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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 14:20 Then Saul and all his troops assembled and marched to the battle, and they found the Philistines in total confusion, with each man wielding the sword against his neighbor.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/14-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/09_1Sa_14_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 14:20 - Jonathan's Victory over the Philistines" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then Saul and all his troops assembled and marched to the battle, and they found the Philistines in total confusion, with each man wielding the sword against his neighbor." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/14-20.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/14-20.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/14.htm">Chapter 14</a> > Verse 20</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/14-19.htm" title="1 Samuel 14:19">◄</a> 1 Samuel 14:20 <a href="/1_samuel/14-21.htm" title="1 Samuel 14:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_samuel/14.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/14.htm">New International Version</a> Then Saul and all his men assembled and went to the battle. They found the Philistines in total confusion, striking each other with their swords. <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/14.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then Saul and all his men rushed out to the battle and found the Philistines killing each other. There was terrible confusion everywhere. <a href="/esv/1_samuel/14.htm">English Standard Version</a> Then Saul and all the people who were with him rallied and went into the battle. And behold, every Philistine’s sword was against his fellow, and there was very great confusion. <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then Saul and all his troops assembled and marched to the battle, and they found the Philistines in total confusion, with each man wielding the sword against his neighbor. <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/14.htm">King James Bible</a> And Saul and all the people that were with him assembled themselves, and they came to the battle: and, behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was a very great discomfiture. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/14.htm">New King James Version</a> Then Saul and all the people who were with him assembled, and they went to the battle; and indeed every man’s sword was against his neighbor, and there was very great confusion. <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then Saul and all the people who were with him rallied and came to the battle; and behold, every man’s sword was against his fellow Philistine, and there was very great confusion. <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/14.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then Saul and all the people who were with him rallied and came to the battle; and behold, every man&#8217s sword was against his fellow, and there was very great confusion. <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then Saul and all the people who were with him rallied and came to the battle; and behold, every man’s sword was against his fellow, and there was very great confusion. <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Saul and all the people who were with him rallied and came to the battle; and behold, every man’s sword was against his fellow, and there was very great confusion. <a href="/amp/1_samuel/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then Saul and all the people who were with him rallied and went into the battle; and behold, every [Philistine] man’s sword was against his companion, in wild confusion. <a href="/csb/1_samuel/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Saul and all the troops with him assembled and marched to the battle, and there the Philistines were, fighting against each other in great confusion! <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Saul and all the troops with him assembled and marched to the battle, and there, the Philistines were fighting against each other in great confusion! <a href="/asv/1_samuel/14.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Saul and all the people that were with him were gathered together, and came to the battle: and, behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was a very great discomfiture. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Saul quickly called his army together, then led them to the Philistine camp. By this time the Philistines were so confused that they were killing each other. <a href="/erv/1_samuel/14.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Saul and all the people that were with him were gathered together, and came to the battle: and, behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was a very great discomfiture. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Saul and all the troops with him assembled and went into battle. They found Philistine soldiers killing their fellow soldiers in wild confusion. <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/14.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then he and his men marched into battle against the Philistines, who were fighting each other in complete confusion. <a href="/isv/1_samuel/14.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then Saul and all the people who were with him assembled and went into battle. Now the swords of all the Philistines were against each other, and there was very great confusion. <a href="/msb/1_samuel/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then Saul and all his troops assembled and marched to the battle, and they found the Philistines in total confusion, with each man wielding the sword against his neighbor. <a href="/net/1_samuel/14.htm">NET Bible</a> Saul and all the army that was with him assembled and marched into battle, where they found the Philistines in total panic killing one another with their swords. <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Saul and all the people who were with him were gathered together, and came to the battle: and look, every man's sword was against his fellow: a very great confusion. <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Saul and all the people that were with him assembled themselves, and they came to the battle: and behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was a very great discomfiture. <a href="/web/1_samuel/14.htm">World English Bible</a> Saul and all the people who were with him were gathered together, and came to the battle; and behold, they were all striking each other with their swords in very great confusion. