1 Samuel 14:16
And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down one another.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּרְא֤וּ
looked
H7200
וַיִּרְא֤וּ
looked
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 10
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
הַצֹּפִים֙
And the watchmen
H6822
הַצֹּפִים֙
And the watchmen
Strong's:
H6822
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await
בִּנְיָמִ֑ן
of Benjamin
H1144
בִּנְיָמִ֑ן
of Benjamin
Strong's:
H1144
Word #:
5 of 10
binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
הֶֽהָמ֛וֹן
and behold the multitude
H1995
הֶֽהָמ֛וֹן
and behold the multitude
Strong's:
H1995
Word #:
7 of 10
a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth
נָמ֖וֹג
melted away
H4127
נָמ֖וֹג
melted away
Strong's:
H4127
Word #:
8 of 10
to melt, i.e., literally (to soften, flow down, disappear), or figuratively (to fear, faint)
Historical Context
Confused armies attacking their own allies was documented in ancient Near Eastern warfare. Gideon's victory over Midian (Judges 7:22) and Jehoshaphat's over Moab and Ammon (2 Chronicles 20:22-23) show similar patterns. Darkness, unfamiliar terrain, and supernatural panic contributed to such friendly fire incidents.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God sometimes defeat His enemies through their own confusion?
- What does Saul's observation from a distance suggest about his spiritual state?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down one another.
Saul's watchmen observe the Philistine army 'melting away' (namog) - dissolving, dissipating like morning mist. The 'multitude' that had seemed overwhelming in chapter 13 now disperses and disintegrates. From Gibeah of Benjamin, Saul's forces watch divine deliverance unfold without their participation. The Hebrew halom ('beating down' or 'striking') suggests the Philistines were attacking each other in their panic. God turns enemy strength into self-destruction.