1 Samuel 14 22

1 Samuel 14:22 kjv

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 nkjv

Likewise all the men of Israel who had hidden in the mountains of Ephraim, when they heard that the Philistines fled, they also followed hard after them in the battle.

1 Samuel 14:22 niv

When all the Israelites who had hidden in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were on the run, they joined the battle in hot pursuit.

1 Samuel 14:22 esv

Likewise, when all the men of Israel who had hidden themselves in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were fleeing, they too followed hard after them in the battle.

1 Samuel 14:22 nlt

Likewise, the men of Israel who were hiding in the hill country of Ephraim joined the chase when they saw the Philistines running away.

1 Samuel 14 verses

1 Samuel 14 22 Meaning

1 Samuel 14:22 describes how a segment of Israelite men, who had previously hidden in fear within the hills of Ephraim, emerged and joined the pursuit of the fleeing Philistine army once they heard of the enemy's rout. The verse highlights their opportunistic zeal, triggered by perceived safety and victory, rather than proactive faith or courage in the initial stages of battle.

1 Samuel 14 22 Context

1 Samuel 14:22 takes place amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Philistines. The chapter begins with Jonathan, Saul's son, demonstrating extraordinary faith and courage by attacking a Philistine garrison virtually alone with his armor-bearer (vv. 1-7). His initiative prompts a supernatural panic (a "terror from God") among the Philistines (v. 15), leading to their chaotic rout. Saul, initially passive and then rash with a poorly conceived oath, realizes the Philistines are fighting among themselves (v. 19-20) and eventually joins the pursuit with his immediate troops. Verse 22 then introduces another group of Israelites—those who had been hiding due to fear or a lack of morale under Saul's less-than-inspiring leadership. This verse describes their entrance into the battle only once the tide had decisively turned in Israel's favor, showcasing a sharp contrast to Jonathan's initial faith-filled action.

1 Samuel 14 22 Word analysis

• And all the men of Israel: Implies a general populace or military reserves who were not part of Saul's initial smaller fighting force or Jonathan's two-man vanguard. This phrase suggests a significant number, indicating a widespread phenomenon of fear.
• who had hidden themselves: Hebrew: mitḥabbĕ'îm (מִתְחַבְּאִים). The Hithpael stem denotes a reflexive action, "to hide oneself." This is a key descriptive term, conveying fear, cowardice, and self-preservation. It is a striking contrast to Jonathan's bold, proactive advance. This state of hiding had been characteristic of Israelite forces previously, indicating low morale and fear of Philistine dominance (cf. 1 Sam 13:6-7).
• in the hill country of Ephraim: This specifies their hiding place. The Ephraimite hill country provided natural refuge (caves, rough terrain), but also implies a withdrawal from the direct confrontation, suggesting a widespread absence from Saul's effective fighting force. Ephraim was a prominent, populous tribe, so these hiding men represent a significant portion of Israel's potential strength.
• when they heard: Hebrew: bishmôʻam (בְשָׁמְעָם). This denotes the trigger for their action—auditory information, not spiritual conviction or obedience to a call to arms. Their engagement was entirely dependent on external circumstances confirming their safety.
• that the Philistines fled: This is the crucial information they received. The flight of the Philistines signified God's intervention, making victory clear and reducing the risk. Their "courage" was entirely conditional on the enemy's clear defeat.
• they also followed hard after them: Hebrew: wayyidbĕqû bahem (וַיִּדְבְּקוּ בָהֶם). The verb dabaq (דבק) means "to cling," "to adhere to," or in a military context, "to pursue closely/fiercely." Here, it signifies a zealous and determined pursuit, but the timing reveals its opportunistic nature. They weren't engaged in the hard fight but eager to share in the spoils or glory of a battle already won.
• in the battle: Hebrew: bam-milḥamah (בַּמִּלְחָמָה). This phrase specifies their engagement – they entered the actual conflict, but at its latter, less perilous stage of pursuit rather than pitched fighting.

1 Samuel 14 22 Bonus section

The scene in 1 Samuel 14:22 reflects a common human tendency: to join a cause or effort only when it becomes safe, popular, or when the success is already assured. This contrasts with the self-sacrificing faith that often initiates great movements. In a broader biblical sense, it highlights the difference between those who truly "take up their cross" and follow Christ regardless of cost, and those who would only profess allegiance when the path is easy or rewarding. This verse suggests that God’s deliverance often occurs independently of, or even in spite of, human weakness and cowardice, demonstrating His sovereign power.

1 Samuel 14 22 Commentary

1 Samuel 14:22 serves as a stark commentary on the state of Israelite morale and faith during Saul's reign, particularly when contrasted with Jonathan's earlier individual act of faith. It illustrates how fear and a lack of trust in God had led many to abandon their post or refuse to engage. These men represent "fair-weather" warriors, whose participation was contingent upon assured victory and personal safety. Their sudden emergence to "follow hard after" the Philistines, though seemingly zealous, lacked the spirit of courage and self-sacrifice evident in Jonathan. This opportunistic involvement contrasts sharply with the demands of genuine commitment, whether in military endeavors or in spiritual service. True faith empowers individuals to act even when circumstances are perilous, not merely when victory is guaranteed. The passage indirectly critiques Saul's leadership, which seemingly failed to inspire courage and unity among his people, leading many to succumb to fear. The verse highlights that God’s victory came not from the full might or unified courage of Israel, but from a supernatural intervention sparked by the faith of a few, which then attracted opportunistic participants.