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Saul is called, and all the people who [are] with him, and they come to the battle, and behold, the sword of each has been against his neighbor—a very great destruction. <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Saul is called, and all the people who are with him, and they come in unto the battle, and, lo, the sword of each hath been against his neighbour -- a very great destruction. <a href="/slt/1_samuel/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Saul will be convoked and all the people which were with him, and they will go even to the battle: and behold, the sword of a man will be against his neighbor, a very great confusion.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Then Saul and all the people that were with him, shouted together, and they came to the place of the fight: and behold every man's sword was turned upon his neighbour, and there was a very great slaughter. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then Saul, and all the people who were with him, cried out together, and they went to the place of the conflict. And behold, each one’s sword had been turned against his neighbor, and there was a very great slaughter. <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/14.htm">New American Bible</a> And Saul and all his men rallied and rushed into the fight, where the Philistines, wholly confused, were thrusting swords at one another. <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then Saul and all the people who were with him rallied and went into the battle; and every sword was against the other, so that there was very great confusion.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then Saul and all the people who were with him shouted together, and they came to the battle; and, behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was a very great confusion. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/14.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Shaul cried out and all the people that were with him, and they came unto the battle, and behold, the sword of a man was there against his fellow man, a very great confusion<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/14.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Saul and all the people that were with him were gathered together, and came to the battle; and, behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was a very great discomfiture. <a href="/sep/1_samuel/14.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Saul went up and all the people that were with him, and they come to the battle: and, behold, every man's sword was against his neighbour, a very great confusion. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/14-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=3595" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/14.htm">Jonathan's Victory over the Philistines</a> …19While Saul was talking to the priest, the commotion in the Philistine camp continued to increase. So Saul said to the priest, “Withdraw your hand.” 20<a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">Then Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: wə·ḵāl (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">and all</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">his troops</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’it·tōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2199.htm" title="2199: way·yiz·zā·‘êq (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To cry, cry out, call. A primitive root; to shriek; by analogy, to announce or convene publicly.">assembled</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇō·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">and marched</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ- (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/4421.htm" title="4421: ham·mil·ḥā·māh (Art:: N-fs) -- A battle, war. From lacham; a battle; generally, war.">the battle,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: wə·hin·nêh (Conj-w:: Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">and they found the Philistines</a> <a href="/hebrew/3966.htm" title="3966: mə·’ōḏ (Adv) -- Muchness, force, abundance. From the same as 'uwd; properly, vehemence, i.e. vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc.">in total</a> <a href="/hebrew/1419.htm" title="1419: gə·ḏō·w·lāh (Adj-fs) -- Great. Or gadol; from gadal; great; hence, older; also insolent."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4103.htm" title="4103: mə·hū·māh (N-fs) -- Tumult, confusion, disquietude, discomfiture. From huwm; confusion or uproar.">confusion,</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">with each man</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yə·ṯāh (V-Qal-Perf-3fs) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">wielding</a> <a href="/hebrew/2719.htm" title="2719: ḥe·reḇ (N-fsc) -- A sword. From charab; drought; also a cutting instrument, as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement.">the sword</a> <a href="/hebrew/7453.htm" title="7453: bə·rê·‘ê·hū (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- Friend, companion, fellow. Or reya2; from ra'ah; an associate.">against his neighbor.</a> 21And the Hebrews who had previously gone up into the surrounding camps of the Philistines now went over to the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/judges/7-22.htm">Judges 7:22</a> And when the three hundred rams’ horns sounded, the LORD set all the men in the camp against one another with their swords. The army fled to Beth-shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath. <a href="/2_chronicles/20-23.htm">2 Chronicles 20:23</a> The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction. And when they had finished off the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another. <a href="/exodus/14-24.htm">Exodus 14:24-25</a> At morning watch, however, the LORD looked down on the army of the Egyptians from the pillar of fire and cloud, and He threw their camp into confusion. / He caused their chariot wheels to wobble, so that they had difficulty driving. “Let us flee from the Israelites,” said the Egyptians, “for the LORD is fighting for them against Egypt!” <a href="/2_kings/6-18.htm">2 Kings 6:18</a> As the Arameans came down against him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, “Please strike these people with blindness.” So He struck them with blindness, according to the word of Elisha. <a href="/isaiah/19-2.htm">Isaiah 