That first slaughter, &c.— The expression in this verse, possibly, was proverbial. It imports only, that this slaughter was made in a very small compass: that Jonathan slew twenty men within the space of half an acre of ground. This sudden and unexpected attack of Jonathan's threw them into a panic fear; and as their army consisted, it is most likely, of different nations, (see chap. 1 Samuel 13:5.) they fell into the greater confusion, as not understanding, and perhaps suspecting each other. Pindar has finely observed upon panic fears, that "when men are struck with divine terrors, even the children of the gods, i.e. the most heroic spirits, betake themselves to flight." Nero. ix. ver. 63. Some have supposed from the expression, 1 Samuel 14:15 and the earth quaked, that the Lord sent a real earthquake to terrify them: but the expression is figurative; meaning that the whole place, the whole district where the Philistine army was encamped, was in an extraordinary emotion. The French version renders the 15th verse very intelligibly. And there was a great terror in the camp, in the field, and among the people. The garrison and the spoilers were terrified; and the place was in consternation, as if a mighty terror had been sent by God. We refer to Hallet, vol. 2: p. 21 and Kennicott's Dissertation, vol. 1: p. 453 for some critical observations on the 14th verse.
REFLECTIONS.—Never did Israel appear in a more distressed situation: they have neither courage nor arms; God is offended; their enemies are at the gate; and they without place to flee to, or power to resist: but, for his own name's sake, God will not utterly forsake his people, though they so justly deserve it. We have here,
1. Saul reduced to the greatest straits; no increase of his army; retired to the uttermost part of Gibeah, for the greater security, or more ready flight, if the Philistines advanced; his tent spread under a grove of pomegranates. Hither, to consult God in his difficulties, since Samuel had left him, he sends for the ark of God, and Ahiah the high-priest, hoping by this application to God in his own way that he might have better success than when he sacrificed for himself. Note; (1.) Drowning men catch at straws. They will have the priest and sacrament at their dying bed, who, in their lives, were negligent of both. (2.) If the power of godliness be absent, the form of it can profit us nothing: nay, only deceive us, if we trust in it, to our ruin.
2. Jonathan's noble exploit. Moved, as we must suppose, by a divine impulse, he secretly quits the camp in Gibeah, and, with his armour-bearer, advances towards the Philistines' garrison, who seem to have been posted on one of the craggy rocks near Michmash, to guard the pass that was between them. Jonathan proposes to his armour-bearer to go boldly up and fall upon them, since, if the Lord pleased, he could save as well by few as many. The proposal being agreed to, Jonathan determines to rest the matter upon a providential issue. He would appear in sight of the garrison: if the men called to them to stand, and threatened to come over, then they should advance no further; but if they said, in contempt of them, Come up; then they should fall on, assuredly concluding that God was with them. Just as he said, God directed their word. The Philistines concluded them famished for hunger, and forced to surrender, and therefore deridingly bid them come up, and then they should see how they would treat them. Inspired with divine courage and confidence, they now advance, assuredly concluding that God had delivered the Philistines into their hands. Though steep the precipice, they climb the craggy rock, whilst, expecting no danger, the Philistines probably looked on, and amused themselves with the eagerness of these despised Hebrews. But no sooner had Jonathan and his armour-bearer firm footing, than they fell on furiously and unexpectedly, and twenty men presently were slain within the space of half an acre of land. Probably these were a party of scouts, who, thus smitten, fled, and carried a panic along with them into the garrison and camp, God spreading the terror on every side. Note; (1.) The greatness of danger serves only for the more glorious exercise of faith in the saints of God. (2.) Whatever our difficulties are, if we have Omnipotence on our side, we may boldly advance. (3.) It is good to follow the leadings of Providence. (4.) They who sport at God's Israel, will do it at their cost. (5.) God can with secret terrors reach the hearts of his enemies, and turn their own swords against them. (6.) They who commit their ways unto the Lord, will find that he can bring to pass the most improbable events. No man ever trusted him, and was confounded.