14. A half acre of land Literally, Within about half a furrow of a yoke of land; that is, half a furrow’s length. A yoke of land is what a yoke of oxen would plough in a day. So the Latin word for acre is jugerum, from jugum, a yoke. This first slaughter made by Jonathan and his companion was, therefore, within a comparatively small space of ground. read more
15. Trembling Fear, consternation, and horror. The earth quaked Because of the vast multitude rushing to and fro, and beating one another down. Perhaps, also, an earthquake. A very great trembling Rather, as the margin, a trembling of God; a supernatural terror infused by God into the hearts of the Philistines. read more
16. The watchmen of Saul Who were stationed where they could observe all the movements of the Philistine army. In Gibeah We are not to suppose that all the watchmen here referred to were stationed in one spot, but that they were placed on different heights north and northeast of Gibeah; and, being sent out from Saul’s headquarters, they there made their reports. So we need not alter the reading Gibeah. The multitude melted away Dissolved, and perished by killing one another. Their... read more
18. Bring hither the ark of God In his excitement and alarm on finding Jonathan and his armourbearer gone, Saul is about to commit as grievous a blunder as did the elders of Israel in a former war with the Philistines. 1 Samuel 4:3. For the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel That is, it was at Kirjath-jearim, (1 Samuel 7:1,) and in the possession of the Israelites, from whom it had not been taken since its return from the land of the Philistines. The Hebrew text ובני... read more
19. While Saul talked unto the priest The increasing noise and consternation of the enemy led Saul to countermand his order to Ahiah, and hasten on to the battle. Withdraw thine hand Desist from doing what I have told thee. The people must not linger now to inquire of Jehovah. read more
21. The Hebrews that were with the Philistines Those who had deserted Saul’s army and gone over to them, and those whom they had taken captive during this last invasion. Instead of Hebrews, the Septuagint reads slaves; and it is altogether probable that in their wars and conquests the Philistines had captured and made slaves of many of the Hebrews. These, seeing the confusion of the Philistines, turned against them and made the confusion worse confounded. Before that time Before the... read more
23. The battle passed over unto Beth-aven Rather, passed beyond Beth-aven. Assuming that Beth-aven lay west of Michmash, (see on 1 Samuel 13:5,) we suppose the Philistines were chased beyond this place on their way to Aijalon. 1 Samuel 14:31. read more
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Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 14:12
12. We will show you a thing We will make known something of importance to you. These words, like Ehud’s to the king of Moab, (Judges 3:20,) were spoken in irony, and concealed a deadly intention. read more