19:2</a> “So I will incite Egyptian against Egyptian; brother will fight against brother, neighbor against neighbor, city against city, and kingdom against kingdom. <a href="/judges/7-21.htm">Judges 7:21</a> Each Israelite took his position around the camp, and the entire Midianite army fled, crying out as they ran. <a href="/2_chronicles/20-22.htm">2 Chronicles 20:22</a> The moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were defeated. <a href="/1_samuel/17-47.htm">1 Samuel 17:47</a> And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.” <a href="/2_kings/7-6.htm">2 Kings 7:6-7</a> For the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a great army, so that they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel must have hired the kings of the Hittites and Egyptians to attack us.” / Thus the Arameans had arisen and fled at twilight, abandoning their tents and horses and donkeys. The camp was intact, and they had run for their lives. <a href="/psalms/35-26.htm">Psalm 35:26</a> May those who gloat in my distress be ashamed and confounded; may those who exalt themselves over me be clothed in shame and reproach. <a href="/psalms/83-9.htm">Psalm 83:9-10</a> Do to them as You did to Midian, as to Sisera and Jabin at the River Kishon, / who perished at Endor and became like dung on the ground. <a href="/isaiah/37-36.htm">Isaiah 37:36</a> Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies! <a href="/matthew/24-7.htm">Matthew 24:7</a> Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. <a href="/mark/13-8.htm">Mark 13:8</a> Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, as well as famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. <a href="/luke/21-9.htm">Luke 21:9-10</a> When you hear of wars and rebellions, do not be alarmed. These things must happen first, but the end is not imminent.” / Then He told them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Saul and all the people that were with him assembled themselves, and they came to the battle: and, behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was a very great discomfiture.<a href="/1_samuel/14-16.htm">1 Samuel 14:16</a> And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down one another.<a href="/judges/7-22.htm">Judges 7:22</a> And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the LORD set every man's sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host: and the host fled to Bethshittah in Zererath, and to the border of Abelmeholah, unto Tabbath.<a href="/2_chronicles/20-23.htm">2 Chronicles 20:23</a> For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/13-11.htm">Assembled</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-22.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/1_samuel/5-11.htm">Confusion</a> <a href="/1_samuel/5-9.htm">Discomfiture</a> <a href="/ruth/4-7.htm">Neighbour</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-19.htm">Noise</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-19.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/exodus/32-26.htm">Rallied</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-19.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-4.htm">Side</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-11.htm">Striking</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-14.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-11.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-11.htm">Together</a> <a href="/joshua/15-32.htm">Total</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-18.htm">Turned</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/15-4.htm">Assembled</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-22.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-30.htm">Confusion</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-23.htm">Discomfiture</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-28.htm">Neighbour</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-14.htm">Noise</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-21.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-25.htm">Rallied</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-21.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-40.htm">Side</a> <a href="/2_samuel/8-13.htm">Striking</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-3.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-22.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-32.htm">Together</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/23-3.htm">Total</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-21.htm">Turned</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 14</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/14-1.htm">Jonathan goes and miraculously smites the Philistine's garrison</a> 15. <a href="/1_samuel/14-15.htm">A divine terror makes them beat themselves</a> 17. <a href="/1_samuel/14-17.htm">Saul, not staying the priest's answer, sets on them</a> 21. <a href="/1_samuel/14-21.htm">The captivated Hebrews, and the hidden Israelites, join against them.</a> 24. <a href="/1_samuel/14-24.htm">Saul's unadvised adjuration hinders the victory</a> 31. <a href="/1_samuel/14-31.htm">He restrains the people from eating blood</a> 35. <a href="/1_samuel/14-35.htm">He builds an altar</a> 37. <a href="/1_samuel/14-37.htm">Jonathan, taken by lot, is save by the people</a> 47. <a href="/1_samuel/14-47.htm">Saul's victories, strength, and family</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/1_samuel/14.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>Then Saul The name "Saul" in Hebrew is "Sha'ul," meaning "asked for" or "prayed for." Saul was the first king of Israel, chosen by God in response to the people's demand for a king to lead them like other nations. This moment marks a critical point in Saul's reign, where his leadership is tested. Historically, Saul's kingship represents a transition from the period of judges to a centralized monarchy, reflecting Israel's desire for stability and unity under a single leader.and all his troops The phrase "all his troops" indicates the collective military force under Saul's command. In ancient Israel, the army was composed of men from various tribes, united under the king's leadership. This assembly of troops signifies the mobilization of national resources and the unity required to face external threats. The Hebrew term for "troops" often implies a gathering of warriors, emphasizing the communal effort in warfare.assembled and marched The act of assembling and marching denotes preparation and movement towards a common goal. In the Hebrew context, assembling often involved ritualistic elements, such as seeking divine