be against Israel were ultimately compelled by God's providence to turn in Israel's favor. This moment signifies the breaking of Philistine dominance over parts of Israelite society and demonstrates God's sovereign hand in uniting His people against their oppressors, bringing victory not solely through their strength but also through the enemy's self-destruction and the re-gathering of lost brethren.