1 Samuel 14:21

Moreover, the Hebrews, &c.— Our translators have well expressed here the sense of the text. But it seems hard to allow them the liberty of inserting so many words as they have done, which are not in the Hebrew. To make out the sense they have put in the words that, and from the country, and turned. As to the first, I make no doubt but that the word אשׁר asher, that or who, is here implied, as the Vulgate, Latin, and the LXX represent it. The other two insertions, from the country, and turned, will be altogether needless, if, instead of סביב sabib, we read, as the Vulgate and LXX plainly did, סבבו sabebu. Then the place must be rendered, the Hebrews who were with the Philistines before that time, who went up with them to the camp, they also turned to be with the Israelites. It may be further noted, that the LXX in the beginning of the verse read עבדים abadim, slaves, instead of עברים ibrim, Hebrews. Whether the LXX or the present Hebrew copies are here to be preferred, I cannot say. If the true reading is Hebrews, still they were slaves to the Philistines, whom they had made captive before.

REFLECTIONS.—The terror of the Philistines was soon observed by the sentinels in Gibeah, who, to their astonishment, beheld them melting like snow, and falling one on another. Tidings are instantly brought to Saul, who calls over the muster-roll, that he may see who is absent, and Jonathan and his armour-bearer are wanting. Hereupon,

1. Saul bids Ahiah bring the ark, and consult God about what he should do in the case; but while he was talking with him, the noise increasing, and the flight of the Philistines being evident, he bids him desist, being in haste to pursue. Note; (1.) In all our proceedings, to enquire of God's word is the surest way to succeed. (2.) They who are impatient to run before they are sent, will be in danger of making more haste than good speed.

2. They immediately follow the flying hosts, nor needed sword or spear, for the Philistines fell faster by the hands of each other. Not only the six hundred men who were with Saul assembled, but the deserters and prisoners turned upon the fugitives; and those who had refused to fight, and fled to the mountains, dare now pursue. Thus the Lord saved Israel, and the discomfiture here was very great, because it was his doing. Note; (1.) All our salvation must be ascribed to God's free grace and mercy alone. (2.) The Lord Jesus has conquered for us; let us not then, weak as we are, fear to pursue and seize the prey.