guidance or offering sacrifices. Marching to battle reflects obedience to leadership and readiness to engage in conflict, trusting in God's providence for victory.to the battle The phrase "to the battle" highlights the imminent confrontation with the Philistines, a recurring enemy of Israel. The Philistines were a formidable force, technologically advanced with their use of iron weapons. This battle is not just a physical struggle but also a spiritual one, as it represents the ongoing conflict between the people of God and pagan nations.and there the Philistines The Philistines were a seafaring people, settled in the coastal regions of Canaan. They were known for their military prowess and posed a significant threat to Israel's security. The mention of the Philistines sets the stage for the miraculous intervention that follows, showcasing God's power over Israel's enemies.were in total confusion The "total confusion" among the Philistines is a divine act, often seen in Scripture as God's way of delivering His people. The Hebrew word for confusion can imply panic or chaos, suggesting a supernatural disruption of the enemy's plans. This confusion is reminiscent of other biblical accounts where God intervenes to protect Israel, reinforcing the theme of divine sovereignty.striking each other The phrase "striking each other" indicates a self-destructive frenzy among the Philistines. This internal conflict is a fulfillment of God's promise to fight for Israel, turning the enemy's strength against itself. It serves as a reminder of the futility of opposing God's will and the ultimate victory of His people.with their swords The use of "swords" signifies the weaponry and warfare of the time. Swords were symbols of power and authority, and their misuse here underscores the Philistines' downfall. In a broader sense, this imagery points to the spiritual battles believers face, where God equips His people with spiritual armor to overcome adversaries.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/14.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) Assembled themselves.--In the margin of the English Version we find "were cried together," that is, "were assembled by the trumpet call." The Syriac and Vulg., however, more accurately render the Hebrew shouted, that is, raised the war-cry of Israel.Every man's sword was against his fellow.--The statement in the next verse (21) explains this. Profiting by the wild confusion which reigned now throughout the Philistine host, a portion of their own auxiliaries--unwilling allies, doubtless--turned their arms against their employers or masters. From this moment no one in the panic-stricken army could rightly distinguish friend from foe. In such a scene of confusion the charge of Saul, at the head of his small but well-trained soldierly band, must have done terrible execution. Shouting the well-known war-cry of Benjamin, it penetrated wedge-like into the heart of the broken Philistine host.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 20. - Saul and all the people... assembled themselves. Margin, were cried together, i.e. summoned by trumpet note. The Syriac and Vulgate, however, make the verb active, and translate, "And Saul and all the people with him shouted and advanced to the battle." Discomfiture. Rather, "dismay," "consternation," as in <a href="/1_samuel/5-9.htm">1 Samuel 5:9</a>. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/14-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then Saul שָׁא֗וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites and all וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every his troops הָעָם֙ (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock assembled וַיִּזָּעֵ֣ק (way·yiz·zā·‘êq) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2199.htm">Strong's 2199: </a> To shriek, to announce, convene publicly and marched וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ (way·yā·ḇō·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go to עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> As far as, even to, up to, until, while the battle, הַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה (ham·mil·ḥā·māh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4421.htm">Strong's 4421: </a> A battle, war and they found [the Philistines] וְהִנֵּ֨ה (wə·hin·nêh) Conjunctive waw | Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> Lo! behold! in very מְאֹֽד׃ (mə·’ōḏ) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3966.htm">Strong's 3966: </a> Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily great גְּדוֹלָ֥ה (gə·ḏō·w·lāh) Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1419.htm">Strong's 1419: </a> Great, older, insolent confusion, מְהוּמָ֖ה (mə·hū·māh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4103.htm">Strong's 4103: </a> Tumult, confusion, disquietude, discomfiture with each man אִישׁ֙ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person wielding הָיְתָ֜ה (hā·yə·ṯāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be the sword חֶ֤רֶב (ḥe·reḇ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2719.htm">Strong's 2719: </a> Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword against his neighbor. בְּרֵעֵ֔הוּ (bə·rê·‘ê·hū) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7453.htm">Strong's 7453: </a> Friend, companion, fellow <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/14-20.htm">1 Samuel 14:20 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/14-20.htm">1 Samuel 14:20 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/14-20.htm">1 Samuel 14:20 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/14-20.htm">1 Samuel 14:20 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/14-20.htm">1 Samuel 14:20 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/14-20.htm">1 Samuel 14:20 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/14-20.htm">1 Samuel 14:20 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/14-20.htm">1 Samuel 14:20 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/14-20.htm">1 Samuel 14:20 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/14-20.htm">1 Samuel 14:20 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-20.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 14:20 Saul and all the people who were (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/14-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 14:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 14:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/14-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 14:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 14:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>