1 Samuel 14:31
And they smote the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon: and the people were very faint.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּכּ֞וּ
And they smote
H5221
וַיַּכּ֞וּ
And they smote
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
1 of 9
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
בַּיּ֤וֹם
that day
H3117
בַּיּ֤וֹם
that day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 9
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַהוּא֙
H1931
הַהוּא֙
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
3 of 9
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
בַּפְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
the Philistines
H6430
בַּפְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
the Philistines
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
4 of 9
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
וַיָּ֥עַף
faint
H5774
וַיָּ֥עַף
faint
Strong's:
H5774
Word #:
7 of 9
to fly; also (by implication of dimness) to faint (from the darkness of swooning)
Historical Context
Aijalon was in the Shephelah, the foothills leading to the coastal plain. This pursuit path took the Israelites from the central highlands down toward Philistine home territory. The distance indicates a major defeat, though not complete destruction of Philistine power.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God accomplish purposes despite leadership failures?
- What is the cost of victory when achieved under poor spiritual leadership?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And they smote the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon: and the people were very faint.
Despite their faint condition, the Israelites 'smote the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon.' The distance - approximately 15 miles of difficult terrain - demonstrates significant victory despite Saul's interference. However, at the end 'the people were very faint,' emphasizing again the cost of the oath. God grants victory despite poor leadership, but leadership failure exacts a price even in triumph. The troops are exhausted beyond normal battle fatigue.